The streets of Campden Park were alive with the sounds of laughter and music. Amidst the hustle and bustle, a young boy named Kendel Burke, affectionately known by locals as the “dancer boy,” spent his days perfecting his moves. From the age of eight, Kendel’s passion for performing was evident. He often danced behind local icons like Skinny Fabulous, Zola, Lively, and Fya Empress, drawing inspiration and honing his craft.
Years later, Kendel Burke, now known as the renowned soca artist Chowminster, sat down for an exclusive interview with Asberth News Network.
The interview began by delving into Kendel’s early life. Growing up in Campden Park, he quickly gained a reputation as the “dancer boy.” Kendel recalled how he started dancing at a young age, finding joy and passion in performing. “Growing up in Campden Park was a huge influence on me. I started dancing when I was just a kid and quickly fell in love with the stage,” he shared. Dancing behind prominent local artists like Skinny Fabulous and Zola was thrilling, but music was always in his blood.
Kendel’s transition to music was inevitable, given his family’s involvement in various genres. His talents were discovered by Akene “Prez” Keizer when he was just 14. This discovery marked a turning point in his life, setting him on the path to becoming a soca artist. “Akene ‘Prez’ Keizer and Kemuel ‘Karbon Jamz’ Stapleton, who are well-known artists in my family, had a huge influence on me,” Kendel explained. “Soca is our most popular genre, so it felt like the right path. They encouraged me and helped shape my musical journey.”
Kendel’s music career officially started in 2017 with his first track, “FarmVille,” fondly remembered as “Jump Like a Dog.” The song was all about fun and games, marking an exciting start to his journey. However, it was in 2020 that his first big hit, “Sugar Daddy,” took the soca world by storm. This was followed by “In the Water,” which helped him gain international recognition. “Seeing people of all ages enjoying my songs is a huge inspiration. It keeps me motivated to keep creating,” he said.
One of the most emotional moments in Kendel’s career was visiting the Eiffel Tower in France. The experience was surreal, and he couldn’t believe he was actually there. “It was a dream come true, and I shed a tear,” he admitted. Another unforgettable experience was performing solo at Howard’s Theater in Washington DC. “The energy from the crowd was incredible,” he recalled.
Throughout his career, Kendel has collaborated with a variety of artists. When asked about his favorite collaboration, he highlighted working with Father Phillis. “Father Phillis stands out because his energy and vibe are just unmatched,” he noted. Looking ahead, Kendel has a lot of projects in the pipeline. He has been working with international producers like Fryktion and Boogy Ranks, as well as local producers like Power Jay and Lester Iroah. “There’s a lot of new music coming, and I’m excited about the future,” he shared.
Despite his success, Kendel remains grounded. He enjoys football and comedy in his free time and believes in staying connected with his community and fans. Reflecting on Vincy soca, he emphasized the need for more local artists to push it globally. “The music and the artists must evolve to stay relevant,” he stated.
Kendel’s message to aspiring young artists is one of perseverance and faith. “Never give up, even when people aren’t listening. Motivation starts with you. Trust the process and have faith in God. Music can take you to places you’ve only dreamed of,” he advised.
As the interview concluded, Kendel shared his dream performance destination: Dubai. “It’s always been a dream, and what better way to experience it than through music?” he said with a smile.