Grateful and moving forward

After his success last year, Grateful Co wasted no time getting ready for the 2024 Crop Over Festival.

That’s why before June he had already released six songs, several of which are heating the airwaves on social media and some events.

“This Crop Over, I am looking forward to great things. I was planning from last year. I was trying to get out there as early as possible.

“In 2022 I had Location. Last year I had Center and I knew people would be looking for good-quality music so I was in the studio early.

He added: “I wanted people to get into the music so that by the time I get on the stage, they know it and we could just have a good time and vibe together and so far the response has been so awesome,” he said.

The 32-year-old, whose real name is Rico Gaskin, made those comments to Weekend Buzz at Hi Gate Garden and Bar, Dash Valley, St George, where he signed as a Rude Boy ambassador along with Mole and Walkes.

He said he set out to ensure his songs were diverse.

“I wanted to build my catalogue and give the people everything. I got something for the girls, the [party-goers],” he said.

So far, he has released, Til Morning, No Horn, Good At It, On She Way, Still Hay, and he’s featured on the official When Last remix by Trinidadian GBM Nutron and Barbadian super producer Justin Just Jay King.

He thanked collaborators such as Leadpipe & Saddis, Shana Pull De Trigga Hinds, Paul Parris and several others who he said have been instrumental in furthering his career.

This year the former Junior Monarch will also be giving back to the competition that gave him
his start.

As part of the Junior Monarch, competitors benefit from the expertise of seasoned and established artistes such as The Most Honourable Stetson RPB Wiltshire, TC, Ian Webster, Mac Fingall, Lisa Howell and Rochelle Griffith, who share their knowledge and advice to facilitate the young artistes’ development through a mentorship process.

Grateful Co also expressed gratitude to the National Cultural Foundation for giving him the chance to visit Trinidad for Carnival in February. He said he was aiming to secure similar opportunities to further his career and represent Barbados.

“God is the greatest and I am proud and excited to hit every stage. Trinidad was awesome. I also got the chance to do Jamaica Carnival and, to be honest, that is what I am here to do. I want to travel, push the music and Barbados,” he said.

He also thanked Rude Boy and said that kind of support allowed him to reach new markets with his music. “This allows me to put my music out there on a bigger platform with backing from a global brand,” he added.

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