Entertainment
Donelle Smith’s Journey from BVI to Billboard with Barbie
Donelle Smith a British Virgin Islander rising in the world of engineering in Los Angeles, California, has recently celebrated a triumph that echoes far beyond the shores of his island home. As one of the engineers behind the acclaimed Barbie movie soundtrack, which clinched the Best Soundtrack title at this year’s Billboard Music Awards, Donelle’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and a touch of sonic magic.
From College to the Studio: A Sonic Odyssey
The 29-year-old’s journey into the realm of audio engineering commenced in 2015 during his college years. However, it wasn’t until 2018, when he immersed himself as an intern at Neighborhoodwatche Studios, that he truly grasped the intricacies of the music industry. In those hallowed studio walls, Donelle learned more than just technical skills—he acquired the art of studio etiquette, client interaction, and handling the diverse challenges that come with the profession.
“I’ve made mistakes along the way, and I still do from time to time, which is normal—it’s how you learn and grow. Being an engineer is not a walk in the park; there’s a lot of pressure that comes with this job,” reflects Donelle, highlighting the demanding nature of his chosen path.
Barbie Beckons: A Perfect Harmony
Donelle’s involvement in the Barbie project was serendipitous, stemming from a studio session with Trinidad James, a major player in the music industry. Trinidad James, along with collaborators Young Fyre and Kaine, opened the door to a project that would go on to make musical history.
Recalling the genesis of the Barbie collaboration, Donelle explains, “The label was finishing up the soundtrack for the Barbie movie, so Kaliii was actually coming to the studio that night to record her verse for the song. She was coming to work on another song too, so you could say it was like a perfect timing kind of situation.”
The Creative Alchemy Behind Barbie: A Symphony Unveiled
Working on the Barbie movie soundtrack was not just a professional milestone for Donelle; it was a surreal experience that unfolded like a cinematic plot twist. “If I’m being very honest, I didn’t even know a Barbie movie was being made at all until Kaine had brought it to our attention in the session,” confesses Donelle. The realization of contributing to such an iconic brand left an indelible mark on him.
One of the standout moments for Donelle was working with Kaliii, who was still riding the wave of her breakout hit, “Area Codes.” “It’s crazy how I used to make fun of my sister with her Barbie dolls growing up, and now I’m part of the soundtrack for the movie,” he chuckles, highlighting the poetic full circle of life.
Engineering Magic: Shaping Barbie’s Sonic Universe
Donelle’s engineering expertise played a pivotal role in shaping the sonic landscape of the Barbie movie soundtrack. An ingenious decision to add a vocal stutter to Kaliii’s verse not only filled a creative void but also became a defining element of the final release. “I got flavors a-a-assortments,” he grins, describing the subtle touch that made it to the Billboard-winning version.
Collaboration: Balancing Technical Precision and Creative Flow
Working alongside industry heavyweights like Trinidad James, Young Fyre, and Kaine presented its own set of challenges. Donelle reflects on the delicate art of collaboration, noting, “It can be challenging, but you have to be able to read the room. Know when to give your input and know when to just be there and don’t say anything at all unless you’re asked for your opinion.”
A Billboard Triumph: Reflecting on Barbie’s Impact
The recognition of winning Best Soundtrack at the Billboard Music Awards is not lost on Donelle. Reflecting on the success of the Barbie movie soundtrack, he believes its universal appeal, coupled with Barbie’s cultural significance, set it apart. “Barbie is a brand every generation can gravitate towards. It’s a huge cultural brand. Little girls around the world are probably singing these songs word for word—you can’t get any bigger than that,” he proudly asserts.
As the accolades pour in and the echoes of Barbie’s melodies resonate worldwide, Donelle Smith stands as a testament to the transformative power of passion and expertise. From the serene shores of the British Virgin Islands to the dazzling lights of Billboard success, Donelle’s journey is a harmonious symphony of talent, dedication, and the timeless allure of Barbie.
Maya Marcellin, Teen Universe British Virgin Islands, departed the territory on Feb. 22 for Nicaragua, where she will compete in the Teen Universe International Pageant.
Marcellin left the British Virgin Islands on Sunday accompanied by family members and supporters as she begins representing the territory in the international competition. The pageant will bring together contestants from several countries to compete in preliminary events leading up to the final show.
Supporters gathered prior to her departure to offer encouragement as she travels to Nicaragua to represent the British Virgin Islands on the international stage.
By Ray Winter
Designer Andrea Wilson is one step closer to her New York Fashion Week debut this February, having completed the first round of casting calls in the British Virgin Islands late last December.
