Saint Lucian artists Dupes and Mecca are featured writers on Luvergirl, the latest EP by Mahalia, the British MOBO-winning and Grammy- and BRIT-nominated singer.
Dupes is credited as a writer on two songs on the seven-track project, released in August, including Pity, which was produced by Jamaica’s IzyBeats and features Tanya Stephens. The song samples Stephens’ 2004 reggae classic of the same name.
Dupes and Mecca also have writing credits on the dancehall-inspired Instructions.
Collaborations amongst the artists were born out of the UK Trade Partnerships – Masterroom Music Songwriting Camp, held in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in February. The initiative was designed to strengthen creative and commercial ties between the Caribbean and the UK music industries.
“We know there’s so much talent and creativity in the Caribbean,” said Lorcan O’Brian, Caribbean Regional Trade for Development advisor. “We really want to see that grow and make sure those commercial links are made with the UK.”
Arnette Mark, CEO of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, described the songwriting camp as a platform that not only promotes local talent but also positions the island as a hub for cultural collaboration. “Getting that exposure and meeting people from outside of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, it’s a great thing for us,” she said, highlighting that she looks forward to seeing further collaboration and more writing camps.
O’Brian added that the long-term vision is to deepen cross-cultural exchange. “There’s such a deep history between our countries,” he said. “We want to boost cultural collaboration, keep revenue flowing from the UK, and creativity flowing in both directions.”
