The year 1976 saw the birth of an unassuming young woman, whose musical style would change the face of what people called ‘Caribbean music’. Tony Norville grew up in the parish of St. Michael and developed a healthy appreciation for music during her formative years. Before achieving a series of firsts in her career, Toni followed her passion for music by being one of the founders of the teenaged group Smooth Boyz, when she was only 14. Phillip Forrester managed the group and that relationship grew and was maintained until the start of Toni’s solo career some years later.

A year later at 15 years old Toni achieved national recognition when she placed first runner up in a National Teen Talent Competition performing “Go On Home”, which she co-wrote with Phillip Forester. By now Toni’s outstanding vocals had been sought after by many bands, and by 1993 she moved on to Spice & Company. By 1996, she would become the lead vocalist for Barbados’s hottest band 4 D People. With her new band Toni performed at the first Caribbean Music Expo in Montego Bay Jamaica in 1998 and also won a demo deal with Island Jamaica to record their hit single “Love Will Never Let You Down.” During her seven year stint with 4 D People she toured the Caribbean, North America and Europe, constantly promoting the values of peace; a belief in an omnipotent higher power and love. By this time Toni’s earthy performance style (she often discarded her shoes halfway through high profile performances) and propensity for borrowing elements of many genres had made her decidedly marketable as Caribbean soul – music of the West Indies with a touch of Rhythm & Blues

Going solo in late 2002 with the launch of the Toni Norville Project, her debut album “Caribbean Soul” was released in 2003. Writing most of the songs herself, Toni drew inspiration from real life experiences for the material for the album. By this time Toni had developed her social conscience, choosing to focus issues affecting women and children. Produced by Phillip Forrester and recorded primarily at Carib Soul Records, the thirteen track album features collaborations with Lady Saw, Chevel Franklyn, rapper ‘Scotch’ and a number of upcoming artistes. Two BET produced videos were also filmed for the singles “Keep That On Your Mind” and “Whatever.”

In 2004 Toni collaborated with the likes of Jamaican Dancehall Superstar Spragga Benz and released a single “Lullaby,”. With a few additional tracks in the production stages, she is aiming to repackage the “Caribbean Soul” for international distribution.

Toni lent her own flavour and spice to the ground-breaking launch of MTV Tempo but the seasoned performer was only cautiously optimistic about the venture. “Any opportunity that will allow our artistes to be seen and heard is great, however, Caribbean videos are yet to attain the necessary standard required.” She maintains though, that “There is an abundance of talent in the region” but she feels that artistes and promoters alike are yet to take the industry seriously.

With those words of wisdom the mother of five year old daughter Eden continues to look deeper into her ‘Caribbean Soul’ … inspiring awe and wonder with her incredible range and vocal control. We can only wait with baited breath for what will emerge next.

Back>>