With just a few days left until the BMobile Blackberry International Soca Monarch and Play Whe Groovy Soca Monarch Competitions in Trinidad, Tian Winter is relaxing his mind but gearing up for the intense battle ahead.While absorbing the ambiance of Trinidad’s 2010 Carnival festivities, he is preparing for what will be both a vital and unforgettable milestone in his musical career.
Cutting-edge talent, audience appeal, and remarkable ambition mark this 24-year-old Antiguan Soca sensation as one of the Caribbean’s hottest and most versatile entertainers. His music, which displays a unique fusion of R&B and Soca, demonstrates the wide range of talent that has propelled Tian to the top of the scene.
In addition to performance exposure, Tian is one of the media magnets for Landline Internet Mobile Entertainment (LIME), one of the Caribbean’s leading communications companies, as well as the new face for Antigua’s Cavalier Rum.
Despite lack of governmental financial assistance from his native country, and with the support of his management team (Kuttin’ Edge Entertainment/Kayode O’Marde) and LIME, Tian was able to accumulate enough funds to finance his voyage to Trinidad. Tremendous effort has been put forth to ensure that his music is in constant rotation and heard by the masses. By visiting radio stations and other media outlets, Tian seeks to gain massive international exposure while continuing to play a part in the culture and evolution of music in Antigua & Barbuda.
In the first three years of his professional career, Tian has surpassed the accomplishments of many popular Caribbean artists before his time.Upon entering Antigua’s Groovy Soca Monarch competition for the first time in 2007, he placed 2nd runner up with “Best in Me,” and in 2008 he improved his rank to 1st runner up with a song entitled “Heaven.”During Antigua’s carnival last year, he clenched both the Groovy and Jumpy Soca Monarch crowns with his top hits “Baby I” and high-energy, Kernel Roberts-produced “Soca Rebels” respectively. In addition to the two 1st place victories, he also placed 1st runner up for road march with “Soca Rebels.”
His other popular tunes include “End of Time (2008)” “Shiny Eyes (2008)” “Gimmie a Taste (2009)” and “Bump and Grind (2009),” for which he linked up with Trinidadian Soca diva Patrice Roberts in a melodic duet.
When asked about his inspiration for his career and music, Tian expressed that he takes heed to the techniques and careers of R&B greats such as Michael Jackson, Trey Songz, and R. Kelly, and admires those who have made something great of themselves with little initial aid.
He also described the thrill of performing for others.“Being on stage is a great feeling, especially when the crowd is with me and they know my music,” he said. “It’s as if I’m flying.” The International Soca Monarch Competition will take place on Friday, February 12, 2010 at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad. Established in 1993 as a means for Soca artistes and music lovers alike to assemble and celebrate the music of the entire region, entertainers such as Super Blue, Iwer George, Bunji Garlin, Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez, and Shurwayne Winchester have previously earned the prestigious title of Soca Monarch champion. Some victors return to the stage to defend past titles, while others wait to see who the next crown holder will be.
As for Tian, he feels no anxiety for the upcoming competition. He will perform his 2009 hit “Soca Rebels” in position number 2 in the Power category. His aim is to “bring the real heat” on “Fantastic Friday” as well as for the 2010 Antigua Carnival season.
The obstacles on his journey to the top have not steered him away from his ultimate vision. The opportunity to compete in Trinidad is just one accomplished feat in a sea of ambitions.“In life, sometimes you have to sacrifice in order to get what you want,” he shared. “I am aiming high, because I have great aspirations. I know where I want to go, and I’m working towards that.”
