Be The Change
Unstoppable. Nikki G, A Caribbean Voice Talent Internationally Has A Major Message.
A woman who possesses pure skill and determination to succeed is unstoppable. Add to those characteristics, a woman from the Caribbean, and the potential to win, increases tenfold. Nicole Goddard is that woman.
Known by many across the media and Caribbean entertainment landscape as Nikki G – The Voice, the Trinidad and Tobago born Voiceover talent, digital media professional and podcast host, is making waves internationally.
Nikki was discovered in the US by producer, Ali Sylvester who expressed a likeness for her natural voice during telephone conversation. She was just 21-years-old then, and admits that she had no knowledge about the world of voiceover work. “I went to the studio and eventually landed an online radio show with Maximum Radio 1. That was the birth of Nikki G,” she explained. Eventually, that chance opportunity catapulted Nicole into the realm of media and entertainment. She says while she wanted to be a singer in her youth, a saturated international industry made her reconsider her options, and essentially, her focus switched to honing her media skills.
She is pursuing her passion.
Since those early years in the industry, Nikki has made quite a name for herself, working alongside many Soca artistes, including Olatunji Yearwood, Kes The Band, MX Prime and others. Added to that, the one-woman digital powerhouse has managed to effectively deliver as a photographer and videographer with islandmix.com. She says the pandemic forced her to rethink her effort in the voiceover industry though, noting that for approximately eight years prior, her primary focus had been delivering behind the scenes for Islandmix and other Caribbean entertainment websites.
Now, post pandemic, Nikki G – The Voice, is back behind the microphone, more excited than ever to lend her Caribbean energy to events and campaigns that require her unique sound. “Persistence is key in this business,” she said, noting that she believes advice can truly come from anyone, and constructive criticism is something that can build a person’s character. “No matter what anyone says though, only you will know what works for you,” she advised, explaining that while there will be voices sharing opinions, it’s important to listen to the voices of the people who have the best intentions.
Proudly, Nikki is pushing hard as a media personality. She recently launched a new podcast called, “Table Talk Show,” which aims at highlighting talented people within the Caribbean community and internationally. “As a female, Caribbean voiceover talent and entrepreneur, I am proud of my many talents and heritage. I plan to continue spreading the culture through ‘Table Talk,’ and encouraging our youths of today, especially the young ladies of tomorrow. I want them to know that every goal or dream is attainable, if they try, and always put their best foot forward.”
Social media and technology a major part of the business she’s in, Nikki encourages all of the Caribbean to stay in tuned to what she’s up to by checking out her website at www.nikkimedia.com and visiting her SoundCloud profile.
Her Table Talk podcast is available for streaming and download on Apple Podcasts. “There’s a place for everyone in society. My blessings may not be yours and the road we walk may not be the same, but we can all be winners,” she says.
Be The Change
Delivering Events With Purpose, Soca’s Shurwayne Winchester Partners With Schools for Better.
Trinidad and Tobago artiste, Shurwayne Winchester has revealed that over the past couple years he’s been hosting events alongside schools partnered with, with proceeds going towards bettering the environments students enjoy.
A few years ago, the artiste says he visited a school for the usual interaction with students. His talk started as it typically did, with him explaining to the students that the institution passed for, shouldn’t determine their success. He encouraged the youths to focus on the work and be committed to succeeding on their journey. “One of the students at this particular school was straight. He looked at me and in not so many words, he said there was nothing at the institution to be encouraged by.”
The teenager argued that as students of that particular school, they felt ‘less than’ as compared to students of other schools where there were better resources for learning. Shurwayne said he left the school that day, awakened to the reality that’s felt by many youths in Trinidad and Tobago. “That day, those students told me they felt forgotten because while some schools had comfort, they didn’t. I knew I had to do something to change that,” he said.
An idea, born from the bosom of one young man’s honesty, has since positively impacted two schools in Trinidad. “I had done events to help schools raise funds before, but not like this. I wanted to do something where I could be directly involved. I didn’t want the funds to be redirected if placed directly in the schools’ hands. I really wanted to help,” said the artiste. With that his mission, Shurwayne first approached St. Xavier’s and partnering with the school’s principal, his team at SW Limited hosted The Vineyard with all proceeds aiding the school’s infrastructural needs. “The template is basic. I ask the school what they need. I then get a quotation from a registered contractor for the project and SW Limited builds an event, investing 100% of the finances. The school and the parents are responsible for pushing out the tickets. That’s the only thing we ask of them,” he said, emphasizing the importance of parents’ involvement. “You must have an active and involved group of parents who really want to see that change for their children. We then take away the headache of delivering the show and overseeing the school project’s completion. Everything is documented for complete transparency and accountability.”
