Soca stars praying for Onika

THE LOCAL entertainment fraternity has been thrown into a state of shock following news that top vocalist Onika Bostic is lying critical in hospital, following a vehicular accident early yesterday morning. Her colleagues are now holding out hope that the talented soca sensation recovers from what has been described as “severe and multiple head injuries,” sustained in a car crash on the Eastern Main Road, Laventille. Elizabeth Montano, mother and manager of soca star Machel Montano told Sunday Newsday: “We are praying for her. I told my team we have to pray - really pray. If the miracle is for her to live its God’s will. If not, its God’s will too.”

She added, “When you have children involved in the same type of work, you feel it when something like this happens. Onika is a friend of Machel. Machel is in the US and we hope for a miracle.” Young party promoter John Michael Alibocas of Makaveli Promotions, who described Bostic as “pleasant and decent,” said things were going extremely well for Onika. He said, “Her song ‘All Is Yours’ is on heavy rotation on all the radio stations and she has been on radio conducting interviews repeatedly over the last three weeks.” Alibocas said his company, along with IRS, Lizard Blizzard and Morpheus Entertainment all have Bostic heavily booked for Carnival 2005 fetes.

He added, “Right now she is believed to be the female entertainer with the most bookings for Carnival. She is shining brighter than ever. We hope for the best for Onika.” According to reports Bostic was the lone passenger in a car driven by fellow soca artiste Ninja of the Asylum Crew. Reigning International Soca Monarch Bunji Garlin said, “This is the year she found herself. Things were happening for her. You never know when your time will come, so your heart has to be clean. When something like this happens so close to home it shakes you up. These are two people close to me. “These situations are the ultimate equalisers and cause everybody to forget position and rank. You have to live good with people. Live how the father wants you to.” Karega Mandela, PRO of TUCO described the situation as sad, since Bostic is now starting to make a crucial stand as an artiste: A young vibrant soca artiste. “She was doing a good job with Burning Flames in Antigua and was now embarking on a solo career. The calypso fraternity is praying for her. We hope for a speedy recovery. She’s a bright and shining star,” he added.