?It's been exactly 16 months since he broke away from old ties and challenged himself to a new beginning. No longer willing to be merely a band member, Shurwayne Winchester dedicated himself to his new outfit, YOU, and became the man in charge. Shurwayne's journey has proven one thing: hard work does pay. With his mind set on building not just himself, as an artiste, but also a brand that he hopes will one day become a household name across the region and even the world, Winchester says, "There's nothing like 'I can't'." Faith has led him to what he calls a business outlook. Unlike many other people involved in the Carnival and soca industry, Shurwayne and his team of visionaries do not view the season or the industry as a hustle.
"In 2009, I made a commitment to lead a group of aspiring musicians and what that means to me is ensuring that they have a consistent salary, a place to perfect their craft and a management system to seek the interest of their affairs." Shurwayne says SW Ltd is a real business and, as of late 2009, a recording studio. SW Ltd either fully produced or completed hits that range from the eight tracks off the ABX rhythm–on which he has Chippin with fellow front liner, Prestan and the collaborative hit, Gyal Wine Up with Jamaican duo, RDX–along with Behind De Truck and Jammaz–something that Winchester and his team are very proud of.
Only just begun
With Carnival in full swing, Shurwayne is confident, knowing that he has done his best in the past 16 months, drilling his unit of musicians and consistently being rewarded for the result. "Thankfully, we've been booked for some of the big events this season. The guys who make up YOU–Yes One Unit–have worked hard on establishing themselves and with the journey having only just begun, we all know that it's a work in progress."
With a strong performance at Fire Fete on January 9, the road now leads to WASA Fete, The Original Army Fete, Brass�The Rebirth and quite a few of the other public fetes. All-inclusive fete lovers will also feel the power of Shurwayne and YOU this season, as the guys will grace Yorke's All Inclusive, St Mary's All Inclusive, Jamboree, Blue Range, Bazodee Friday, and Tribe's Dawn, among others.
Giving his best
Always one to exercise humility, Shurwayne said he never anticipates winning anything. "If I happen to walk away with any title, its by the grace of God and the love of the people. The supporters have been unbelievable and all I can do is promise them that we'll always keep working to give them our absolute best." He will be entering the Groovy and Power Soca Monarch competitions once again in 2010 and, this year, Shurwayne will be playing mas for the first time. Shurwayne and YOU are proving that progress comes with striving.
