Bomani is new OECS soca king

He has been writing poems since he was nine years old, but today his writing skills have gone into songs. Orande Bomani Charles, known simply as Bomani an African name, which means appointed warrior, seemed destined to tackle the musical industry like a true warrior.{{more}}

After last year doing the magical double in the Soca Monarch and Road March titles he last Sunday, July 17, captured the 2005 OECS Soca Monarch title from among 9 others at the Mindoo Phillip Park in St.Lucia with the song “Who am I.” That was the same song which catapulted him to the top at home one year ago.

Contacted via phone in St. Lucia, Bomani said that he was excited to be announced the winner but he was also humbled by the experience: “The reception from the crowd was really good. I started out by singing the chorus first and I was surprised that the crowd knew it. So by the time I did the verses it was already a hit with the crowd.”

The former Soca Monarch of St.Vincent and the Grenadines (he was dethroned by Fireman Hooper this year) in 2004 earned a cheque for EC$7,500 and a trophy for his dynamic performance.

Bomani the Soca artiste has an appreciation for artistes as varied as Winston Soso, Edwin Yearwood, Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder and Gladys Knights and says he wants to take his music to another level.

“I’ve been playing around with the keyboard since I was nine years old and I do my best to entertain the audience. In the future I hope to do music that still has the unique style of Bomani; but a variety. It is important for me to maintain my own musical identity.”

Bomani began singing in 1998, with the band “Prerogative” and later joined “Blaksand” in 2001. In 2003 he teamed up with “Hottsand” and is now a member of the band “HS Phaktor.”

At the OECS Soca Monarch competition, Alpha of St. Lucia was second with her song ” Give us a reason” with Nicole from Antigua placing with “Bounce.”

The other participants came from Dominica, Guyana and Montserrat. Barbados dropped out at the last minute.