Four years ago, he told the T&T Guardian he was not interested in becoming a household name too quickly, rather his focus was on perfecting his craft. Fast-forward to 2015, Hashim Simonette who lived in Tortola since childhood, has moved back home to pursue his music career.
The 22-year-old has been knocking on soca's doors for a few years well. In 2011, he offered the self-written composition Ready to Jam, which he entered in the Groovy category of the International Soca Monarch competition, but failed to make it to the finals.
Despite the disappointment he remained consistent, putting out material every year.
This year he again entered the competition with his songs Free Up, produced by Darell Fahie, and Sweet Carnival, produced by Precision Sound.
However, for yet another time, he did not make it to the finals. But, the Diego Martin resident is not being sappy about it.
He is always grateful for the opportunity to have even made it this far.
This year is also particularly special for the former R&B/pop singer as it was the first time he penned a song for another artiste.
Simonette is the composer of Out on D Road sung by Roy Cape All Stars' Darnella Simmons.
The song appears on the popular Kan Kan Riddim which also features Phenomenal by Benji, Ola by Olatunji Yearwood, Best Gal by Sekon Star and Her Love by Flipo.
Asked about this experience, Simonette said he was happy but also humbled.
"I am just happy that they took a chance on the song and me as an upcoming entertainer in this business.
"I am also very proud of Darnella because I think she did an awesome job with vocals."
He plans on writing more for other artistes as well as doing song collaborations.
"I have always said I am here for the fun of it. I work hard but I also give myself the opportunity to enjoy my work. It is not always about competitions. Sometimes it's just about making great music."
