In 2004, Bajan soca musician Rupee rode the charts with Tempted to Touch. It charted in the United Kingdom’ and United States.

Rupee followed-up with What Happens in De Party and Blame it on De Music. He has been relatively quiet but made a return in 2017 with the Black Shadow Records-produced Tipsy.

He recently released the song Most Wanted.

Rupee was born in Germany and moved to England as a child. His family later relocated to Barbados in 1985. He won a talent competition while in college which opened the door for a career in music.

Tempted To Touch was first released in 2002 and featured on his sophomore album. Its success resulted in Rupee signing with Atlantic Records.

Rupee, whose real name is Rupert Clarke, has collaborated with Destra, Red Rat, Rihanna, Lil Kim, Shaggy, Fay Ann Lyons and Ricardo Drue.

His albums include 2001’s Blame it On De Music, 2002’s Leave A Message, 2003’s Thisisrupee and 2004’s 1 on 1, his sole release for Atlantic Records.

Two years ago, Rupee signed with Ultra Records, a New York-based electronic dance music company.

KING CHALLICE TACKLES SOCIAL ISSUES ON EP

SINGJAY King Challice addresses social issues on Red, his debut EP, which was released last month.

“The concept behind Red is to bring in an ‘uplifting’ vibe. The energy behind the project is to remind others to be better individuals. My mission is to make good music with powerful messages the world can relate to,” he explained.

King Challice produced all the songs at his home studio in Florida. They include Burning, Life Goals and the title track.

“I incorporated universal rhythms with uplifting messages. I also wrote, produced, mixed and mastered the whole EP,” he shared.

Originally from St James, King Challice (real name Junior Pennicooke) migrated to the United States at age six. His influences include Burning Spear, Culture and Midnite from the United States Virgin Islands.

“What inspires my work are the things I see on a daily basis. I observe everything around me then find the best way to deliver it in a powerful manner,” said King Challice.

Prior to Red, King Challice released a song titled Fall in Love with Awun, another Florida-based artiste.

SHAWN ANTOINE GETS INTO THE FESTIVE SPIRIT

SINGER Shawn Antoine has been off the radar for a while. He has been busy in the studios recording new music.

“I have been focusing on recording new material including an EP for overseas producers. I am also working on new singles and I just did the video for a Christmas song,” he told this column.

That Christmas song is Island Wonderland, which he co-produced with Frankie Music. Its video was directed by newcomer Sean Wilson and filmed in Mona, St Andrew. Song and visual will be released on December 1.

“As much as Christmas music is considered seasonal, it’s my all-year vibe. Whether I am happy or sad it is what keeps me pepped up. Christmas reminds me of happy times with family. Just the gathering, food and gift giving,” Shawn Antoine explained.

He also teamed with Frankie Music to release a five-song Christmas EP, which will include three covers of Yuletide favourites. Shawn Antoine’s most recent release was My Woman, on the General A General rhythm.

He played all the instruments on the track. Starting as a keyboardist, Shawn Antoine segued into recording (when).

His earlier songs include Full Time Gyallis with Konshens, I Love You, Missing You (with Christopher Martin) and a cover of Shawn Mendez’s Treat You Better.

The St Catherine-reared artiste holds a bachelor’s degree in music education and performance from the Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts.