Harella- Diva of the BVI

By Suelika N. Creque
Editor-SKNVibes.com

ROAD TOWN, Tortola - IN 2003, Harella Georges took the British Virgin Islands by storm when she joined and added a new flare to the Xtreme Soca Band; and some five years later, her amazing vocals and incredible stage performances keep taking us higher and higher.

Dubbed the ‘Diva of the BVI’ in May 2007 at the BVI Music Festival, Georges’ career took off instantaneously from performing “Wine on me” with Onyan of Antigua at a local release party for VP Records to sharing the stage with some of the best in Caribbean music, including Allison Hinds, Denese Belfon, Destra Garcia, Michelle Sylvester, Denise Plummer, and Claudette Peters, along with male artistes Baby Cham, Machel Montano, Mr. Vegas, Shurwayne Winchester, Biggie Irie, I-Wayne, Krosfyah, Da Band and Jam Band.

Originally from Dominica, Georges moved to the BVI 19 years ago with her parents and siblings. She is a proud mother of one son Jaidon, or JD, whom she describes as her biggest fan.

Like many artistes, Georges began singing in the church at a very young age.

“Once I got over my insecurities I was able to propel myself forward,” she told SKNVibes. “First, singing in church then at school with a small group from our choir…then at local events. The more I got the more I wanted! It became evident to me at age 11 that music was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.”

Her performance at the BVI Music Festival in 2007 will always be memorable to her because not only was she dubbed Diva of the BVI, but also sharing the stage with the leading ladies of soca, Denese Belfon, Destra and Allison Hinds, was rewarding for the artiste.

She is now focused more than ever in taking her career to the regional and international stages.

“The sky is the limit for me. I have not set any limits for myself…most important for me right now is getting my name out there with the music that I have,” she said. “However, I do not believe in just standing still, I am working on that one hit which will help to catapult me even further. The Internet has been the greatest source of connection to the media and also other persons in the industry such as writers, producers and managers, and I utilise it to the fullest.”

In an effort to get her music on the international charts, Georges is also working with a New York-based promotion company called Blackroots.

“Higher” and “Give it to me” are two of her recent releases that she wrote with the assistance of Parry Jack, producer of Blackroots, along with Bud Ramsey and Ragga out of Trinidad.

Some of Georges’ past hits include her 2005 “Lonely Am I” and “We Belong”, an adaptation of Pat Benatar’s original. Both songs showcased Georges’ diverse talent which she has to offer the music industry.

She is currently working on completing her first album titled “Take it Higher”, which is named after her “Higher” single.

She describes the single as a groovy soca track with a crossover feel; however, no date has been set for the release of her album.

However, “Higher” has been getting rave reviews and because of its success she has been invited to take part in the Broward Carnival in Miami.

“I am already booked for two shows for this event which include shows on October 11 and 13,” she said. From there and after the Soca Awards, I will be heading to Canada closer to the end of the month for my first performance there. I’m really excited and nervous,” she said.

Georges was invited to perform at the pre-awards show on October 17, which precedes the 2008 International Soca Awards.

“It is a big step for me and I am anxious. I’m also excited to explore Sugar City a bit.  The last time I was there was in 2005 for the Music Festival,” she said. “You guys always put out well, I had a great time.”

To anyone interested in pursuing a career as an artiste, Georges advises that they should first be true to themselves and talent.

“Stand your ground and don’t waver. It is not easy! Many seem to think it’s glitz and glamour, however, it is a lot of hard work and time consuming,” she said. “You have to be a go-getter as an artiste here in the Caribbean, it’s not gonna come to you, so use all means and all avenues available to you. Never close a door, because you do not know if you are gonna need to squeeze back through there. Determination and hard work…total mind, body and soul.”

A regular performer at the major shows in the BVI, Georges said she is working on a couple of collaborations that would be released shortly.

“I believe in moving forward with your eyes wide open and jumping at every opportunity that may present itself,” she said.

Describing herself as a simple lover of nature, Georges said she enjoys relaxing and spending time with family and friends. For more on this artiste, check out www.myspace.com/harella.