Biography

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Biography

If one refers to an artiste called 'Statement', most Barbadians will think of a sexy ragga soca tune called "I Wanna Be" ("Right Dey.") But few know that the man born Nigel Barnett began his singing career at age eight and his first love was reggae. Born in the central parish of St. Michael, 'Statement' recorded his first track – 'How Many More' - in 1995. His second release, 'Last Days' (for which a music video was produced) was an inspiration to Junior Kelly, according to the popular Jamaican singer.

Beginning his soca career in 2000, to date Statement has released a series of hit songs; from "Wukkin' Up In The Party" in 2001, and "Ah Ready" with Anthony "Rebel" Bailey of Krosfyah in 2002, to "Woman You Alone" recorded in 2003.

This proved to be his biggest year with the release of "I Wanna Be," otherwise referred to as 'Right Dey." Statement's offering of "If I Can't Be With You" in 2004 earned him tremendous popularity, and the public demanded a reply. He quickly answered the call, and wrote "When I Wanted To Be With You," which was recorded by female lead vocalist of band Electrik, Keisha Christian. In 2005 the soca love-man linked up with the likes of Chezni of the USVI, to perform "Why Should I."

In addition to representing Barbados on tour of the U.K's Nottingham and Leicester Carnivals with Krosfyah, Statement was part of a lineup of artistes who did the region proud at the launch of MTV's Tempo statement in October 2005.

His career has seen him working with some of the hottest producers in the Caribbean: Undaground Music, Slam City, Room 112, and Sky Studios in St. Vincent. Statement intends to continue evolving from strength to strength, doing some collaborations with artistes along the way. He is aims to capitalize on his versatility as an entertainer/writer to do 'cross-over' productions, which, in his view will further promote the soca artform.

As his name suggests Statement takes a strong position on the state of the calypso artform; the need for more positive images; the internal politics of the industry and the relationships between artistes and promoters.

Statement is definitely destined to great things. His focus and professionalism as an artiste will certainly place him among the best in the growing art-form of Soca, for some time to come.