Straight from the Heart Man with Young Rising Soca Star, Tevin Hartman

Tevin describes his decision to become a soca artiste, not as a moment but as an opportunity. He started music along with a friend named Aqiyl Haynes. They were in school “under wildness”, beating a desk. Fun in school turned into a viral facebook video back in 2012. A video that got Tevin thinking that he should try his hand at music. In 2014, Tevin went on to win a MillBeatz Entertainment Facebook Competition and the rest is history.

Tevin’s biggest achievement thus far was winning the Eye Slam Super Star 2018 Competition. The young soca artiste expressed his gratitude saying, “As a new artiste it is a difficult to get your name and face out there. Hats off to Slam 100.5FM for at least giving five artistes the opportunity.” His music was surfing the airwaves during the competition. This made it a lot easier for people to hear his music. The Edinburgh 500 artiste went on to say, “people always say yuh music good but through the grace of God winning the competition was my greatest achievement so far.”

Get to know rising soca star Tevin Hartman more through this Q&A dozen:

Q1. What is your favourite moment as an artiste?

Opening a show for Bunji Garlin. Someone could either tell you yes or no. I believe you should always ask. I was looking for an event on facebook, sent a message asking for exposure and an opportunity to perform. I went down (to the event) and performed.  Bunji gave me some advice. He said, “Some people will come to events and would not want to move and watch you straight in your face as a new artiste or seasoned artiste to try to intimidate you. Just deliver the music down their throat!”

Q2. What was the worst moment that you experienced as an artiste?

I really never had one but expecting some in the future. There are times though I was not sure of myself. Sometimes I am not sure if to release music. Sometimes you feel like you might not get the love.

Q3: What is your pet peeve?

Disrespectful people.

Q4: Whom do you admire the most?

My big brother and former National footballer, Kenwyne Jones (Bet you didn’t see that coming).

Q5: What is your favourite dish?

Lasagna.

Q6: Besides music, what do you like to do?

Play football.

Q7: What football team is your favourite?

Barcelona.

Q8: Who is your favourite football player?

Messi. (I thought he was going to say his big brother but go figure).

Q9: What is the best advice that you ever received? Who gave it to you?

Preedy: “Always invest in yourself.”

Q10: What do you think are the qualities required to become a successful artiste?

You need to be brave, need to be resilient, always need to be prepared to deal with any situation because things can change at an instant. You also need to be dedicated, and persistent.

Q11. What are your goals as an artiste in the future?

To win soca monarch. To be the best representative of soca music using all the tools and resources available to me. To push soca music and in the next five years, to be the person or part of the process of putting soca music on the map.

Q12. What advice do you have for aspiring artistes?

If yuh want to be a soca artst, “no” should never be your full stop. If someone tells you “no” then it should give you the drive to want it even more. Soca music is not for the faint of heart. It is not for ’softy, softy’ people. Not every year will be your best year, you have to have a turtle back, strong back, hard back because nothing is promised in this industry so ensure to keep perfecting your craft.

Tevin is grateful for his support team consisting of Che Riley, Nickel Corneal, Akeem Bonaporte and everyone who supported his music. Tevin has a soca competition record that even Floyd Mayweather would envy.  The artiste remains undefeated in all competitions. Soca music has a new undisputed champion and his name is Tevin Hartman.

Tevin Hartman’s music includes Don't Tote (2015), No Way (2016), Major Key (2017), Reflections ft. Sekon Sta (2017), No Shame (2018). Search for “Tevin Hartman” soca star of tomorrow, today on Youtube, Facebook and Instagram.