Guyanese soca sensation, Michelle ” Big Red” King  is lauded by many as the soca queen of Guyana and an international soca heavyweight in her own right. She is the artiste that brought us mega hits like; “Wuk it Down”, “Bacchanal Fever” and her recent hit “Body Talk” recorded at vizion sounds studio with producer Drew Toven.  Big Red is best known however for her hit song “Guyanese whine” which she fondly revealed was written by her son. Several years later, Big Red fans need only to hear the opening “Whoa oh” to create absolute pandemonium as they get ready to dip it and whip it with the energetic Soca star.

Big Red with her unique sound and performance style has been well received on many international  big stages around the globe including: China, England, Barbados and Trinidad. She pointed to her recent performance at the “Rise together” concert in Barbados as a most rewarding experience. She gushed about the respect and love that she felt from the organizers who went above and beyond to treat her and other performers like royalty.

Karaoke singing was the humble beginnings that gave birth to this  Soca sensation. According to the mega star she would frequent local karaoke bars because in those days that was the only way to hear her voice. It was there that she met an early believer in her talent, Mr. Springer, who advised her to explore a career in music. Big Red credited him with introducing her to Burchmore Simon and the EC Connections Band where she got her musical genesis. The talented artiste said that she believes that working with bands disciplined her and has done a lot for her as a singer and a performer. She worked with many bands after leaving EC Connections including Mischievous Guys with whom she performed for over 15 years and was the ultimate launching path for her solo career.

Uniqueness and authenticity has always been a signature of the Big Red brand of artistry. She told Caribbean Entertainment Hub she aspires to make music that makes people feel good and is true to who she is as a person and a performer. It is her opinion that no one can be better at being you than you. It is this Philosophy of self-awareness that inspires both her personal and professional life. The beautiful and talented singer is still single by choice stating that she believes it vital to work on herself to ensure she is of her best so she could give of her best.

Although she has admired many great women in Soca such as Allison Hinds Destra Garcia and Denise Belfon who she called her biggest inspiration, her writings are generally inspired by “people, places and things”. She further added that many of her songs were written based on casually conversations with family and friends.  As her name suggests her music represents for the big girls but this is not just limited to size she refers to the big girls in age as well. Being a mother and grandmother herself, she wishes to inspire women not to let age or size stop them from feeling beautiful, confident and living their best lives.

Michelle “Big Red” King  has faced many adversaries throughout her career. Challenges; with the Industry’s penchant opinions, over talent, nepotism and the unavoidable issue of finances are just some of the issues this strong talented woman pointed to during our sit down.  It was however, the head line making Carib Soca Monarch controversy that the artiste called a defining moment in her life and career. The interview took an emotional turn as Big Red relived the unfortunate experience. Labelling it an emotional and depressing time, she spoke of the shock and hurt of receiving the news that after she was named winner on the night of the competition, she was told that she was not the monarch but fellow artiste Adrian Dutchin. Though the Soca Monarch committee gave both artistes the same prize money the incident received international attention. Big Red boasted that the controversy eventually became a platform for many opportunities and seeing how this negative became a positive was an inspiration to her. She has since made it her life’s mission to extract the positives from all the negative situations in her life.

Michelle King expressed gratitude to the many persons that have contributed to her career’s success. Including the team at Vizion sounds and the Heat Wave Band who she dubbed the best band in Guyana. “Be humble and be you” were the little words of wisdom that the artiste offered to aspiring musicians. Big Red also acknowledged the overwhelming support of her fans and well-wishers.

You can follow the Soca Star via her many social media pages; Instagram: bigred_socaqueen or Facebook:  Michelle Bigredking. You can also book Big Red or any of Vizion Sounds artiste by calling; 592 -227-7716 or 592-674-4331 Gail Veira or via email at vizionsoundsgy@yahoo.com.

A Taste Of Big Red

1. Body Talk Big Red 0:45

2. Wucking It Michelle "Big Red" King 0:45

3. Bachanal Fever Michelle "Big Red" King 0:45

4. Guyanese Whine Michelle "Big Red King 0:45

5. Women On The Move Michelle "Big Red" King 0:45

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