5. 5 Star Akil, “Partier”
For some, a “partier” is someone who frequents clubs and fetes a few times per week. But a true Trini, especially for the Carnival season, takes it to the next level. 5Star Akil gives you the gist of what that means in the intro to his popular 2013 soca hit for 2013 when he declares, “I in meh zone. When ah partying ah feting alone…” Akil definitely made a smart move in teaming up with Samuel Jack and Sheriff Music (Sheriff is also the mastermind behind Bunji Garlin’s “Differentology”) to produce what may just be the breakthrough that will forward his career in the international soca arena. Two years ago, this DJ-turned-soca star narrowly escaped death after being shot five times for reasons that still remain unknown, since then he’s been making every moment count, striving for a level of excellence that has made him a role-model for young and old alike. —Tishanna Williams
