Author: Ernest Gyedu
(Michelle Cross-Glasgow, Carlene McLean; Geraldine Reid) The Soca Divettes trio has been carving a career in the Calypso, Soul, Reggae, Soca & Pop genres for over a decade. The Soca Divettes are a group in their own right but also ACASA’s All-Stars Band backing vocals trio since 2003. They have provided backing vocals to various artistes that boasts a collective portfolio with an array of established singers such as Alison Moyet and Joe Cocker, as well as musicians and producers across many musical genres. The Soca Divettes have made TV appearances and performed at innumerable events and are an invaluable…
Dave B (D) started singing Calypso in England in 1968, having been originally inspired by Nate King Cole and then eventually The Mighty Sparrow. These influences resonate in the Calypso sung since joining The ABC in in 2007. Dave B’s favourite Calypso songs sung are “Socaman” and “Television Addicts”. He has performed all over the UK and as far as Dubai, singing not only Calypso, but other genre of music with his band. ACASA presented Dave B’s family with a Pearl Anniversary Posthumous Award on 10th June 2023 in recognition of his contribution to Calypso and Soca in the UK
McKenzie Hart is the youngest member of ACASA at only 15 years of age and made her debut in 2016 when she achieved the Groovy Soca first runner-up position. Her fusion of Gospel with Soca positions her as a “rising star” with a lot on offer to a very appreciative audience.
Miss Desire who commenced her in the 2016 Groovy Soca competition of the Tent and current reigning UK Soca Monarch is a current Board member of ACASA. She has been signed up by Caribbean music giants VP Records who will be distributing her first album “Desire” worldwide. Two times winner of Best UK Female Soca Artist, Best UK Soca Artist and Groovy Soca Monarch Winner 2012. Miss Desire is a past student of the New London Performing Arts Centre and Sylvia Young Theatre School. She acquired the fundamental skills needed to begin her musical career as a member of her…
Muffinman, who joined ACUK-The ABC in 2017 is singer-songwriter with a penchant for social commentary, as depicted in his songs “Manchester” following the bombing earlier this year and “The Heroes on the Stair” in honour of the Grenfell victims and community. He describes his work as “a rough and ready recording, but from the heart”. His Tent debut songs “Leave Me Alone” and “Soca Resistance” are welcome additions to The ABC portfolio.
Born in London, Soca Johnny (John David) migrated to Dominica at an early age. His village upbringing, subtle references to which can be heard in his music to this day, had a significant influence, as did Dominican bands WCK and First Serenade, and Jamaican dancehall artist Buju Banton. As a youngster, Johnny displayed a passionate interest in music. He would spend hours every day playing along on the keyboard to live CDs. At 11, he started learning the guitar, then the bass guitar; before long, he was invited to be the bass guitarist in a small band. Moving back to…
Soca Kidd was born and grew up on the beautiful island of Grenada. A lover of Calypso and Soca music, he started singing in 1986 when he took part in the Junior Calypso semi-finals. Throughout the years, Brian has involved himself with Calypso music, singing in Tents, performing ex-tempo, composing songs and doing backup and support for other artistes. In 2000. Brian recorded “How He Name” and has subsequently produced other Soca tracks. Based in London, Brian has made several performances within the Grenadian community at fund raising events, Carnival launches, Grenada Heritage Day and Independence Day celebrations, etc. He…
Macomere FiFi Canada and Toronto’s reigning Calypso Monarch performing at the “Calypso Stars” in the run up to Caribbean 2014. The Calypso Stars are affiliated to the ABC.
The Mighty Tiger and the Englishman making guest appearances at the London Calypso Tent 2012 season.
Dansa is the Artistic Director and co-founder of the Hibiscus Dance Group, and has performed for over fifty years in many parts of the world before leaving Montserrat to reside in England. In addition to being a dancer, he is a choreographer, singer-song writer, teacher, drummer, costume designer and bandleader. As part of his long-term involvement with Claudia Jones Organisation in Hackney, Dansa has been using his talents as a professional dancer to assist the local Dyno-Nite Dance Group and facilitated workshops for over twenty years, introducing Afro-Caribbean folk dance to young people in Easter and Summer programmes as well as in various colleges and…