by ZIA
“The girl with the ukulele!”
This is how most of us would have been introduced to one of Antigua and Barbuda’s most distinct voices and sounds. With a growing fan base that began even before she picked up the ukulele at age 14, we gathered under a cool evening to listen to one of our favourite artistes – a creative visionary who uses lyrics and music to reflect every beautiful and painful part of the human experience. This night, she was not the opening nor a side act – she was the only act, and we devoured every note that soared through the night.
On Thursday 28 May 2026, Annia Matthews created a career-defining moment with the launch of her first album Trials. Surrounded by family, members of the performing arts community and fans, Annia took her audience on a lyrically charged evening that reflected the ways we find love, gratitude and solace. Through an intimate setting where the only instrument was the one she played and the only voice we heard was hers, there was no doubt that everyone left knowing that this young lady is going far beyond the reaches of her twin-island home.
In what she describes as a powerful and humbling experience as she signed posters after the performance, Annia shares, “It was a lot more people than we expected. We saw lots of different faces – people who have genuinely been following me [even] before I even got the ukulele. … That made me understand what actual support looks like. Sometimes it’s not so much about the numbers, but the power that’s in the numbers – the energy behind the people who actually show up.” She noted that this was the most enjoyable part of the evening and offered her a glimpse of what her future may hold. “We didn’t leave until almost midnight. For so many people to stay back just to have a conversation and get something signed by me – that was very special. … I mean … I don’t feel like my signature is worth much yet,” she said honestly, “So for people to want something signed by me was emotional.”
One of the standout features of the launch was the visible support from fellow musicians and artists within the local creative community. Audience members noted the number of singers, instrumentalists, and established musicians present throughout the evening, visibly proud of Anni’s accomplishment. Expressing her gratitude for their support, she stated, “For these musicians operating at such a high level to look at me and say, ‘You’re so good at guitar,’ or ‘You’re so good at writing,’ that’s honourable to me.”
Shedding tears that evening as she reflected on the constant support of her family, namely her parents, throughout her journey, Annia attributes a large part of her success to their belief in her talent and dreams. Knowing many parents would not have supported their children’s passion and journey in the performing arts, she has never taken for granted their presence and encouragement.
She thanked several people on her journey who encouraged her or assisted her development as an artiste, including some of her past teachers. Admitting that she never liked music during her earlier years at the Clare Hall Secondary school, she laughs, “I thought music class was slow-moving. I looked at it the same way as math class.” But she was determined to stop singing to tracks and taught herself to play the ukulele. It was in third form, however, with a new music teacher that music evolved for Annia. Sharing a personal complication unknown to many, this talented songstress is hearing impaired in both ears, with one being worse than the other. So, while she was already a budding singer at a young age, she struggled with being tone-deaf and unable to find or stay in the right keys. Under the tutelage of music teacher Khan Cordice, all of this changed, unlocking new abilities that allowed Annia to explore her voice like never before. Notably, not only was Cordice one of her past teachers present to celebrate the launch, but he was also responsible for her sound system that evening, and he remains very present in her life to this day.
Writing her first song, “Rasta” which is also on the album, Annia reflects with satisfaction on her growth and her ability to fulfil her purpose on earth. She noted that song was what started to make people take her serious as a musician. But “the real mission is to fulfill the purpose that God gave me – to make music that heals and helps.” When asked which track on Trials carries the deepest meaning, Anni immediately pointed to the opening song, “You Alone”. “It just grounds me,” she explained. “It reminds me of my purpose and not to get distracted by outside noise.” On a personal note, “Deep” is this author’s favourite track which Annia has promised to perform live at my wedding one day!
Returning to launch, this milestone would not have materialized without the support from her dedicated team, including manager Erzulie Livingstone and producer/videographer Kelvin Christopher. The first time she worked with Christopher Annia exhaled, “He’s the first person to truly capture my voice; the process is authentic and he understands the vision.” Of her manager, Annia confessed that while she loved writing, producing and performing, the business aspect of her career has never been her forte, so having someone who not only respects and supports her vision, but is willing to manage the business so she can just create, has been a huge blessing. As evidenced at the launch, this dynamic team has played key roles in helping bring the project to life and taking Annia to the next step, or rather, flight.
That’s right, our “ukulele star” leaves for England shortly on an album tour. With several gigs already booked, she will also be one of the featured artistes at the annual Halo Foundation’s “Wings of Charity” event.
While in England, Annia is excited to immerse herself in the creative culture of the country, meeting and collaborating with other musicians and visual artistes. But the highly anticipated event on this tour is her meeting with a publishing company that has expressed interest in working with her. Assuring her family and fans that she will “keep her head on and ensure that everything aligns with [her] values and her goals”, many are already celebrating what is promised to be a long and successful career for Annia Matthews.
I think I’m ready for it,” she said with quiet confidence. “And whatever I’m not ready for, I know God will prepare me for it.”
You can follow Annia on website: https://itsjustannia.com/ YouTube: @itsjustannia and Instagram: @itsjustannia_