Grenada

Mr Killa Speaks after being Barred from performing in Benefit Concert in Grenada

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• published: 13 Nov 2015
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Mr. Killa breaks his silence regarding why him and his band did not perform at the Dominica Lend a Hand Relief Concert held at the Grenada National Stadium on Nov 7th, 2015 The island of Grenada has and continues to produce exceptionally talented young Artistes and just when one thinks the talent pool is exhausted another extraordinary figure surprises. In the year 1999 one such occurrence took place when an unassuming young man from the town of Gouyave in the parish of St. John, won the Grenada Talent Search show with a stunning exhibition of song and dance. Grenada and well eventually the world were being introduced to Hollice Mapp who they would later know as Mr. Killa. After that phenomenal performance it would be another two years before Mr. Killa would expose Grenada to his special brand of entertainment. A tune entitled “Gouyave Alone” about carnival in his town was a hit locally and served as a warning of things to come. In 2002 Mr. Killa became a household name when he released one of his biggest hits to date, “Wood Can’t Done”, placing 7th in the finals of the National Soca Monarch competition. Another 7th place position in the 2003 National Soca Monarch competition was just a platform for what was to come. And what came in 2004 was one of the best performances in a Soca Monarch competition in Grenada. Battling injuries after a car crash on the day of competition and forced to perform in a neck brace, Mr. Killa rocked the National Stadium and the over 10,000 witnesses to his mastery. His song entitled “Thunder Rags” was sufficiently instructive, soliciting unprecedented crowd reaction while the young entertainer very calmly delivered a sterling performance. By then the entertainment world was put on alert and Mr. Killa became a regular fixture on shows in New York, London, Canada, Tortola, Barbados, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Miami. After an unsuccessful defense of his 2004 title, in 2005, it meant Mr. Killa had plenty to prove during Grenada’s 2006 Carnival season. There was no disappointing his fans as Mr. Killa swept the Soca Monarch and Groovy Monarch competitions. His Groovy Monarch piece has become something of an anthem among Grenadians locally and abroad. The tune “Spice Isle Rock” speaks to the interaction between Mr. Killa and a tourist. The song further delves into the interests of the tourist giving Mr. Killa the opportunity to highlight some of the fun spots of Grenada including his beloved Gouyave. The success of 2006 spurred a plethora of hits including; Rider (a witty blend of soca and country and western), the Cat (a song reminiscent of good old Kaiso) Coming Down the Road, Gouyave Gone Mad, Island Paradise and More Flames. Blessed with a fantastic voice offering range and versatility, it is his stage antics, however, that mesmerizes with his trademark move being able to wine while standing on his hands. During the 2008 Carnival season Mr. Killa continued his dominance of the airwaves while placing 2nd in the National Soca Monarch competition. In 2009 Mr. Killa delivered what is now considered the best Soca Monarch performance in the history of the competition in Grenada. From the video introduction, depicting Mr. Killa in preparation for the night of competition to his aerial excursion over an overly excited and enthusiastic crowd, Mr. Killa has established himself as the pre-eminent soca performer on the Spice Isle. In 2009 he completed the rare double winning the Road March title along with the coveted Soca Monarch with the hit tune “Swing It Away” This young talent continues his pilgrimage toward international music success and based on what has transpired thus far, that destination is well within his reach.