Farewell Onika “Peaches”: A Special Tribute to Onika Bostic

Onika Bostic.  Photo: The Trinidad Express

by Marcia Braveboy

Monday, December 27, 2004

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: “A combination of passion, pride, beauty, talent, style and intellect” were the words used to describe the late Onika Bostic also known as “Peaches” at her funeral last week.

Rising soca star Onika Bostic succumbed to a road fatality when the driver of the car she was driving in lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a wall on the Lavantille road two weeks ago.

The entertainment industry here requested that the nation pray for the life of Onika, but the twenty-four year old died after one week of struggling for her life at the Port of Spain General hospital at 9:30 pm last Sunday.

The St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church was filled to capacity on Thursday morning with entertainers, soca artistes, musicians, producers’ friends and well-wishers; the church was unable to hold everyone, and saw as great a crowd on the outside.

Onika’s success has been described as “a combination of opportunity met with preparation”. The young and confident soca diva was motivated by her mom and was seen as much more than a living doll and one with brains and beauty. 

Onika graduated from high school at the age of 16, and shortly after she became a member of GEM radio where she found her love for producing and broadcasting. In 1999 she was faced with a challenge and decided to move to Antigua to join the band “Burning Flames” and became lead singer. According to the leader of the group, they came to Trinidad looking for a lead singer and Onika was recommended highly by most.

By 2002 Onika became very popular after releasing one of her most well-known songs called “Mash It Up” and in 2003 she was crowned the youngest soca diva. The last time she displayed her chanting skills she swept first, second and third places in the soca division of Antigua’s 2004 Carnival with a mega hit called “Get on Bad”.

With her life being lost to a horrific car accident Onika departed with another mega hit now playing all over Trinidad and Tobago known as “All is yours”.

Though it seemed incongruous to speak of Christmas at the time of Onika’s funeral, it was highlighted as a time that all should remember that Jesus came to give us life. Just when she was embarking on her promise to deliver, all concerned now suffers the weight of finality; Onika will never be able to give or receive a kiss, hug or be greeted again; she will never be heard or touched again in the way that most would prefer; before her casket left a church filled to capacity where a dry eye could not be seen, the loss of her life was obviously difficult to bear as was manifested in the many tributes paid to her.

Former teacher of the high school attended: “From the age of 11 we saw hope for Onika and knew she would be a shining star; she is a sweet girl.”

Caribbean Soca Artiste Machel Montano: “Good-bye Onika, you have taught us humility, kindness and charity; all of which God wants us to be”.

Minister of Government in Antigua: Onika’s death is a sad loss for culture and the people of Antigua. On behalf of the Prime Minister Government and people of Antigua we say farewell Onika, you will be greatly missed.”

Minister of Gender Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago: “We will miss you Onika: only last week the cabinet passed a bill with regards to the CSME which will see Caribbean artistes being able to move freely throughout the Caribbean, we know we have to put more into calypso because we understand it will be part of the Grammy Awards from 2006. Thanks to you Onika for initiating this free movement by leaving Trinidad and going to Antigua to become the lead singer of 'Burning Flames'.”

Mentor, Clarence Edwards: “Antigua mourns you Onika, and you are seen as an Antiguan, You were able to come into the country without being questioned or anything like that, we will miss you; we will remember you in our hearts.”

Radio station owner in Antigua: I own a radio station in Antigua and Onika was the driving force behind me owning the radio station, because she loves radio, and the intention was to let her run it eventually. But she has gone and left us, we see her as an Antiguan, we will miss you Onika. It is hard to accept what God has done but he has taken her away.”

Seen as the most touching tribute, Onika’s cousin sang her happy birthday since her funeral was held on the date she came into the world. 

Father Charles prayed “Father in heaven, let the gates of paradise open to accept your daughter.”

We too at Caribbean Net News join with all to express the deepest sadness to the Bostic family in the passing of Onika. To her parents, we know that the scent of her presence will live on in her clothes and very often will keep pain alive, yet we encourage you to embrace her every presence in your heart, for the combination of her presence and the Lord in one place thus yield comforting hope. 

To her fans, mentors and co-entertainers, as you struggle to grasp this reality, in the studio, on the stage, when you’re writing a piece, or in the quiet of your room; we urge that you see the good in the situation, take the experience of Onika with you; her charm, her warmth, her humility, her intellect, and embrace this perfect combination of great qualities in your hearts. Carry on the experience of the rising start Onika was destined to be.

Sadness fell upon the people of Trinidad and Tobago like an avalanche; seemingly, to them, Onika lived her life like a candle in the wind as the song says; yet still, there is a candle in every soul and Onika has lit her candle throughout this world. 

Onika Bostic died on December 19, 2004 at the young age of 24 and was interred on her birth date on Thursday December 23, 2004, after earlier plans for cremation were changed.

Scripture for Onika as presented at Funeral: “Let not your heart be troubled, ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And If I go to prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you unto Myself: that where I am, there you maybe also.

Sleep in heavenly peace Onika; sleep in heavenly peace.

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