Skarpyon headlines St Vincent and the Grenadines independence gala in Queens
The ragga soca artist performed at the 47th Independence Anniversary Scholarship Awards Luncheon, running through hits including his signature song "Hammer".
NEW YORK, United States. Vincentian singer, songwriter and composer Skarpyon headlined the entertainment at the 47th Independence Anniversary Scholarship Awards Luncheon for St Vincent and the Grenadines, held on Sunday, October 26, at Russo's on the Bay in Howard Beach, Queens.
Skarpyon, who says he has been singing all his life, had patrons asking for more during the gala, which ran for more than five hours.
"St. Vincent and the Grenadines is where Jesus Christ walks," he told the crowd before performing songs including "In De Corner", "Never Forget Yo Roots", "Set Yo Bucket", "Drink a Rum", "Leave Me Alone", "Big Hole" and his signature, "Hammer".
"Give our country 47 years of independence an applause," urged the artist, who has carved out a niche on the ragga soca scene.
From junior calypso to Calypso Monarch
His first major public performance was at the Junior Calypso competition, and he went on to join the National Youth Band as lead vocalist, developing his skills as an entertainer.
He later entered the Vincy Mas National Calypso Monarch Competition with his song "Until", winning the Calypso Monarch title.
Skarpyon said "Never Forget" was a patriotic song urging people not to forget their roots, and that its video won best video of the year. In 2019 he released "Rum Do Dat", which he said is "still making waves". Four years later came the Ragga Soca Project, comprising "Dilute it" and "Not Today", a collaboration with rising star Keke.
His other releases include "On Fire", "Lookin Fine", "Turn The Lights Down Low", "Carnival Song", "Soca Love", "Ragga Muffin", "Wine'N", "Hammer N Conchs", "Ready", "Waistline" and "Feet Parade".
He told Caribbean Life that he creates his own style by fusing different genres, and that his peers often call him "The Crossover King". He gives "all the credit to the Almighty" for his talents.
