Songstress Shekara . . . Young talent has big dreams

Shekara Straker dreams of becoming a professional singer one day. Each decision that she makes from now on is geared towards making that dream become a reality.

So no wonder then she was named as one of 12 finalists in the Baje to the World local talent competition. With the national lockdown, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the date and time of the Final will be announced at a later date.

However, in the meantime, Shekara is totally ecstatic about being in the finals. It feels like a dream come true for the young singer who started singing in her teens.

“I started singing from the age of 14. Both of my parents sing, so I knew that is a talent that I wanted to be blessed with. My mum is Sherry Carter and dad is Sherwin Straker.”

The 18-year-old is a student at the Barbados Community College (BCC) pursuing studies in Politics and Sociology. She credits her teacher at the Alleyne school for giving her the push.

“My music teacher Mr Gary Goodridge motivated me to take singing seriously. I started in the choir. I prefer to perform R&B songs and ballads.

I also love to listen to old R&B music and older music.”

Since then, she has had several opportunities to perform on numerous stages. She has showcased her talent at 2019 Barbados’ Lighting Ceremony, Festive Friday’s, Sunday Groves, Kloud 9 concert, Blue Rhapsody charity event among others. In 2018, she also travelled to Jamaica to be a part of the cast to sing and dance for Zion’s King.

“I sing with the band The Right Combination. I am in groups such as the Marlon Legall Voice Project and The Tenantry and a new female band called Vibestry.”

Shekara, who has created some original pieces of music but hasn’t released any as yet, said she is inspired by Nikita and Toni Braxton.

“I love her [Nikita’s] spirit and her voice. My international favourite is Toni Braxton, we have similar ranges, and she is a really inspiring woman.”

Her ultimate goal is to be known worldwide. “In the future, I want to travel the world, release my own music as well as perform globally, and become an international singer.”

If she weren’t a singer, Shekara would be an Autism Counsellor or a Guidance Counsellor. Mainly because she confesses that she loves children, and she also loves helping people to be the best they can be.

The young artiste believes there is plenty of talent on the island already, but it needs to be developed. She also wants more young people to get on board.

“Barbados has a lot of talent. The music industry in Barbados continues to develop every year. To the younger entertainers I would say: If you love it, pursue it. Don’t let negative people get in your head and change your mind about what you love.”

To unwind, Shekara would usually listen to music and relax. But there must always be time set aside for the ones dearest to her.

“I love to laugh and enjoy the company of my friends and family. I love to spend time with my siblings. Family is everything and my brothers Shey and Shekai Roachford, and my other siblings Kenya Straker, Kendrick Straker and Trinity Prescott, and my extended family [are important to me],” the singer said. (IMC)