Though he was born in Philadelphia, Hunter Simpson has always known where home truly is. “Though I was born in Philadelphia, I moved to the U.S. Virgin Islands when I was three years old, and I consider the USVI my home,” Simpson shared. Growing up immersed in Virgin Islands culture shaped both his identity and his ambitions. “For as long as I can remember, I always felt as though I belonged more within the culture of the Virgin Islands. My love for the culture has brought me to where I am now, making soca music at the professional level.”
That deep connection to place also guided his decision to attend the University of the Virgin Islands. “I wanted to pursue a higher education after high school, but I wasn’t fully convinced that leaving the Virgin Islands would be what’s best for me,” he explained.
Hunter also had a deep love for sports—particularly basketball, baseball and American football. As he began thinking seriously about his future, he realized he had another strength: writing. Frequently complimented on his storytelling, he decided to merge his passions for sports and writing. After enrolling at UVI as an Early Admissions student, Simpson knew the university was the right fit and chose to remain as a Communications major.
“I chose my major because Communications was the best option to continue my career in sports journalism,” he said. He values the flexibility the field provides. “I love the flexibility that it offers to go into multiple different aspects of the field rather than settling into just one form of media.”
Mentorship has played a defining role in his journey. Simpson credits Dr. Honore for her encouragement. “Even prior to being enrolled at UVI, she allowed me to help with a past Journalism Summit, and as soon as I became a student here, she continued to encourage me to keep pushing for my goals,” he said. As his focus shifted toward music, that support never wavered. “Now, as I’ve transitioned into focusing more on music as a career, she’s been just as supportive, continuing to highlight my success.”
Last semester, Simpson served as President of UVI’s National Association of Black Journalists chapter, helping to lead initiatives that included planning a Journalism Summit and an upcoming film festival. The experiences strengthened his leadership skills while sharpening his storytelling abilities.
Like many students, his transition to college was not without challenges. “In my freshman year, I greatly underestimated how drastic the switch would be between high school and college,” he admitted. Over time, he adjusted. “Since then, however, I have done much better, figuring out how to adjust to the college schedule and formatting.” He credits UVI with helping him mature and develop structure in his life.
While excelling academically, Simpson’s music career has accelerated. He made history as the youngest artist ever nominated for the Best New Soca Artist award at the 3rd Annual Caribbean Music Awards — a prestigious celebration of Caribbean talent held in Brooklyn and broadcast on BET. Standing among fellow emerging artists marked a milestone moment not only for his career, but for Virgin Islands representation on an international stage.
Building on that momentum, Simpson officially launched his latest single, “Feter,” on March 3. Featured on the high-energy Rudeness Riddim, the track is a dynamic collaboration with soca powerhouse Denise Belfon, blending vibrant Caribbean rhythms with infectious performance energy.
As he looks ahead, Simpson acknowledges he is still evolving. “I’m at a bit of an awkward phase as I’m still figuring out 100% what I want to do in life,” he shared. For now, his focus is clear. “I do hope to be pursuing music at a very high level, representing the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean as I carry the music to a global reach.”
What remains constant is his pride in being a Buccaneer. “It means a lot to be able to not only represent the Virgin Islands but UVI and the Buccaneers in particular every time I hit a stage,” Simpson said. “Everywhere I travel, I carry Buccaneer pride with me, and I can’t wait to continue making my community proud.”