Soca Artist Profiles

Bomani

Bomani

St. Vincent & the Grenadines (SVG) native Oronde Charles, known in the Soca music world as Bomani, stepped into the spotlight in 1998 as a featured singer in a local talent showcase. His smooth soulful covers of classic tunes by the likes of Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross and Boyz II Men earned him early recognition as a young talent on the rise.

1999 Bomani had already developed an impressive song writing ability, which he had been nurturing since he was 12 years old. After a couple of years on the local hotel circuit with his first musical band Prorogative, the budding artiste was poised to ascend to the next level. In 2001 he continued his preference for live music by joining his second band Blaksand. In 2002 he wrote and recorded two songs for the band's album "Perpendicular" including "Dogs" and "D Music".

Skip forward to 2005 Bomani set about the task of continuing the standard of song writing he had developed, and released a number of hit songs for Vincy Mas, including "Grass Hopper", "Time to Blaze (Fire)" and "Wet". Bomani also travelled to St. Lucia to represent SVG in the annual OECS Soca Monarch Competition. An electrifying performance of his hit "I am Soca" to a huge St. Lucian audience garnered him his third title of OECS Soca Monarch 2005.

Bomani is a true talent, a songwriter who pens lyrics and melodies very often without the use of a musical instrument. He carries a distinct laid back vibe, but once he's on stage he turns into a charismatic performer with the vocal stylistics and confidence of a seasoned entertainer.

Though by many standards, he is still green, he possesses the ability to make a huge difference in music in St.Vincent and the Grenadines. His home town of Campden Park and indeed his homeland is justly proud.