Trinidad and Tobago’s own, songstress Annya Li, a successful songwriter/model and dancer, who began her journey as a singer at the age of five, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in February 2013. Annya took the stage for the first time at The Bitter End on Nov. 12. She discovered while recording a track in the studio, that it was difficult to hit certain notes, which should have been fairly simple to reach. Deciding to get checked by ear, nose and throat doctors, they discovered three tumors located along the middle of her thyroid. With surgery and radioactive iodine, the doctors were able to remove the cancer.
Now with her voice and life back, she gave an inspired and emotional performance to an intimate crowd of friends and well-wishers. Influenced by the likes of Frank Sinatra, The Beetles, Whitney Houston and various other artists, it has given her a unique genre-bending sound, a soulful voice with a distinctive, unique style, that is honest, emotional with a fresh blend of R&B, Jazz and pop.
Annya performed some of her new material and also had special guest appearances that shared the stage with her as well. She performed “Heart Song” with seasoned guitarist Clurel and also did a duet with Mark Hardy, who is also from Trinidad. They performed their hit song “This Love,” which had an R&B, groovy sound to it.
Mark Hardy AKA Marcus Braveboy, a vocal chameleon, performed his latest single “Pumpin” which gained international airplay and has also been featured on a popular Caribbean puppet show series Santana. He also has a Parang song currently out now in Trinidad called “D Gardener” on the Naughty or Nice Riddim, a fun track done with friends at Xplicit Entertainment.
Annya Li and Mark Hardy, two very talented artists with distinctive styles, are working on great things for the future. Both will continue to write and create music that will connect with people from all walks of life.
Photo by Toni Dubois
