Antiguan Artist VICIOUS Earns International Recognition for Developing Young Musical Talent

An Antiguan musician who has spent years helping young performers find their footing in the local music industry is set to receive international recognition for his contribution to youth artist development.

Soca and calypso artist Tyreke "VICIOUS" Lewis has been selected by CAF, the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, for recognition in the third edition of the Enrique García Leadership Award.

Lewis has been invited to attend the award ceremony in Madrid, Spain, on November 5, 2026, where his work in developing the next generation of musical talent will be recognised.

At the centre of his contribution is the VICIOUS Music Artist Launchpad, a free workshop he personally funds and hosts for aspiring performers under the age of 18 in Antigua and Barbuda.

The programme provides young artists with practical guidance in vocal preparation, breath control, microphone technique and stage presentation, while also helping them navigate media interviews and social media.

Its impact was particularly evident during the 2026 Carnival season, when 11 participants in the workshop reached the Junior Soca Monarch semifinals, with eight progressing to the finals.

Lewis said his own experiences competing in the Junior Soca Monarch competition influenced his decision to create opportunities for younger performers.

"Coming through Junior Soca Monarch, I had to do so much myself because I couldn't afford professional help, so I want to give young artists the guidance and support I needed at their age," he said.

His contribution to junior music competitions also extends beyond the Launchpad. Lewis has written three Junior Soca Monarch-winning songs, including African Prince's "African Jam", which won the Jumpy category in 2019, and Jai'Lilah's "Party Nice Again", which secured the Groovy title in 2023.

He followed that success with Jai'Lilah's "Beast Mode", which won the Jumpy category in 2024.

His work with junior performers from 2018 to the present has also included Jai'Lilah's Junior Calypso Monarch title and nine additional competition placements across various performers.

In its letter confirming his selection, CAF Secretary General Alejandra Claros Borda said the institution was pleased to recognise Lewis's distinguished career, leadership and continued work.

The third edition of the Enrique García Leadership Award places particular emphasis on culture as a driver of sustainable development.

Lewis also has an established record as a performer. He won the Junior Calypso Monarch title in 2017 and 2018 and competed in both the Groovy and Jumpy segments of the 2026 Inet Party Monarch competition, finishing as second runner-up in the Groovy category.

He graduated from SAE Institute Miami in 2024 with a degree in audio engineering, earning a 4.0 GPA and graduating as salutatorian.

His performances at Antigua Day celebrations in New York and Miami Carnival have also helped introduce Antiguan music to audiences overseas. His single "Sweet Julie" further celebrates the islands and the connection to home.

The international recognition comes as Lewis continues to combine his musical career with efforts to provide young Antiguan performers with the technical knowledge, confidence and opportunities needed to develop their talent.