His name is Deshawn Augustin, born and raised in two communities within the south of the island, Bruce Ville aka Shanty Town and Chocolate City Pierrot. We call him Ti Blacks; he’s certainly one of six children from his mother’s side. “I actually have five sisters and a number of other siblings on my dad’s side.” Loud this weekend got to sit down down with a really busy Calypsonian and Soca artiste to learn a bit of more in regards to the creative that’s Ti Blacks. Here is an element of his story.
Ti Blacks: Growing up I used to be faced with many challenges but those circumstances forced me to remain focused. I attended the Vieux- Fort Primary School after which on to the Anse – Ger secondary school. After graduating, I went to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. I’m a lover of music and the creative arts. I might say that I got the love for music from my mom who passed away a number of years ago.
You’ve had a break-out yr in 2022. Take us through what we wish to call the “Ti Blacks crowning moments”.
Ti Blacks: I might definitely start by saying if you happen to want something, you’ll work your hardest to realize it. I can say I’ve had a really successful yr winning two crowns Mr. World Intercontinental and Chantè Kweyol King. I knew I desired to be victorious so I made it my duty to remain focused and work towards that. On the night of my first show once I was announced king, I used to be really surprised because I had already doubted myself and said that I wouldn’t win but again if you happen to don’t consider in yourself nobody would consider in you. So, after being crowned I spotted and said yup, you’re king boy lol. My second show was not as bad as the primary. I said, humbly in my head I knew I had already won after I performed.
Tell us in regards to the individuals who’ve been staples in your musical profession and the masterminds behind your songs.
Ti Blacks: I actually have so many individuals to thank for where I’m now and say how grateful I’m for all of them. My mentor, King Arthur for all it’s because of him. I’m where I’m today because he gave me the prospect that I desired to be very honest. I respect my mentor wholeheartedly because he gives the youth the avenue. He isn’t just Arthur Allain, the 5-time Groovy King but he’s Arthur the one artiste I can boldly say that provides the younger ones a platform to showcase their talent in Saint Lucia. Swayne (S.E DIGITAL) reached out to me and told me he was working on a song for me and he wants me to work with him and his team. I used to be all for it due to all the nice things I had already heard about him.
How did you cope with that disappointment at Calypso Semi-finals to bounce back and secure your spot within the Groovy Soca Monarch Finals?
Ti Blacks: I used to be really disillusioned because I used to be so looking forward to creating the Kaiso finals.
But they are saying all the things happens for a reason. I fueled that disappointment on the Groovy stage and I used to be confident that I might’ve made the finals. I strongly consider within the saying “when one door is shut on you one other one opens”.
There have been lots of rumours about your song and its eligibility. Is there anything you want to to say to your fans about that and likewise allow them to know the way they will enjoy your songs for the season?
Ti Blacks: All I can say in regards to the song is it would ceaselessly live within the hearts of my people. A new edition was recorded and released on YouTube because everyone was asking me to do this.
Now that is finished, everyone can go to YouTube and show some support and love.
The massive stage and as usual you made it your individual. What was the mood like in your camp and what are the plans for Ti Blacks outside of the carnival season?
Ti Blacks: This was my first time on the massive stage so I used to be very nervous nevertheless, I had a team of experts working with me so I definitely was not afraid. The season won’t end here for me. I need to release music all yr round because I feel that music isn’t a seasonal thing.
I need to take the time to thank everyone who has been with Ti Blacks from the beginning.
I’m ceaselessly grateful for all of the support.
