Since its launch in 2004, the team behind the popular talent competition Digicel Rising Stars has strived to create an environment in which up-and-coming singers can learn, grow and better their craft.

Instrumental to this space was none other than Ifidel Williams – a supporting vocalist who spent 17 years with the Digicel Rising Stars team, crafting and moulding young talent to be their best.

Williams passed on August 4, leaving his former co-workers at a loss for words and reminiscing on his impact.

“Ifidel was such a huge, huge part of the show. He moved from being a supporting vocalist to being someone I could call on for anything. Until he eventually transformed into a performing coach on the show,” series producer, Sharon Schroeter told The Sunday Gleaner.

“He was such a light. Ifidel didn’t have a single bad word for anyone. He encouraged in his own way, and he loved the show. It is so hard, because Ifidel was a major part of everything we do,” Schroeter continued.

Renowned vocal coach, Michael Sean Harris, was also a long-time mentor/co-worker to Ifidel. Harris explained that the singer had “such a big personality”, that not having him in the studio ‘felt weird’.

“He tends to be very supportive other persons and their dreams ... helping them to organise stuff and raising contributions for people who want to go to school – he was doing a lot,” Harris said.

It was Harris who invited Williams, Kareen Brown and Racquel Hinds (who all sang for his band) to sing background for the contestants of Rising Stars – a decision that has often been praised for the depth it added to performances.

This decision also helped to push Ifidel into a space that allowed him to give his best and leave valuable life lessons for potential stars to learn from.

“Ifidel was always supporting others, and I think that is one of the biggest lessons budding singers can learn from his life; he was big on collaboration with others. So, you can support each other, even if you are in the same field and going for the same goal,” he said.

For Schroeter, the biggest lessons to be taken from Williams’ life is having the drive and determination to achieve your goals.

“You have to love what you do – it’s all about the passion, and Ifi had that passion for performing and putting yourself together and going out there and believing in yourself and believing you could do it,” she said.

“He believed you can do anything you put your mind to. And I think that is just an incredible message to share with anybody putting themselves out there because that’s what makes you a star. And that’s what Ifi was, is and will always be – a true star,” Schroeter added.