Singer, songwriter and teacher Selwyna Charles from Soufriere has died. Her loss has left both her community and the creative world in mourning. Known simply as Selwyna during her music career, she was a remarkable and humble presence in Soufriere. Along with raising her own children, she guided many others, sharing not only her love of music but also important life lessons with everyone she met.
As a vocalist, she captured the audience’s attention wherever she performed, from local resorts to national events.
Selwyna performed with several bands, such as Rebirth 7, Matrix, and Family Affairs, but she made her biggest impact with the group Future Lights. Their signature songs include “Juke and Go Down” and “Soca Bouyon”.
Before starting her music career, she was also very active in sports.
On Thursday, former Soca Monarch Mantius Cazabon paid tribute to Selwyna on social media, calling her “a legend”.
Arthur Allain, another well-known musician from Soufriere, wrote: “She was such an inspiration. The melodic soundtrack to our upbringing. Her legacy will live on. Sing on with the angels, Sulphur Queen.”
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Soufwiyè za pèdi Selwyna ! I sété on mapipi.
Selwyna Charles ki soti Sofwiyè za twépasé, moun té konèt li kon yon shantwèl, I tétka ékwi shanté épi I té ka enstwi mamay en lékòl. Lanmò’y ja kité konmin an ék tout shantè kon li en lapenn. Toupatou I té konèt kon ‘Selwyna’ ék an Soufiere pwèmyévini moun ka di it té janti anshay. I sété manman tout, ka byen élivé hish li mem ék mowalizé tout lòt moun. I ja jidé plisyè en mizik épi an bon lison lavi.
I sété on mèt shantwèl. Mem si sété en fèsten lokal mem sé hotèl , vwa’y ka dousi tout moun ki pwézan
Latè a konèt li méyé pou shanson kon ‘jouk and go down’ épi ‘ soca bouyon’ èk sa sété lé’y té ka shanté èk pawtuzan mizik ‘Future Lights’ . Mé an tan pasé Selwyna shanté èvèk òkès kon ‘ Rebirth 7’, ‘Metrix’ èk ‘Family Matters’.
Avan I antwé en lavi mizik, en jenès li I tété kò’y en spò.
Mantus Cazabon ki sé té wa soka en tan pase , palé asou midya sosyal Jedi simen an. I couyé madam lan “a legend “.
Arthur Alain soti an Soufwiyè. I té on go wa soka en tan pasé épi on moun ki ka ékwi mizik, matjé asou midya socially ausi. I di “ li sété yon gwan enspiwasyon. On son ki dousiné en tan nou ka pòfité. Lèspwi’y pakay mò. Lawenn souf la kontiné shanté èvèk sé nanj lan.”
Wow ! She has been on my mind for the past few days. I’m out of island but wanted to reach out to her on my.return . I can never forget how sweet and genuine she was.when I related my plans on the production of Shantaye’s World. She was a very genuine and pleasant individual. There is no doubt that she will be missed by her community and all creatives who had the opportunity to work with her .
Soufriere have lost a gentle soul and a fantastic singer who normally sang her soul out. She was beautiful both inside and out. I knew her personally and met her a couple of times in the town of Soufriere. She represented the town of Soufriere well indeed. She should have been afforded more opportunities. Her talent was under-utilized, No one saw the need for her to go far in her musical field and no one offered to help her get there. I would like to pass on my condolences to her family during this sorrowful time. Soufriere will most certainly miss you — RIP Angel girl!