“This is going to show every youth in the Virgin Islands, every youth in the Caribbean – small islands especially – that we could dream bigger than we ever thought we could.”

That was Theron Thomas, 2024 Songwriter of the Year (Non-Classical), reacting on Sunday night to his big win at the 66th annual Grammy Awards. With several massive hits under his belt this year, including “Pretty Girls Walk”, the viral track performed by Big Boss Vette, “Told Ya”, with Chlöe & Missy Elliot, and Tyla’s “Been Thinking” among others, Grammy judges gave Mr. Thomas the nod over several other heavy-hitters in his category.

Last year, Mr. Thomas was recognized for his work on Lizzo’s 2023 Record of the Year “About Damn Time.” 

“I’m grateful that my name has been mentioned amongst greatness,” Mr. Thomas said, referring to the other nominated writers, including Justin Trantor. However, being associated with greatness is not new for the Virgin Islander. His list of writing credits include work performed by Rihanna, Beyonce, Ciara Victoria Monét, Lloyd, and K-Pop sensation Jung Kook, among many others. 

That greatness exists in abundance in the territory, Mr. Thomas believes. While he says there’s more work to do in terms of making a name for the Virgin Islands musically speaking and across the Caribbean, he commended local talent including Adam O, Pumpa, Pressure Buss Pipe, Monea and others, for being the vanguard in this arena. 

Mr. Thomas said that when he began his musical career, he never envisioned his work receiving accolades on the global stage. “I just wanted to take care of my daughter and get my parents out of the projects, you know?” However, he has graciously accepted his position as a role model for younger Virgin Islanders. “I want to set an example of truth and realistic goals,” he told the Consortium in an exclusive interview.

Being realistic means that “you don’t have to walk this perfect line that the world tells you,” Mr. Thomas advised young Virgin Islanders striving for greatness. “Make as many mistakes as you can, learn from them and get better from them.”

Above all else, Mr. Thomas says, “do everything you do with love.”

Dept. of Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte lauded Mr. Thomas for his enduring discipline that has led to such a pinnacle recognition. "It is with great pride that we congratulate our very own Theron Thomas. From an island paradise of just 32 square miles, he has gone on to receive the highest accolade in your field, adding to your ongoing amplification of Virgin Islands excellence. Naturally in Rhythm is not just a tagline, it’s our people and we thank you for sharing it with the world," he said in a statement provided to the Consortium.

Governor Albert Bryan, too, praised the recording artist and songwriter, expressing immense pride in the accomplishment. "On behalf of the entire U.S. Virgin Islands I want to congratulate Theron Thomas on today’s historic Grammy win. I stand with the entire territory in expressing immense joy as a native son takes center stage on the music industry’s biggest stage," Mr. Bryan said.