Rock City Theron Thomas Wins Grammy Award for Songwriter of the Year

Virgin Islander Theron Thomas is the 66th annual Grammy Awards Songwriter of the Year (Non-Classical).

Thomas secured the prestigious accolade with an impressive repertoire of hits throughout the year, including chart-toppers like “Pretty Girls Walk” by Big Boss Vette, the viral sensation, “Told Ya,” featuring Chlöe & Missy Elliot, and “Been Thinking” by Tyla. His outstanding work stood out among other formidable nominees in his category, earning him the nod from the Grammy judges.

This marks the second consecutive year that Theron Thomas has been recognised, previously earning acclaim for his contribution to Lizzo’s 2023 Record of the Year, “About Damn Time.”

Expressing his exhilaration, Thomas remarked, “This is going to show every youth in the Virgin Islands, every youth in the Caribbean – small islands especially – that we could dream bigger than we ever thought we could.”

Thomas acknowledged the greatness of his fellow nominees, including Justin Trantor. However, Thomas is no stranger to greatness, with an extensive list of writing credits for renowned artists such as Rihanna, Beyonce, Ciara, Victoria Monét, Lloyd, and K-Pop sensation Jung Kook.

According to Thomas, greatness abounds in the Virgin Islands, and he commended local talent, including Adam O, Pumpa, Pressure Buss Pipe, Monea, and others, for leading the charge in the musical arena. While he acknowledges the need for continued efforts to establish the Virgin Islands’ musical identity globally, Thomas remains optimistic about the region’s potential.

Reflecting on his journey, Thomas admitted that he never envisioned receiving global acclaim when he began his musical career. “I just wanted to take care of my daughter and get my parents out of the projects, you know?” Despite surpassing his initial goals, Thomas embraces his role as a role model for younger Virgin Islanders, aiming to set an example of truth and realistic goals.

For aspiring talents, Thomas advocates embracing imperfections, learning from mistakes, and evolving. “You don’t have to walk this perfect line that the world tells you,” he advises. “Make as many mistakes as you can, learn from them, and get better from them.”

Above all, Thomas emphasises the importance of infusing love into everything one does, offering a poignant message of inspiration to aspiring artists and the youth of the Virgin Islands.