USVI’s Theron Thomas named Songwriter of the Year at Grammys

The US Virgin Islands is celebrating as their very own Theron Thomas won 2024 Songwriter of the Year (Non-Classical) at the 66th Grammy Awards.  

Thomas, 41, is a native of St Thomas, one of the Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. This is his first Grammy win. In the past year, he has penned bangers for various artistes including “Cheat Back” for Chloe and Future; “How We Roll” for Ciara and Chris Brown and “All My Life” for Lil Durk and J.Cole.  

A Grammy article says Thomas got his start writing songs and producing as one half of R.City with his brother Timothy Thomas.  

His writing credits include Rihanna, Beyonce, Ciara and Victoria Monet, just to name a few.  

During his acceptance speech, the Virgin Islander dedicated the Grammy award to his father whom he lost three years ago to cancer. He told the crowd his father told him when he was 9 years old ‘Theron you gonna win a Grammy’. He also thanked his manager, family members and friends. 

Thomas did not fail to mention that he’s from a small island, and moved to the United States with $35 when he was 18 years old. 

“And I say, I’m going to make it in music". 

USVI Governor Albert Bryan Jr applauded Theron Thomas for taking home the Songwriter of the Year Award at the 2024 Grammys stating on social media, "Well done and well deserved!". 

Before winning his Grammy, The US Virgin Islands (USVI), led by Commissioner Joseph Boschulte of the Department of Tourism, hosted a celebratory event in Los Angeles on February 2 to celebrate Thomas' Grammy nomination.  

Commissioner Boschulte stated, "Theron proudly waves the US Virgin Islands flag, representing not just his home island, but the entire territory, as he soars throughout the music industry as an artist, producer, and writer. We are proud of his accomplishments and unwavering dedication to showcasing the VI's rhythm, culture, and talent." 

The event, which was also supported by the US Virgin Islands Lottery, Oswald Avenue Entertainment, and Soca Elements, welcomed esteemed Virgin Islanders including Thomas' brother and musician Timothy Thomas, Virgin Islands Lottery Director Raymond J. Williams, USVI Director of Festivals Ian Turnbull, film and television producer John P. Wheatley, musician Rashawn Ross, Sheldon and Sherwin Robinson, and DJ Jah Lion.  

Additional attendees included renowned music producer Dr Luke, singer/songwriter Lyrica Anderson, music manager and podcast host Ray Daniels, actress D'kia Anderson, BET’s Rap City creator Alvin Jones, rapper and producer Kardinal Offishall, and many more.  

The other nominees in the category for Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical were Edgar Barrera, Jessie Jo Dillon, Shane McAnally, and Justin Tranter.