A star was born in the federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis to Mat and Kate Shield. Walston Shield also known as “King Star Shield” has one (1) brother Ken Shield and two (2) sisters Mary and Elicia Shield.
King Star Shield who is a composer, arranger and performer has written all of his songs to date. Here are some of his achievements throughout his career.
In 1973 his Calypso Career began when he entered the Junior Calypso Arena and the following year captured the Junior Calypso Crown.
In 1977/78 he won the St. Kitts Nevis Carnival Senior Calypso Crown, then his work began as an Ambassador of St. Kitts and Nevis. He toured Tortola and participated in the Caribbean Calypso Competition held in Antigua.
He traveled to Puerto Rico where he recorded his first legendary album entitled “The Good Man’‘ which was backed by one of our local bands the Grand Ash II Express.
In 1979 he traveled to Cuba for Carifesta which was held during the 20th Anniversary of the Cuban Revolution.
In 1980 he recorded his contender for Caribbean Song of the Year “Mental Slavery” which broke the Record Charts as No. 1 for 16 weeks on two separate occasions. “Mental Slavery” was backed by G.I’s Brass International. “Sweatin’ Soca” also backed by G.I’s Brass International was re-done by Roy Alton of Guyana and became No. 1 on the British Soca Charts for 6 months.
King Star Shield documented his versatility with his version of the love ballad “Just Out of Reach” (of my two empty arms) which was orchestrated by himself, all instruments and vocals. His version became No. 1 on F.M Radio in Vancouver, Canada.
In 1981 he recorded his album named “The World Needs Love” backed by Eddie and the Movements now called “Jam Band” with classics such as “The Good Shepherd” and Road March winner “Hooray Mas”.
In 1982 he recorded “Soca Rengue” in New York City which broke the charts and became No. 1 on W.L.I.B., the then number one Caribbean Music Radio Station. He then proceeded to tour North America with Calypso King of the world the Mighty Sparrow and other top Caribbean Calypsonians.
King Star Shield emerged Calypso King in 1987/88 and received the first coveted prize car in Calypso, in the Federation, with his song “Story of the Hidden Light”.
In 1989 he recorded “Jam Fever” backed by Kenrick Georges which took the road in Pennsylvania and Detroit, Michigan.
He performed at numerous conferences in the Federation including the Caribbean Heads of Government Conference in 2006, held at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Auditorium, where he did a performance with his twelve (12) string acoustic guitar and vocals of his song “Powers of Nations”, which awarded him with an exceptional standing ovation.
That same year he contended for the first ever Best of the Best Calypso Competition which he came up against eleven (11) other Monarchs of the Federation, and walked away with the Crown.
In 2010 he did a stunning performance at the St. Kitts Music Festival to a cheering audience that demanded an encore which he executed with excellence.
King Star Shield continues his career in the music performing arts as a one man band in the Tourism Industry, performing at Hotels, Restaurants and for Cruise Passengers on arrival. The extreme versatility of King Star Shield has made him shine in several genres of music including Calypso, Soca, R&B, Soul, Ballad, Classical, Jazz, Rock and Gospel.
He thanks Almighty God in whom is his strength and inspiration. He humbly thanks His Excellency Governor-General Sir S W Tapley Seaton, the Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris and the people who assisted in selecting him for this Award as well as the people of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis for bringing him to this achievement which he would cherish for a lifetime.
TODAY WE PROUDLY SALUTE MR WALSTON SHIELD FOR THE MEDAL OF HONOUR IN THE FIELD OF CALYPSO AND MUSIC
