Every carnival season, various Caribbean countries explode with music that crosses borders across the region — from soca monarch competitions to road march anthems. However, there is a single name behind many local and regional hits: Shemuel “Stamina Smurf” Thomas.
You may not recognise the name, but chances are you have danced, hummed, or even tapped your feet to his music.
For over a decade, Stamina Smurf has been crafting the soundtrack of many celebrations. As a producer, writer, and performer, he is part of the legacy of Vincentian household names, including Delroy “Fireman” Hooper, Gamal “Skinny Fabulous” Doyle, and Shaunelle McKenzie.
His collaborative work propelled Fireman Hooper to a 2023 double win (Soca Monarch and Road March), yet Smurf remains largely in the background, watching his collaborations soar without the recognition he deserves.
In 2023, a 10-second clip was posted on Instagram of a young man shedding tears following the announcement of Fireman Hooper’s Soca Monarch victory.
Onlookers believed it was simply a Fireman fan overjoyed by his win, but it was a young producer and songwriter overwhelmed with emotion, knowing that he had entered the conversation, standing shoulder to shoulder with great Vincentian producers and songwriters before him with that triumph.
“It’s not about the spotlight. It’s about the music,” he told iWitness News.
But with songs like “Climax” and “Touch the Place Pt.2” gaining traction under his name, the spotlight may finally be catching up to the quiet musical genius.
In July, his “spicy” music video for his single “Climax” garnered over 338,000 views on YouTube, as soca lovers across the Caribbean tuned in to watch the sensual music video featuring Smurf and his now-fiancée.
This year, he hopes to capitalise on that momentum by adding even more hits to his ever-growing catalogue.
He began the season with the “Ring Pop Riddim”, which he produced himself, that features artists like Skarpyon, Skinny Fabulous, Mad Skull, King Bubba, Teddyson John, Nicki Pierre, and Shanny D.
Stamina Smurf also produced and co-wrote Fireman Hooper’s “The People’s Cry”.
Smurf also has two songs – “Kiss N Tell” on the Reach Back Riddim produced by Parry Jack, and “Sharing for Life” on the Lost Tribe Riddim produced by Karbon Jamz.
In terms of features, he has a single with Prezzi Don called “D.A.M.L.” (Don’t Appreciate My Love).
“Every year I seem to be overlooked, but this year I have something to prove,” he said.
He further stated: “People should expect consistency, energy, and just top-quality music from me this season.”
Smurf pointed out that he has been progressing in soca and his following has been growing, along with his respect. He hopes the Vincentian public receives his music well.