CARIB VOXX had the pleasure of a sit-down interview with the talented Shaakir Griffith. The 29-year-old who is popularly known as ‘Turbo’ is one of the longest running male dancers for Soca icon, Machel Montano. While that is a great accomplishment in his career, there is so much more to this individual. His hard work and perseverance in the tough and unforgiving entertainment industry have led to the creation of his very own company, Zerolimits plus Entertainment Company. His company consists of 21 performing members and offer the services of dancing, choreography, graphic art and design, printing and so much more.
Today, Turbo is known for his creativity and energy in dance but what many fans are unaware of is, he is also a singer and it was through a singing opportunity that he made his debut into the arts.
This sounds simple enough but it took courage and a strong-minded individual to take this step. Griffith was a youth who spent his time hanging out on the street corner and whose peers thought singing and dancing was not cool. “Imagine going from being in the wrong company to telling friends you can’t hang out anymore because you want to focus on you, telling parents that you don’t want to go back school.” Despite all the pressures of life, Griffith knew there was something out there for him. Something that he would be great at
“I remember going to Bishops Anstey High School where The Lydian singers practiced. I asked the late Pat Bishop for an opportunity to sing, and was placed according to my tone instantly, no registration fee, nothing”.
It was not until after completing secondary school that Turbo started observing dancers at gatherings and parties. He would look on at other dancers, observe what moves sent the crowd wild and then go home where he would practice and return to battle. “I see what they’re doing and I see what the crowd likes, so if I do that and add some of my own flavour, then I will have a unique style”. His very competitive nature was a driving force to execute each step with precision and inspired him to be the best he could.
Wants the Best for his Dancers
Turbo encourages his dancers to be upstanding citizens and carry themselves in a manner that is always respectful. Griffith does not enforce any restrictions on body image and welcomes persons of varying physical attributes.
“I left the door open for anyone and everyone. “Dance is something you should be comfortable in, no matter what style, it should make you feel free. No one should judge you. I build my work in a way that is creative, audience friendly and to the ability of my dancers”.
Turbo Looks Back
Turbo is proud of the person he is today and is especially humbled by being able to take care of his family. He is the proud father of two; a three-year-old, who is already in his classes and a nine year old who he hopes will join him soon. Griffith remains a positive person looking towards the future with open arms. He works tirelessly and
“When I look back at who I was and where I came from, I used to pick up garbage, work on a garbage truck, clean tables and toilets, make pizza, I was in the reserves for the army, had a phone business in Aboutique Mall; none of it was me. I want to be that person that helps other youngsters to find their way”.
Turbo in Competition
Griffith takes to the stage next month in Hollywood at the World Championship of the Performing Arts where he will represent Trinidad and Tobago in three categories; singing a classic Elton John piece in the Soul category, dancing and modelling. His company is also representing Trinidad and Tobago in the Hip Hop World Championship in Phoenix, Arizona in August 2019 and the young ladies of St Joseph’s Convent are heading to Costa Rica in October 2019. These are only a few of Turbo’s upcoming international appearances as he is also carded to accompany Machel Montano to numerous other countries.
He is thankful to everyone who took a chance and supported him. He urges people to not dwell on have been but rather focus on what could be and continue pushing forward. Stay humble.
“Self-doubt is our first enemy, not your friends or family, you are your own enemy. If you don’t push yourself you would be the downfall of yourself. Many people feel like they need help for everything. Start doing things and be the best YOU, no matter what.”
FUNFACT: Shaakir Griffith was first called Sponge Bob because he would look on at other dancers, absorb their moves and be able to execute it after. Griffith’s name later developed into Turbo after someone saw him dancing at a nightclub and told him his style bore a similarity to a character called Turbo in the 1984 film, Breakin’.
