If you were looking for proof that the youth of Anguilla are alive with talent, heart, and rhythm, then the Christian Fellowship Church on Thursday 26th June 2025 was the only place to be. The occasion? The DCC Music Studio’s CSEC Music Candidates 2025 Recital, a night that may have technically been a student showcase – but in spirit and sound, felt more like a world-class concert with all the soul of home.
From the moment the students made their entrance, there was no doubt the audience was in for something special. The 2025 candidates, joined by their 2023 predecessors and fresh-faced 2026 hopefuls, marched in a processional that set the tone: elegant, unified, and full of anticipation.
The evening was chaired by music educator at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School and also one of the CSEC examiners, Ms. Lois Hazell. The pews were filled with family, friends, music lovers, and a healthy dose of government officials – because when young people shine, the whole country ought to show up. Among those present were Hon. Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Cordell Richardson, Ministerial Assistant Mr. Jeison Bryan, Hon. Minister of Infrastructure Mr. Jose Vanterpool, AUF District 5 Candidate Mr. Davon Carty, and Opposition Member Hon. Mr. Merrick Richardson.
Mrs. Hamewatie Narine first offered a thoughtful reflection on what it means to study music. “Music is more than just notes on a paper,” she reminded us. “It is a universal language that transcends boundaries, evokes emotions and speaks to the very soul of humanity.”
Ms. Hazell offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the demanding nature of the CSEC music programme, describing it as an intense academic and creative journey. Students must complete a School-Based Assessment that includes analysing eight audio ads, prepare a solo with matching scales and arpeggios, and perform an ensemble piece. For the final exam, they present a three-year portfolio, showcase their musical growth, and perform original compositions and arrangements live.
“It’s very intense,” Ms.?Hazell admitted, urging the audience to applaud these young talents whose results, though not yet released, she confidently predicted to be strong.
Somaiya Banks, daughter of beloved local reggae legend Omari Banks, opened the floor and set the bar sky-high. Her solo piano rendition of Joanna MacGregor’s “Lowside Blues” was a rich, smoky delight, followed by a charismatic ensemble performance of George Benson’s “Breezin,” where she swapped the piano for an electric guitar while her sister, Ashe, grounded the piece with cool finesse on the bass. The crowd demanded an encore – so the sisters obliged, delivering a soulful cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” that earned roaring applause.
Lerique Richardson took the stage next with the calm confidence of someone who knows his music speaks louder than words. His solo, Hummel’s “Scherzo,” was a challenging pick, and though he faltered briefly, he recovered with the quiet strength of a true musician. He then switched to the recorder for a groovy ensemble arrangement of Camila Cabello’s “Havana”.
Sharvin Narine, one half of the island’s own musical duo 1264 Island Boys, brought the audience from Vienna to Sandy Ground in the span of two songs. First, he delivered Beethoven’s timeless “Für Elise” with precision and poetic flair, then he spun the mood entirely with “Pan Fusion” by Anguilla’s own Michael ‘Dumpa’ Martin, a piece that popped with colour, rhythm, and a palpable sense of island joy.
But beyond the performances were the students’ original compositions and arrangements. Each student also presented imaginative original works.
Somaiya reimagined “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” as a versatile tune, while her piece “The Triumph” offered a powerful orchestral narrative of war and peace. Lerique turned “Insy Bitsy Spider” into a colourful musical adventure and his original “Whispers of the Night” blended suspense and hope. Sharvin’s “Mary Had a Little Lamb” marched through multiple genres with lively flair, and “Whispers of the Ember Path” told a magical, cinematic tale of transformation.
Though absent, 2025 candidate, Khai Smith impressed with his animated arrangement of “Old MacDonald” and the reflective, forest-set journey of “War Dreams”.
Throughout the evening, younger DCC Music Studio students alongside all past, present and future CSEC candidates, graced the stage under the baton of the ever-inspiring Mrs. Daphne Jacobs-Richardson. Their renditions of Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” and Bach’s “March” on the recorder were crisp, proud, and full of youthful charm.
The night closed with certificates handed out to all 38 DCC Music Studio students, a proud pat on the back for months (and years) of dedication and practice.
Needless to say, this year’s recital was a resounding success. As the students sashayed out of the building, their certificates in hand and faces beaming with pride, it was clear to all in attendance that Anguilla’s musical future is not only secure – it is brilliantly bright.
Article by Janissa Fleming