Shurwayne says his heart is extremely full, knowing that this initiative is helping others to see their full potential. “My mom and dad always said, “use the gifts you have and give back,”” he recalled, pondering the humble teachings of his parents who passed away earlier this year. In November, a third school will benefit from this initiative. Shurwayne says the overall goal is to raise funds to help other schools that may not be in a position to get the assistance of sponsors. “We’re willing to work with any school that’s willing to agree to the template we’ve created. We’ve built Team A+ under the SW Limited banner, and we’re now moving from school to school. Interested schools can email SW Limited at swlimited@gmail.com with details about their school and what they’d like to have addressed,” said the artiste.
Extending his gratitude to fellow artistes and musicians, suppliers and others who have shown their support for the effort, Shurwayne says he is extremely thankful to everyone who’s made a difference in the lives of the children, whether directly or indirectly. “I believe I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing because as an entertainer, these people give their support to us in a way that I can’t even thank them enough for. Many of the parents have supported me over many years so if I can now support their children in this way, I’m here to do it. I’m not doing for the school. The school is doing for me, because the school allows me to remind myself of what my responsibility is to my country, my fanbase and the responsibility of carrying on my parents’ names – Codrington and Linda Winchester. I want to do great things and everything I do has to be great,” he said.
‘Just The Two of Us’ is yet another event created to fulfill the needs of students. It will be hosted in January 2026 with Team A + promising an enjoyable experience for all who attend. This week, Shurwayne and his team will give insight into two of the completed projects. “We’ll be showing the full scope of the projects – from planning to completion, on my YouTube channel. Anyone who’s interested in getting involved, whether directly or indirectly can take a look at what we’ve committed to and reach out. As one nation we can do great things. All it takes is love and commitment.”
Be The Change
Mothers in Focus; Encouraged to Assert Themselves.
Young mothers have the distinguished honor of shaping the generation to come. With that in mind, emphasis is being placed on honoring all mothers this Mother’s Day weekend. In an extraordinary shift however, organisers of one celebratory event dubbed, ‘To Mom With Love,’ say they are paying close attention to the state of affairs in T&T at this time, hosting their event from 11:30am and ending at 3pm, to ensure the safety of all patrons.
A lot goes into the formal planning of any event, and special events honoring niche audiences is no different. Understanding that women are their primary target audience, Lou Francis and his team have made safety a top priority. “Because of what’s happening in our society presently, our aim is to provide an event that offers an outlet for safe and enjoyable entertainment. We are starting and ending earlier than usual to ensure that our patrons return to their homes while it is still light out,” said Francis.
Emphasis placed on reigniting the love and appreciation for mothers in society, Lou explained that his team saw the significance of celebrating mothers and honoring them for all that they do, throughout the year. “Mothers have, and continue to be the bedrock of society. Celebrating them is a way of honoring and showing appreciation for the love, care and sacrifices that they make for their children and families,” he said.
‘To Mom With Love’ takes place on Mother’s Day – May 12th at the Torenia Hall, Centre of Excellence. “Moms and their loved ones can look forward to a sumptuous luncheon prepared by renowned chefs. Entertainment will be top tier, ranging from precision instrumentalists to top class vocalists,” assured Francis. The event features the likes of The Baron, Charmaine Forde, Kerwin Trotman, Pedro Lezama, John Thomas and ‘D’ Piano Girl, Johanna.
Urging all mothers to proudly assert themselves in the lives of their children, Francis said mothers are natural nurturers who guide and shape the lives of their children, which essentially builds society. “As young mothers take on the mantle of such immense responsibility, I would like to let them all know that they are important and they are needed. We all know that the journey is not without its challenges, but we must remind all mothers of the pride and joy they all feel when they see their children flourish. That is the reward.”
For further information on ‘To Mom With Love,’ those interested can call 732-3402.
