Lil Bitts is Making 'Mischief'

Shivonne Churche, more popularly known as ‘Lil Bitts’ has been on the soca scene for the past few years, consistently delivering infectious tunes such as “Bump” and “Careful” to her fans. The world has witnessed her maturation from her debut single “In my country” alongside Bunji Garlin to an independent artiste who has a full repertoire of songs under her belt. WomanWise recently caught up with the busy pint-sized star, who has already been enjoying a promising Carnival season with two more offerings called “Ketchin it” and “Mischief”. This year, her songs which are produced by Kernal Roberts and written by her brother Sherrad have exposed a different side of her. 

“Mischief, as you've seen in the video, has brought out a sexier, sultrier side to me, and Ketchin It is not a song that I'd usually do as a female artiste,” said Churche. “My brother Sherrard Churche and I worked alongside Kernal Roberts this time. I chose Kernal because he is a very good friend of mine and also because he's blessed and remarkably talented and he fully understands how to produce good soca music. He produced the actual music, my brother did the melody and I added my voice.” 

 

Although Sherrad has written a slew of tunes for the young star, Lil Bitts divulged that she is open to performing tunes written by other artistes. “Well, initially I wrote for myself and even before that Kernal Roberts wrote for me; he's the one that got me into the soca arena. When I was singing calypso, a guy by the name of Nero wrote my first calypso, but I don't mind working with other writers once it’s suited for me. My brother is not only my song writer; he’s my manager, my friend, my brother, advisor... he's the entire package.” This year, Churche has been accepted into the Soca monarch semi finals where she promises to be more assertive as a performer, and has a couple of surprises that she’s keeping mum. When asked if she thinks competing in the groovy category will prove to be a stiffer feat, she said that both Groovy and Power Soca are tough ones because of the great songs emerging this year. With Soca King Machel Montano also expressing interest in competing in the Groovy competition this year, she said, “I don't think it’s a disadvantage, but it would push the other artistes to work harder.” Her two offerings have allowed her to enjoy a bumper season thus far; her songs have been making the rounds and she’s been performing in fetes, all inclusives, company functions, boat rides and clubs. Contrary to her positive outlook for this year’s Carnival, many artistes have been grousing about the lack of airplay meted out to them. Churche, however, does not view this as a stumbling block. 

 

“Whether you get a lot of airplay or not as an artiste you just have to go out there and work your thing regardless.” Describing herself as a strong and hungry performer for 2012, she is focusing on balancing her crazy schedule for the remainder of the Carnival season, but hints at a surprise for next year’s Carnival. Sherrad will be making a transition from songwriter to performer in 2013. “I can't wait,” she happily proclaimed. “I’m crazy excited! He's definitely going to be a performer to be reckoned with,” and added that the intention will be to work, record and perform together as a duo and also as solo artistes. All in all, Churche could not be any more eager to entertain this year, and this girlie girl will be adjusting her style concept a bit. “I’m generally bringing a little more glitter to the stage; as a performer, you must always shine!” she said with a chuckle.