His is an undeniable legacy. A feat which he himself considers his greatest to date.

True, it was as a school boy in his Saint Lucian hometown of Soufriere that the name ‘Arthur’ stuck with him—on account of his admiration for cricketer, Keith Arthurton. If you even remotely follow his journey, you’ll know just how passionate he is about cricket, so it’s no wonder it played a part in cementing his nickname. He recalls that while growing up in the 90’s playing cricket he would run in to bowl, shouting, “I am Arthurton!” The name soon caught on, until it was shortened by his playmates and he became known as Arthur.  

Yet despite the cricket background, the historic symbolism of this name would not be denied. King Arthur! The name’s significance majestically materialized when he captured the island’s coveted Groovy Soca Monarch Title, not just for one year, but for three consecutive years—2014 to 2016. The very first Saint Lucian to reign supreme three years in a row, undefeated as Groovy King.

Elijah “Arthur” Allain credits his secondary school teacher, Mr Christopher Fevriere, for igniting his music passion. During his days at Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School Arthur was constantly encouraged by his music teacher Mr Fevriere to not just learn to play a music instrument but to also try his hand at writing and composing music. It wasn’t long before Arthur and a group of his friends, who dubbed themselves S.O.S.—Sounds of Soufriere—began performing at the school’s talent shows. It was there Arthur was spotted by members of the Matrix Band who approached him to become their lead vocalist. Therein began his national music journey as Matrix Band were already performing at live events throughout the island; even recording and releasing original music.

In time, Arthur would branch off with a few young dynamic musicians from Soufriere to create the band Evalucian—a brand which now echoes throughout the island and can very well be named as one of the most progressive, energetic bands on island. The rest as they say is history—Monarch History!

Interestingly, while Arthur wields the power from his vibrant on-stage personality and melodious voice to captivate and enthrall audiences of all ages and backgrounds, he says off stage he is quite the opposite.  “I can be quite shy sometimes,” he insists. “But I don’t know what it is about music. The moment I hit the stage I let loose of all inhibitions and reveal the inner artiste.”

By his own account, the three-time Groovy Monarch describes himself as a simple, easy going individual who is extremely positive minded and goal driven. Arthur says his music inspiration is fueled from within. He has this unshakeable desire to create music that people all over the world will connect to. Music is his medium of expression.

In one word, Arthur labels his music as versatile. In fact he initially began as a rap artiste who would sing occasionally. Challenged by the diversity of Matrix Band’s performance catalogue he branched into new genres and in time developed a fondness for the Caribbean Sound. Simply put, Arthur says his is a smooth sound with a touch bacchanal.

Positivity and liberation is the resounding message in his music. Arthur’s focus is on creating music which transcends across all ages and values.  In fact he says he is sometimes approached by non-carnival lovers, who express just how much they love his soca music because of the positivity and unity he sings about.

Arthur credits his success to hard work, determination, humility, perseverance, positivity, a great team and the strength and talent which he has been bestowed with by the almighty one. Even so, Arthur admits that his musical journey has not been without its share of challenges. A general lack of support and respect for musicians, as well as the absence of proper structure in the music industry in Saint Lucia and the Caribbean region, in his estimation are the biggest challenges facing Caribbean artistes and musicians.

“The arts are still not given much priority in our developing countries and therefore we are not generating as much as we should be,” Arthur offers. “More investment needs to be made to better our situation, because there is a lot to be attained from the arts.”

While acknowledging the challenges, Arthur says he refuses to allow them to cripple his progress. Instead he continuously sets out to do the very best that he can for himself; investing time, energy and funds into his craft and artistic development. “For me, it’s simple,” he says, “I do as much as I can for myself as I want to see others do for me, until I earn it from them.”

His ultimate music goal? “To become a musical ambassador for my country, with a legacy that is synonymous with great work and the beautiful nature of my people.”

Dare we say: Goal Achieved!

Stay connected with Arthur! 

Instagram: @arthurlucian01

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evalucianhd/?fref=ts

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/arthurjrc/featured