Tour News Update Name Recording Bands/Pop/Soul Carl Bradshaw Star of Harder They Come /Jimmy Cliff Film Cleopatra a new Soca sensation...the new girl on the block ArroW "My music lets me share a piece of Caribbean paradise with all the world. It’s like a ray of sunshine; it touches the heart and soul. I will not rest until Soca music is known throughout the universe.” - Arrow Alphonsus “Arrow” Cassell MBE was born on the lush green Caribbean island of Montserrat; he is the youngest of 9 children. Today Arrow is an international recording artist recognized globally as the “King of Soca” His songs flavour movie soundtracks and enhance products in advertisements; His music has led him to share the stage with the likes of Don Henley, Celine Deon, Joe Cocker and James Brown. Arrow is indeed a superstar in his own right Arrow got his start in much more traditional setting. His love and talent for the calypso art form surfaced during his grade school days, when he showed enthusiasm for the frequent classroom calypso competitions in which children would make up rhymes on the spot. “ I used to sing these calypsos, making fun of the teachers and popular students. I became very popular at school because of that. From there I entered the Montserrat calypso king competition, then the Caribbean ‘king of kings’ Calypso competition.” When all the radio stations in the Caribbean picked up his song; Arrow thought of putting out a record. The record led to an album and the album led to invitations to perform in other islands and tours to promote it. It was during this time Arrow started to push the music to the forefront and lightened the usually heavy, ponderous lyrics of traditional calypso. In short Arrow’s music began to represent something different, the all time flat out Caribbean bacchanalia. Arrows reputation as the “party man” of Caribbean music grew with his sound. But it was in with the release of “Hot, Hot Hot” things went into over drive. The song tore though the Caribbean and had the whole region jumping. The Soca King had arrived and the party was on. “Hot, Hot Hot” would go on to sell over 4 million plus copies; be recorded in twelve different languages; charting in multiple countries and become the international Soca anthem; to date over 22 different versions of “Hot, Hot Hot” exists. This paved the way for arrow to be even more experimental with his music; fusing Latin, hip hop, reggae, dance hall beats and elements of rock to his catchy lyrics. The result is infectious dance music with a tropical flavour…the result is ‘Arrow’s Soca.’ Arrow fused Soca to the Jamaican “dancehall music” and received critical acclaim from Jamaican audiences. So much so that he is to date the only Soca artiest to perform at Reggae Sunsplash in both London and Jamaica. Arrows “Hot, Hot Hot” opened the door for his other songs. “Groove master” another Arrow hit, was used to add flavour to several movie soundtracks; “casual sex” and “The mighty Quinn” to name a few. Other songs have been used in adverts to sell cars, fast food, exotic holidays and the list goes on.  Disney used some of the Soca Kings songs to sound tracks as well. In short Arrow has crossed over to diverse audiences. To see Arrow perform with his “Multi-national Force,” (an all star cast of musicians from several different Caribbean, Central and South American nations) is breathtaking. He moves audiences from sedate to un-restrainable, whipping them into frenzy with non-stop rhythms. Arrow has performed for the late king of morocco and at the request of Queen Elizabeth, was summoned to Buckingham Palace, where he was awarded the prestigious MBE (Member of the British Empire) for his contribution to Soca music. In 1995 the volcano in his homeland became active while others fled the island. Arrow chose to stay and help rebuild the economy. He even went back to traditional calypso (showing he was still in form), singing songs of encouragement and bringing the plight of his island to an international platform. On September 15 1997 Arrow joined a phenomenal group of international recording artists on stage at “The Royal Albert Hall” (London) in a concert organised by Sir George Martin to raise funds for the volcano-ravaged Montserrat. Artists such as Sting, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Buffett, Elton John, and Paul McCartney also took part Arrow headlined along with Harry Belafonte and Sparrow at a fund raising dinner for The University Of The West Indies at which General Colin Powell was honoured. Even at this breakneck pace Arrow still take time to assist recording artist from around the region, many an album liner note give thanks to his contribution in one way or another.  Arrow has put Montserrat and Soca music on the map. With over 31 albums under his belt, he is showing no signs of slowing down. He continues to be demand at venues and festivals worldwide. Back to Pic