June 04th 2011
A Star Among Starz

She is the new face of Piton Soca Starz. Host Hyacinth Fredrick hails from Bagatelle, Castries. She attended the Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School and was very active in school’s activities. She has worked as a Playmaker at one of the island’s leading hotels and was once a contestant in the St Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association Pageant. Today we get to know a little more of the lady who brings us the biggest Soca show on television in St. Lucia.

How did you get involved with Piton Soca Starz?

Watching television one day I happened to see an advertisement for the search of the next TV Host for Piton Soca stars of course I remembered the previous years which I followed, I thought to myself that’s something I could embark on; so I called the number which was provided, I was given the date for an audition and here I am.

What exactly is your role with the entire show?

As the Television Host of Piton Soca Starz we go through the length and depth of the island. My role is to interview the performers, audience, judges in general to have the viewing public follow the Piton train around the island to find out who the next big Piton Soca Artiste will be giving them the experience as if they were there or want to be there as at the venue.

Tell us about your audition experience?

Well on the day in question, there were some very well known persons who have been in the business there to audition, I didn’t make that frighten me anyway as I stood in front the panel of judges I enacted the scenarios given to me to best of my ability as I watched the others who performed after me I said to myself I do stand a good chance, but everyone did give a good account of themselves and I if given the opportunity again I would do it in a heart beat.

Soca Starz takes you across the island and exposes you to different people; tell us about your most memorable interview.

I have been in all crevices of this island in search of the next big Soca artiste; in every community that I have been to thus far there is always a character who stands out weather it’s a performer or just someone in the audience. Every individual whom I have interviewed has left a lasting impression on me because I have learnt something from them all.

Did you ever want to be a television show host?

Not a television host exactly but always wanted to work with the media, my background experience as a playmaker has given me exposure to hosting stage shows. Now that I am a TV host it has really given me the boost and the zeal to peruse this venture.

In front of the camera you are seen by thousands of people nightly. Have you ever had a large number of people watch you at anytime? Tell us about that experience.

I took part in school activities; namely Inter Schools Junior Calypso, represented my class in the school pageant I have also taken part in the St Lucia Hotel And Tourism Association pageant (SLHTA) representing Sandals Resorts International where I gave a very good account of myself , so I have had an audience it the past. But being the Television Host of Piton Soca Starz is a little different in terms of interacting with the public on nightly bases and keeping them interested.

What is your favourite genre of music?

I Love Soca music, especially around this time of year I only want to hear Soca. What I really like about our local music is the play on words (Pun). Its just amazing how one simple word can change the meaning of an entire song, Very creative.

What first drew your attention to music?

Music is everyday life with a rhythm and beat, because if you listen to the lyrics of any song someone somewhere can relate to it. I can relate to it. So I would say it’s a natural ability that we all have within us but some let it out more than others.

Of all the talent you have seen thus far, what would you say is the biggest hurdle these aspiring artistes face daily and how has Piton Soca Starz helped these individuals?

To begin with, this country is full of talent that just needs to be discovered and Piton has just opened that avenue for St. Lucians to showcase themselves. Those individuals who have the ability to sing have no one to manage them. With the production that Piton is putting on right now, the panel of judges; I would say are the right ones because they are the ones in the music business here in St Lucia who discover and give those artistes guidance.

People will hear the name Piton Soca Starz and think that this is just another ploy by the manufacturers to sell alcohol. What would you say to these people?

Piton has always encourages us to DRINK RESPONSIBLY. The company is only trying to explore and develop new talents. This is Carnival and Piton is the main sponsor for St Lucia Carnival is our Local Beer so let’s embrace it.

And finally what would you say to up coming Soca stars?

To all aspiring Soca Starz take very opportunity thrown at you and embrace it and open your mind to new ideas because who knows it may be you on the local, regional, or international scene. So Don’t Sleep On You!!!!!!!!!

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