A SECOND chance on life has made soca star 5Star Akil even more intent to conquer the soca world. The singer, who was shot five times three years ago, says he is grateful for the opportunities that have made him one of the genre’s top acts.

“For me the musical journey has been amazing. I got shot five times and now this is like my second chance in life. God has actually opened a lot of doors and I am not ungrateful for any of the doors. I accept all the blessings and opportunities,” he told the Jamaica Observer shortly after an impressive performance at Bacchanal Fridays last week.

5Star Akil has made great strides in soca since he was shot multiple times in April 2010.

He made his recording debut in 2012 with the song Partier for Sheriff, one of Trinidad’s top producers. Last year was his most successful, as he scored major hits including Noise and the patriotic Island Adventure.

Born Akil Borneo, he developed a passion for music early through his parents.

“My mother sang in the choir and my father was a steel pan musician. I decided that music was what I wanted to do and so far it has been exciting,” he said.

It is not all about recording for 5Star Akil. He is co-owner of the Associate Degree Sound system and has worked as a disc jockey on leading Trinidadian radio stations 96.1 FM and Slam 100.5 FM.

He has also worked in television.

“My television and radio personality comes out when I am on stage. I think that as an entertainer, you want to entertain people with your music and your personality,” he noted.

Last month, 5Star Akil placed second in the Carib Breakout Artiste of the Year segment at the international Soca Monarch competition in Trinidad.

He would like to collaborate with Jamaican artistes including Beenie Man, Sean Paul, Popcaan and Mavado.

On his third time performing in Jamaica, 5Star Akil said:

“This year I came to do my own set. The last time I came here I had one or two songs. This time I got to show them what 5Star Akil is about and the vibe was crazy.”