From a young age, Khiomal Nurse has been immersed in soca culture; not only did he win his first award the 1996 Pinelands Calypso Monarch title, at just fourteen years of age, he went on to win Junior Calypso Monarch in 1998.

The Bajan soca singer was the lead vocalist of the Caribbean Music Machine band, where he gained his initial experience performing in hotels and nightclubs. He later joined Double Xplojun in 2000, until he was sought by one of soca music’s top bands, Krosfyah. He considered the offer, “A dream come true,” as Krosfyah had always been a favourite.

Khiomal has written array of soca hits including Hurricane, Pressure, I Want You, Can I Hold You Tonight and Ready to Blow, but his most famous tune to date has to be the soca classic Sak Passé, with which he, alongside Edwin Yearwood, captured the Tune of The Crop. The song became an instant classic, and has since been recorded in Creole.

Khiomal has proven that hard work and persistence definitely pay off. After being a finalist year after year in the Party Monarch Competition, with songs like Strong Back, Welcome to the Band and Bashment Bacchanal (featuring Mikey), he captured the crown in 2008. To top it off, he has also represented his country at the International Soca Monarch Competition in Trinidad and Tobago.

• You can find Khiomal and the Krosfyah crew performing on Notting Hill Carnival Sunday 29th Aug at the If Bar in Ilford.