Travis “Tha Shya” Philip is undoubtedly one of Antigua & Barbudas rising stars, and that star is rising fast. From a very early age, music was in his blood.

“The calypsonian Mighty Chalice is my Father & Sir Victor “Babu” Samuel is my cousin so you could say music was inevitable,” he said.

One thing that strikes you about Tha Shya is his humility, especially given his famous pedigree and musical talent as an accomplished multi-instrumentalist.
“I was a member of the National Youth Band Orchestra since 8 years old; I learned discipline there and by the time I was 15, myself & 5 other members had formed “Just 6” and played all over Guyana, Suriname, St. Croix and just kept winning competitions, all the time representing Antigua & Barbuda officially”.

This isn’t surprising; He is also an accomplished track & field athlete with Antigua Pioneers and has represented Antigua & Barbuda in New York, Washington, & Miami.

“I love to compete & I love to win. For Antigua & Barbuda, I’ve won over 200 medals and 10 international trophies.”

All this & Tha shya is still only 21 years old now.

“I’m young, but was always respectful and this has helped me. Babu Samuel, Mr. Hampson & Lacu Samuel taught me everything musically and I was eager to learn. I’m self-motivated - whatever it is, I’m going to get it done.”

2009 was a memorable year.

“I recorded a 21 song mixtape with Trilogy and overlaid my lyrics on the originals. We placed it on Facebook and it went boom all over the world. I started getting requests to perform the songs & suddenly, Tha Shya was born! In 2010, the artist Drastic told me that I had to make music my career.”

So how has 2011 been for this talented young man?

“Let me tell you, this has been the best year so far, and the Antigua & Barbuda For Life campaign has made a very real difference to me. Suddenly I’m on billboards and posters & one of the best commercials to come out of this country in years! To be identified as a future talent, proud of my country, proud of what I stand for & proud of my music is a great honor.

Literally this week I have re-recorded my anthem, “Larger Than Life” & laid down 2 new tracks, “I Be Winning” & “I’m Doin’ It” at Pelican Studios. I’ve received real support from Digicel and as a result, real support from the wider music industry here. Producers, Engineers and artists are giving me their time freely to ensure I’m a success. What more could I ask for?
I thank them all deeply and it proves that belief & a little support can do great things. The Antigua & Barbuda For Life campaign wasn’t just a step up for me – it was an elevation to another level” It has indeed been a busy week. Tha Shya has received interest from major record labels in the US & Europe and will shortly record promotional clips for the new tracks. He has received requests from the recording artist Akon & the music producer, Chris Noxx of G-UNIT fame, for further recordings.

“I don’t make music, I record art. Words, music, presentation & performance combine to make something wonderful for all to share. If I succeed, I want everyone in Antigua & Barbuda to benefit; I’m going to take the whole country with me!

Check out Tha Shya on Facebook, Twitter & YouTube now and see a proud young Antiguan & Barbudan, in his own words, “Doin’ it For Life”.

Click link below to view one of Shya’s music videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5f6WBMj5wIs