A total of 10 emerging models from across the territory gathered on Sunday, December 28, at the S’thetics on Tortola for the ‘I Landed in the Big Apple’ casting call. The runway show itself will take place
on February 14 at the Midtown Loft Studio in Manhattan.
At the casting, models were put through their paces — from runway walk and posture assessments to a high-energy photo booth challenge designed to test both poise and presence.
“I can already say that the girls from the first casting call turned up and did not disappoint. I am loving the energy of this group,” Andrea shares during an interview at her Hannah’s Estate boutique on Tortola, where vibrant swimwear and luxurious resort pieces from her previous four collections line the space.
With model submissions arriving from the United States, Guyana, the United Kingdom and the United States Virgin Islands, the next round of casting is scheduled for mid-January.
“I am truly looking forward to the next round, which will have both in-person and virtual assessments,” she explains, pausing between calls from her organising committee discussing VIP bags and venue décor.
“I have been crazy busy over the past few weeks since the date confirmation poster was shared on social media. My social media accounts are overly active with messages from up-and-coming models and others with major runway experience, from international pageants to designers’ showcases. They all want to walk the runway.”
“I am humbled by the level of support from all corners,” the designer reveals. “I have received encouragement from models, family and friends, colleagues, and even strangers. “It has not been an easy journey.”
Behind Andrea’s first New York runway presentation lies a deeper milestone. This year also marks the tenth anniversary of her brand, The Islander Swimwear. A decade defined by both wins and trials — from a successful brand launch to fractured business partnerships; from the devastation of hurricanes Irma and Maria to the uncertainty of Covid-19 lockdowns — has shaped the designer’s resilience.
Still, Andrea beams as she fine-tunes the final details for her Valentine’s Day debut.
“I learnt something from all my stumbles. I have learnt that I can take it all and still stand with all my scrapes and bumps. I am from a family of women who have shown me that it is okay to stumble because you gain knowledge for the next chapter.”
“I am the Caribbean phoenix,” Andrea grins.
Born in Guyana and based in the British Virgin Islands for more than two decades, she brings a rich cultural lineage to her work. With roots that trace back to St Lucia and Suriname, her heritage weaves seamlessly into her creative vision.
“I started a brand with very little money, but I had gumption and ideas about creating a different Caribbean swim and resort wear look that came from my love of travelling around the Caribbean. That’s why my brand is called The Islander; every collection reflects the natural beauty of my beloved region. A decade later, and this region still sparks my creativity, inspires me daily.”
Her swimwear and resort collections are defined by bold, original prints created by Andrea herself, each reminiscent of mosaic artwork. Drawing inspiration from the Caribbean’s natural beauty — from vibrant coral reefs to rolling waves and sun-drenched beaches — every piece tells a story, capturing the depth and allure of the region.
A glimpse into her boutique reveals the essence of her design philosophy. Perched above the Caribbean Sea, the space commands sweeping views of Nanny Cay Marina, where yachts of every scale glide in and out with effortless glamour.
Inside, the atmosphere is light and breezy, layered with striking details: driftwood repurposed as jewellery displays, recycled marine pallets reimagined as plinths, and accents of dried coral and shells that echo the surrounding seascape.
Part store, part studio, it is here that Andrea, whose background is in graphic design, has spent recent months immersed in the creation of her collections, preparing for her much-talked-about debut in the Big Apple.
In February, Wilson will present three collections during the show and has invited fellow Virgin Islands designers Germaine Smith of Kymasia and Morgan Creque to join her on the runway, creating a collaborative moment that highlights Caribbean creativity on a global stage.
“When I confirmed that the showcase was definitely going ahead, I wanted to share the stage with other designers in the territory – that’s how Germain and Morgan came on board,” she explains.
The runway experience will be further elevated by handmade jewelry created exclusively for the show by Ammique Mills of BVI Artistry Boutique. Her eco-conscious designs—crafted from sustainably sourced natural elements found throughout the Virgin Islands—will complement the collections and underscore the region’s deep connection to the sea and land. Select pieces from Mills’ work will also be included in VIP gift bags, offering guests a tangible expression of Virgin Islands artistry and sustainability.
Another non-negotiable was ensuring Caribbean models took centre stage.
“I wasn’t going to stage a Manhattan show during New York Fashion Week, celebrating the spirit of the Caribbean, without models from my home region. Hell no,” Andrea shakes her head from left to right.
“That’s why I’m holding two casting calls, complete with online voting, to promote our Caribbean models and let the public have a say in who will be the cover model, centrefold and back cover model for the ‘I’Landed in the Big Apple’ runway show.”
“I’m excited,” she laughs heartily. “This is my Caribbean fashion love story.”
“New York, here we come.”
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