Young Marcel composes tribute to Onika

YOUNG Marcel (Bennett) is making good on his brand new spanking music studio given as a gift for his 14th birthday, with the production of a series of tunes, among them, a sobering tribute to the late Onika Bostic. On Ash Wednesday, Young Marcel will release the R&B flavoured “Tribute to Onika” which features Maximus Dan and background vocals by baby sister Kesi and friends.

The song in its entirety, from idea to lyrics to melody was born right within the confines of MKB (Marcel and Kesi Bennett) studios at the Bennetts’ D’Abadie home. Marcel recalled the events following Onika’s funeral: “I remember coming home after the funeral and my friend Kendell was like ‘let’s do a song for Onika.’ My other friend Wendell started with the hook and everybody came together on the three verses and chorus. That was Christmas Eve and the whole song was done on that same day.” Before turning to the console (audio equipment), Marcel offered a sample of the chorus. He sang: “O is for Overcoming; N for Natural beauty; I is for the Intelligence; K the Kindness you be giving; A is for the Awesome talent... Onika girl we’re gonna miss you dearly.”

He remembered the times when he shyly approached the talented 24-year-old just to say “hello!” and even though the two weren’t very close, he could tell that she possessed endearing qualities. “I always knew she was a kind person, generous, quiet. She was always a nice person to be around. You feel comfortable when you’re around her,” he said, staring at the sea blue walls of the studio depicting sky with clouds. “Because I know Maximus to be a loving and positive person we arranged for him to be included on the track. Days later we decided to give him a call.” Maximus confirmed his desire to be part of the project on hearing the track and production on a video is among future plans. Onika’s death days following a vehicular accident on December 11, plunged the local entertainment fraternity into a state of mourning. Imij & Co frontman Kees Dieffenthaller was among the first to pen words in tribute to Onika.
 
“It was a sad thing to me. I was in Barbados when I heard the news from Nadia Batson (singer),” said Marcel. In recent times, the 2002 winner of three titles — Junior Soca Monarch, NJAC Jewels and Arima Junior Calypsonian — has been doing his own thing, experimenting with R&B and hip-hop rhythms all fused with soca. With a certificate in hand from the School of Music and Recording, he wants to be self-sufficient — sing, compose, produce. “I want to pursue musical engineering,” he reminded. The Third Form student at Holy Cross College will not be competing in any calypso events this year as he is at the crucial point in choosing the O’Level subjects which he will write for CXC exams. He is also the school’s hopeful in the shot putt and discus throwing events in upcoming sporting competitions in Ireland and Barbados.

“Next year I’m coming with a whole different appearance,” he said. Marcel is currently working out at the gym trimming the pounds. “I’m trying to get fit for Carnival 2006. It’s a pleasure to have my own studio. It was my idea, really. I told my dad I wanted to have a studio for Christmas and he said if this was what I want to do, this was my career, and that I have to work hard towards it.”