Shaunelle Mc Kenzie

Born under the zodiac sign Capricorn, Shaunelle was born to two loving parents namely Gosnel Cupid, a well renowned calypsonian in St.Vincent and the Grenadines, and Hazel-Ann Mc Kenzie. Shaunelle started singing at the tender age of seven doing small performances at school and in church. She entered competition phase for the first time in 1993 where she represented the Calliaqua Anglican Primary school in their junior calypso competition. She was therefore successful and continued her winning ways in 1994, as well as 1995.

Shaunelle then entered the St.Joseph's Convent Kingstown in 1996 where she competed for the Secondary school title and emerged victorious. In 1997 and 1998 she had to settle for the third spot. However, In 1999 she took back what was now known as 'her crown', and did the same in the year 2000. In 2001 she then went on to further her studies at the St.Vincent and the Grenadines Community College where she represented that school in the competition for the next two years and won. This win gave her the title of having the most calypso crowns won by any individual in St.Vincent and the Grenadines.

Shaunelle has now moved on the bigger and better things. In the year 2000, she joined the band New Direction, which started her off on a soca journey, elevating her from the junior category to the more senior and more matured element of this art form. Little did she know that this would have opened her eyes to a career in singing. Later on she joined the band Blaksand, where she became band mates with Maddzart, an energetic performer, and Adrian Bailey, an excellent producer and musical arranger.

Shaunelle describes 2002 as being one of her better years. This was mainly due to the fact that both hits that year, Hot & Crazy and Don't Fraid It, topped the Hitz FM charts at #2 and #11 respectively; Hot & Crazy receiving both regional and international recognitions. Shaunelle is the sole female vocalist and co founder of SVG's newest and hottest band HottSand Phaktor, and hopes that, with her vocal abilities, energetic stage presence and show stopping performances she will be able to assist in taking her band to the next level. Additionally, she hopes to lift the level of music and performances in St.Vincent and the Grenadines.

She admires entertainers such as David Rudder, Calypso Rose, Singing Sandra and her own Vincentian/Barbadian brother Tony 'Rebel' Bailey, who has inspired her in more than one ways.
She thanks all the persons who have given her support over the years, including her home town Calliaqua/Choppins. She wishes all the future bands and entertainers the best, and hopes that they would use her persistence as a motivational element in their endeavors.