Soca star Mikey Mercer celebrates 20 years, eyes global expansion
Published:Saturday | August 3, 2024 | 12:07 AMLatara Boodie Stevens /Gleaner Writer
Michael ‘Mikey’ Mercer is a name that resonates with fans of soca music. With a career spanning two decades, he has made significant contributions to the genre, earning numerous titles and accolades. The Gleaner recently caught up with the dynamic Bajan soca artiste, following his performance at the media welcome reception for the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Crop Over in Barbados, held at the Hilton Hotel.
As a veteran in the music industry, Mikey is celebrating 20 years and is seen by many as one of Barbados’ best soca artistes. “I started out as part of a band, and my journey evolved into me becoming a solo artiste, which has gained me recognition as the Soca Monarch of Barbados,” said Mikey. Over the years, he has amassed several accolades, including winning four Road March titles. In Barbados, road march songs are equivalent to festival songs in Jamaica.
His music is heavily influenced by some of the biggest names in the Caribbean music scene. “My biggest inspiration is Bunji Garlin. I saw him perform one day and said to myself, ‘I want to be just like him’,” he said, laughing. His admiration for Bunji and other artistes, including Buju Banton and Machel Montano, has significantly shaped his musical style and stage presence, allowing him to create music that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Speaking on where he gets his inspiration, he explained, “I love my hometown and its rich heritage. I get inspiration from my country’s vibrant culture, especially during Crop Over time, which really embodies the spirit of Barbados.”
Though known for his high-energy soca songs, Mikey is not just a talented musician but also a highly educated individual. “A lot of people have no idea that I studied psychology and sociology. However, my musical journey started very early. At age seven, I earned a Grade 6 in music theory,” stated Mikey, whose earliest music memory involved singing in choirs and an a cappella group.
Outside of music, he is a fitness enthusiast and martial artist. The Bajan soca prince holds a sixth-degree black belt in karate, having competed in world championships and coached successful teams. His dedication to these disciplines demonstrates his commitment to excellence in all areas of life. And, when it comes to food, Mikey is a fan of hearty Bajan cuisine. His favourite meal is macaroni pie and beer chicken.
Looking ahead, Mikey’s dream is to expand his brand internationally, focusing on solidifying his presence in non-English speaking territories. His debut album, MIKEY Mercer: A Grass Skirt Story, showcases his latest tracks and classic hits, available on all major platforms. “In the future, I am working on collaborating with artistes like Asa Bantan, Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin, and Fireman Hooper, to name a few.”