Soca Bantan has always harboured a passion for music, dating back to his childhood years when he sang regularly at church and performed in several talent competitions in his local school (though there he was known as Gordson Agard). From a young age he aspired to a career in soca - a dream which was realised early after forming a band with schoolfriends, creating and recording a song for the independence celebrations; that song is still played today.
Soca Bantan started singing soca officially in 1989, after discovering an ability for song writing and freestyling. His debut single was called Togetherness, which he co-produced in Grenada.
Though born and raised in Grenada, Agard visited Trinidad frequently to spend time with his parents. It was during these visits that he was exposed to Trinidad Carnival, and an array of artists, such as Superblue, who were to provide a significant influence upon his music during later years. He has also been inspired by the likes of Edwin Yearwood , Ajamu, Randy Issac, Squeezy, Machel Montano, K.M.C, Scorpion and Ronnie McIntosh.
The first big break came in 1990, where Soca Bantan was given the opportunity to perform on a bill with artists such as Rikki Jai from Trinidad and Tobago. The show was held at Fantazia 2001, which at the time was one of Grenada’s most popular nightclubs.
Bantan moved to England in 1996, which was a pivotal point in his music career. His experiences in the UK encouraged him to re-evaluate his goals and priorities in life. It has helped him to grow, and this has been reflected in his music.
In 2003 he started recording again and released the single Time Off, which was played on Martin Jay`s Choice FM show, The Caribbean Affair. He has since focussed on promoting his music through live performances both in the UK and the Caribbean. On November 27, 2005, Soca Bantan was crowned the winner of the first Soca Monarch/Young King contest in the UK.
SOCA BANTAN IN STUDIO
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