By: Vidwattie Moonsammy

In music the name Turner conjures up images and sounds of pop mega star Tina Turner. But bursting onto the music scene in mid-2017 is another Turner from Trinidad and Tobago. Soca artist Trevor Turner, who simply goes by the sobriquet “Turner” had one of the most popular songs “She bad” for the latter half of 2017 in Trinidad and Tobago.

Like Tina Turner, he has one of the most unique voices that one will hear in music. His  grainy voice carries the passion he feels about his music and lay bare for all to hear the struggles he endured along his journey to success. In an interview with OJO 96.1, he mentioned that his late father was a motivating factor in where he is today. His dad loved music and was an avid ‘break dancer’. Seeing the joy his father got from music encouraged him to pursue it. When his dad passed away and his mom couldn’t support them financially, he had to leave his childhood home and was placed in homes for kids. One would think that his dreams might have been dampened but that wasn’t the case. Moving from one home to the next, he sang his heart out and kept his dreams using it as a means of escape; taking inspiration from role models like Bob Marley and local artistes like Bunji and Calypso Rose.

Today Turner is happy he never gave up and being a part of Nine Mine and Lenky Records has helped him a lot. Nine Mine and Lenky Records are responsible for one of the most popular riddims for 2018 Soca and that riddim is Upendo Riddim. It features artistes like The Voice and Machel Montano. So ‘She Bad’ isn’t the only big song that turner has done. He has contributed to the Upendo Riddim with his version called ‘Holding On.’

A new wave of talent has hit the Caribbean, many of whom are emerging from Trinidad and Tobago, the Soca capital of the world. Turner, 27 years old, is definitely included in this category. The rising star has been singing since he was 11. Many might be thinking that this can’t be true, because they haven’t heard any music from him until recently. That thinking is rightly justified because like most emerging singers and entertainers, you don’t really notice them until they create something that captures everyone’s attention.

Turner is an emerging star who has been working behind the scenes for the past 16 years. He’s been dedicated, persistent and relentless, and finally it all paid off. “I had a small push from a friend when I was 18, 19 years of age but unfortunately it wasn’t enough,” he commented in an interview with OMG Magazine.

The 2018 Soca  session has started off with a bang. Between the contributions from Turner, The Voice and others, one can anticipate a great year.

Words of inspiration from Turner for those that are thinking of pursuing music. “Biggest lesson to remember is to always have patience. Patience in dealing with others and learning new things.” He also said that some people have a gift, a talent that they can call their own and craft, so it’s up to them to craft it and use it in a way that benefits them.

1. Weh Yuh Want Turner 0:45

2. She Bad Turner 0:45

3. Holding On Turner 0:45

4. Champions Turner 0:45

Sources:

1. OMG Magazine 
2. OJO 96.1