CAF, the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, has selected Antiguan soca and calypso artist Tyreke “VICIOUS” Lewis for recognition in the third edition of the Enrique García Leadership Award, acknowledging his contribution to youth artist development. Lewis has been invited to the ceremony in Madrid, Spain, on 5 November 2026.
Lewis personally funds and hosts the VICIOUS Music Artist Launchpad, a free workshop for aspiring artists under 18 in Antigua and Barbuda. During the 2026 Carnival season, 11 workshop participants reached the Junior Soca Monarch semifinals, with eight advancing to the finals.
“Coming through Junior Soca Monarch, I had to do so much myself because I couldn’t afford professional help, so I want to give young artists the guidance and support I needed at their age,” Lewis said.
Lewis has written three Junior Soca Monarch-winning songs: African Prince’s “African Jam” (Jumpy, 2019), Jai’Lilah’s “Party Nice Again” (Groovy, 2023), and her follow-up “Beast Mode” (Jumpy, 2024). His wider work with junior artists from 2018 to date also includes Jai’Lilah’s Junior Calypso Monarch title and nine additional competition placements across various performers.
Launchpad sessions cover vocal preparation, breath control, microphone technique and stage presentation, alongside guidance on media interviews and social media.
In the letter confirming his selection, CAF Secretary General Alejandra Claros Borda said the institution was pleased to “recognize your distinguished career, leadership, and the important work you continue to advance.” The award’s third edition focuses on culture as a driver of sustainable development.
A Junior Calypso Monarch winner in 2017 and 2018, Lewis was also a finalist in both the Groovy and Jumpy segments of the 2026 Inet Party Monarch competition, securing second runner-up in Groovy. He graduated from SAE Institute Miami in 2024 with a degree in audio engineering, a 4.0 GPA and the distinction of salutatorian.
His performances at Antigua Day in New York and Miami Carnival have brought Antiguan music to overseas audiences, while his single “Sweet Julie” celebrates the islands and the feeling of home.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: VICIOUS Earns International Recognitionfor Youth Artist Development.