Saint Lucian artist Keril Victor is making waves in Taiwan with his unique blend of soulful Caribbean melodies infused with Taiwanese influences.
Having moved to Asia a decade ago, the singer has captivated audiences with his innovative sound that bridges his Caribbean roots and Asian experiences.
Victor’s early musical foundation was steeped in church and gospel music, a powerful influence that still echoes through his work. Reflecting on this, he credits the youth choir and other church activities for instilling in him a “strong sense of storytelling, genuine expression, and emotional depth.”
Since then, Victor has gained international recognition. In 2019, he appeared on Taiwan’s major singing competition, The Singer, under the alias “Black Panther.” His performances went viral, amassing millions of views across social media platforms.
More recently, his appearances at events like Taipei’s 2023 Fashion Week have made him a rising star on the global stage.
In an exclusive interview with St. Lucia Times, the Castries native described his experience in Taiwan as both enriching and transformative, despite the challenges. “Taiwan has been enriching and transformative. Adapting to a new language, food, culture, and atmosphere posed initial hurdles, especially as a Black foreigner navigating a different social landscape. However, it has also deepened my artistic narrative, adding layers to the emotions and themes expressed in my music,” he shared.
“Initially, I decided to move to Taiwan to pursue studies and seek new opportunities, but more importantly, I remained there to pursue a musical career that has connected me to a broader audience of millions of people, all of which contribute to my evolving journey as an artist.”
Victor also shared inspiring advice for young Saint Lucians, particularly aspiring creatives, encouraging them to pursue their goals with perseverance. “My advice to young Saint Lucians is simple: persevere and follow your dreams no matter what it takes. Julien Alfred has demonstrated how far determination, talent, and hard work can take someone from a small island to the world stage. It is important to push through setbacks, setting high goals, and always beating the odds. They should not shy away from challenges because facing them can lead to tremendous personal growth and a deeper understanding of yourself.”
Victor’s latest project, “The Departure: Chapter 2”, will be officially launched at a concert on November 22, following his debut album of the same name. His music can be found on streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube.
