Saint Lucia’s soca scene gained a vibrant new voice last weekend as 12-year-old Akayla Lewis, known by her stage name Ti Pima, made her debut on the big stage at the Ultimate Soca Tent. The young talent left the audience in awe with a performance that belied her age.
A student at Ave Maria Primary School, Ti Pima took the stage with remarkable confidence, performing outside her usual age group for the first time.
Her original song, Awa My Girl, resonated deeply with the crowd, showcasing both her vocal ability and stage presence.
“At first I felt very nervous to be singing on such a big stage because it was older people and I normally sing for people in my age group,” she told St Lucia Times.
Even at such a young age, Ti Pima is no stranger to competition. She has already made waves at Ave Clash, a school-based calypso and soca competition. After securing second place in her first attempt, she returned the following year with Awa My Girl and claimed the top spot.
Her musical influences include local stars Ricky T, Ezra D’FunMachine and Shemmy J, whose styles have helped shape her sound. But Ti Pima’s ambitions extend far beyond music. Determined to excel in both entertainment and academics, she said, “My career goals are to move forward in the music industry while also becoming a paediatrician.”
Her biggest supporter, her mother Kadesha Esnard, has been by her side every step of the way. Esnard admits that her daughter’s musical talent took her by surprise: “That’s never something I saw her doing. But the moment she brought it up, I knew she would smash it. I remember when she first came to me and said she wanted to take part in Ave Clash – she was so determined.”
On Ti Pima’s performance last Friday night, Esnard said, “As a mother, I felt so elated; my emotions were all over the place. Seeing my baby girl on that big stage and how the audience was ecstatic after her performance warmed my heart; she made me proud.”
Looking ahead, Ti Pima will defend her crown at this year’s Ave Clash on June 26, where she plans to debut a new song. Given her momentum, the event promises to be another electrifying moment in her budding musical journey.
Reflecting on her daughter’s future, Esnard expressed unwavering confidence.
Whether it’s on stage or in a hospital one day, Ti Pima is already proving that with talent, heart and determination, there’s no limit to how far she can go.
Keep shining bright lil star!!