Singer and songwriter Vashti Bodden brings the blue, red, white, yellow and green colours of the Cayman Islands flag to life with the release of ‘Proudly Caymanian’, a song dedicated to the spirit of the country and its people.
Originally penned in 2021, she thought the song “wouldn’t be received well amongst Cayman people”, Bodden told the Compass.
“I sat on it for a long time. Eventually I had the burning [desire] to release the song in 2024. I sent it to Jason ‘Skorch Bun It’ Gilbert, and he jumped on it immediately. He took it the way that it was and made it a masterpiece.”
Along with local artist and producer Gilbert, the nearly four-minute-long song also includes local musicians Samuel Rose, Chris and Lammie Seymour, and Daniel Augustine as contributors to the project.
In addition, the song was complemented by a video release with local dancers vibing along Cayman beaches.
The singer received loud applause and a standing ovation when she performed the song during the official swearing-in ceremony for the newly elected government held on 6 May.
“When I perform the song, it’s spreading the message … it’s sending the message to everyone that I am Caymanian. It’s also about [seeing through the] lens of a Caymanian … all the different things that make us Caymanian … that make us proud to be Caymanian,” Bodden said.
‘Music is a part of me’
The powerhouse vocalist got her start in singing from an early age, performing on local stages including the National Children’s Festival of the Arts. In 1999 she found a home as a lead vocalist with popular local band, Heat.
“They moulded me into where I am today,” she said, deciding to release the ‘Proudly Caymanian’ song to commemorate her 25th anniversary singing with the band.
Bodden said her musical career has been rewarding to date, performing locally, regionally and internationally.
“Music is a part of me … Every time I hit the stage, I try to craft my musicianship. I try to do the best I can. It doesn’t matter if it’s a small stage or a big stage, I execute it the same.”
Apart from her Caribbean musical roots, Bodden plans to explore other genres including reggae and country music.
When it comes to music, Bodden said, representing the island and Caribbean is very important, adding “I just want to showcase Cayman and all that it has to offer.”
Along with Proudly Caymanian, Bodden has recently released her carnival-inspired single ‘Anytime Anywhere’ featuring Skorch Bun It.
For more, follow @sincerlyvashti on Instagram.
