A woman of many words and a voice that captivates an audience, Shirley “Lady S” Charles has been making her way up the musical scene in Dominica.
Charles gained national attention recently when she was captured 1st runner up position in the 2013 Cadencelypso competition, which she described as an interesting experience.
Speaking to Dominica News Online, 26-year-old Lady S described her journey through the local music industry as an interesting one which she simply enjoys.
She said had been singing for a long time and she wrote her first composition at 12 for her parents’ wedding.
“A lot of people wonder what the ‘S’ is for but since my first name is Shirley and my marital surname was Smalling and I regard myself as a lady of strength, so I call myself Lady S and I have been performing for a long time,” she said.
Charles said she grew up in the farming village of Morne Prosper and has sung in church and as a back up with Midnight Groovers.
She said Dominicans should tap into local music. “Although reggae is my music of choice, I think we need to tap into our own music and cadence is our own in Dominica,” she stated. “I wish to make my contribution in that genre of music by producing songs in that genre. I intend to continue making music in that genre and I don’t want it to be a surprise to Dominicans if I continue singing with the Midnight Groovers or singing cadence.”
Charles noted that she intends to try calypso ‘sometime soon’ and it is her dream to become a registered artiste.
“I think all artistes should try to be registered since that is very important,” she noted. “This is hard work whether people want to believe it or not doing music is hard work. It is a passion but it takes a lot of time. Being a registered artiste allows you to benefit much more from your hard work.”
Lady S revealed that although getting married and divorced at an early age was an emotional distress for her, it did not deter her from pursuing her career especially since she had tremendous support from her parents.
The young artiste pointed out further that she believes parents should provide an avenue for their children and encourage them to pursue their dreams.
You go girl!! keep up the good work Shirley
Great song and you are a winner
i am also from Morne prosper living in Antigua, may ask who are your parents?
Griffin Charles and Charmaine Pascal Charles
That’s my girl self. She always singing, even on the road whenever she goes by. Looking forward to hearing your material my love. Dominicans will try to bring you down but don’t let that deter you. You are strong and courageous. Love you my friend.
Sample please
Congrats Shirley. I haven’t heard the song but from all reports you are doing great so for. Keep it it up.
UNCLE
awwwww so proud of my niece..
LOOK AT THOSE EYES.WOW
shirley has ALWAYS SAID THAT HER SONG WAS WRITTEN BY JOY STOUTE.ALL YOU PEOPLE TOO LOW MINDED.LOVE U SHIRLEY
Well this lady got me thinking on the night of the show , although HaliButt won my wife and I thought this was the best song .
You can do it Shirley. Best of luck. My prayers are with you.
hold on lady s you will get there with your strength and faith good luck
Congrats and well done Lady S
Pursue your dreams. Everyone should.
nicely said my lil Fren
Lady S you should give people credit for their work. Please inform the public that your cadence composition was written by Joy Stoute
Joy has been given credit for her work. In all the interviews leading up to the Cadense competition, I clearly stated who the writer was. Please do not attack the performer of the song if this article gave credit to my performance of the song at the competition. Joy did not compete with the song at the Cadense competition, I did! Hearts off to Joy Stoute as she is the one, my friend, who gave me permission to perform this lovely composition. Thanks to all my fans for their support and positive comments. I love you all. Without you all there would be no me!
Well said my dear niece..people just love to bring down people when they’re climbing the ladder..Never allow them to do that to you remember aunt loves you..
she did not say she wrote the song. she was talking in general, and we already knew that, because she said at an interview during the cadence show.
You sound angry or jealous.
Give the Sister some kudos and a gentle reminder to acknowledge the writer, be a little more civil.
Congrats young lady, reach for the stars you are on the right path.
Reach for the stars. You can do it!
I really enjoyed your performance at the Cadence competition.
Keep persevering and you will make it!
where could a hear her song please?
follow your dreams