Saint Lucian artists Dupes and Mecca have made their mark as featured writers on Mahalia’s latest EP, ‘Luvergirl.’ Mahalia, a British singer celebrated for her MOBO Award win and Grammy and BRIT nominations, released the seven-track project in August. Dupes is credited as a writer on two tracks, including ‘Pity,’ which was produced by Jamaica’s IzyBeats and features reggae legend Tanya Stephens. The song cleverly samples Stephens’ 2004 classic of the same name. Additionally, Dupes and Mecca contributed to the dancehall-inspired track ‘Instructions,’ which is built around the iconic Jamaican riddim, ‘The Buzz.’
These collaborations emerged from the Trade Partnerships – Masterroom Music Songwriting Camp, held in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in February. The initiative aimed to strengthen creative and commercial ties between the Caribbean and the UK music industries. Lorcan O’Brian, Caribbean Regional Trade for Development advisor, emphasized the Caribbean’s immense talent and creativity, stating, ‘We really want to see that grow and ensure those commercial links are made with the UK.’
Arnette Mark, CEO of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, praised the songwriting camp as a platform that not only promotes local talent but also positions the island as a hub for cultural collaboration. ‘Getting that exposure and meeting people from outside of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a great thing for us,’ she said, expressing her anticipation for future collaborations and more writing camps. O’Brian added that the long-term vision is to deepen cross-cultural exchange, highlighting the deep historical ties between the UK and the Caribbean. ‘We want to boost cultural collaboration, keep revenue flowing from the UK, and creativity flowing in both directions,’ he concluded.