Navy

NOTABLE PIECES INCLUDE: SPEAK!, AMERICANISE, THE SHITSTEM, & ODE TO POETRY.Born Yvan Mendoza on May 18th, 1987, Navy officially started performing poetry in October, 2005 at the anniversary of one of Trinidad's most renowned open mic events, Speak Easy. Since then he has awed many with his lyrical gems at various open mic shows across Trinidad, namely Songshine, UWI Speak and Writer's Block. The young poet also dazzled audiences in his two appearances on television on CNMG's local talent showcase, 52 Nights. It should be noted, though, that spoken word was not Navy’s first foray into performing. In his last year at Queen’s Royal College, Navy won the 2005 Soca competition co-held between his high school Queen's Royal College and sister school St. Francois Girls’ College in his FIRST EVER performance! with a song appropriately titled "First Place." In the summer of 2005, Navy, along with schoolmates, Rondell 'Omega' Paul and Kory Hart recorded a song under the name Trilogy but soon after the group went in different directions. Omega pursued producing, Navy pursued poetry and Kory pursued singing and songwriting. The trio haven't parted ways, though, they still put their creativity together and share the same dream as members of The Royalty Club. Always playing close attention to the lyrical aspect of songs, Navy began writing poetry attacking social issues, believing that young people must take a stance on such matters because the future belongs to us. He was urged by friend and fellow poet Peter 'Arazi' Christopher to start performing and further encouraged when he saw another friend, Kheston Walkins, doing his thing on the mic. Unlike his alias (derived from his given name spelt backwards), Navy has been moving forward, making big strides in his less than 2 year stint doing poetry. Although he has a strong belief in delivering a message, Navy is not strictly a conscious writer. He believes that what makes an artiste 'real' is an ability to be creative and true. Having picked up the pen to develop his writing and performing skills, he also delves into songwriting and sees a strong possibility in getting back into music as the opportunity presents itself. ROYALTY CLUB Stand UP!