Aisha Manrique: Giving voice to Caribbean excellence

For most of her life, Aisha Manrique has followed what she calls “the voice of God” — a path that has led her to become a voice of God at major events and now one of just ten voice artists worldwide to win a prestigious scholarship from the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS) and Source Elements. The award also comes with an invitation to the annual Voice Arts Awards, often described as the Oscars of voice acting.

With more than two decades of experience, Manrique has trained extensively at both local and international institutions. Through her company, Voicey Versa Productions Ltd, she works as a voiceover artist, public speaking and vocal confidence coach, and performance trainer—all while continuing to refine her own craft.

“It’s a competitive space, so proper training is necessary,” she said. “I’ve packaged my 23 years of experience into a programme I continually refine because giving value and helping aspiring voices soar at an international level is important to me.”

For Manrique, the scholarship is not just a professional milestone, but also a personal validation.

“This proves that the only limits that exist are the ones we place on ourselves,” she said. “The impossible can become possible once you diligently develop and enhance what comes naturally to you. Never be afraid to dream bigger. The human voice is such a powerful tool.”

Her voice has been heard across radio and television commercials, safety briefings, training videos, and live events. In 2024, she served as live announcer for Disney’s US launch of The Little Mermaid and for the Miss Universe Trinidad and Tobago competition at Queen’s Hall. This month, she will return for the third year as live announcer for the Caribbean Music Awards at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York.

Having written the entire show script for the past two years, Manrique will this time collaborate with international scriptwriters to shape the narrative for the August 28 event. Her voice will welcome guests, introduce presenters, announce performances, and narrate honouree tributes — a role she sees as an opportunity to showcase the calibre of Caribbean talent.

“There’s a still, small voice that always reminds me there’s more to life than sitting behind a desk,” she said. “God promised our gifts would make way for us, and I hold on to that—no matter what’s happening around me.”

From September, she will begin SOVAS training, gaining access to internationally recognised voice coaches, industry-standard software such as Source-Connect, global networking, marketing support, and career mentorship. SOVAS has honoured and collaborated with icons such as James Earl Jones, Regina King, Viola Davis, and Michelle Obama.

Source-Connect, widely used by Netflix, Spotify, NBCUniversal, DreamWorks, BBC, and Sony Music, allows voice talent to record broadcast-quality audio remotely in real time—a tool many artists can only dream of affording.

As part of her scholarship, Manrique was also invited to submit her work for consideration at the Voice Arts Awards, making her the first T&T voice actor to receive an official invitation to compete. Winners will be announced at the star-studded gala in Los Angeles, where the best in voiceover, dubbing, animation, narration, and audiobooks will be honoured.

“This is more than personal—it’s an opportunity to showcase what Trinidad and Tobago has to offer,” she said. “For the first time, the Voice Arts judging panel and the global voiceover community will hear professionally submitted voice work from Trinidad and Tobago. It’s a powerful moment to spotlight Caribbean talent, and I intend to use it to push for greater visibility and representation of our voice actors on the world stage.”

For more information, visit aishamanriquemedia.com or voiceyversa.com, or follow Aisha Manrique Media on Instagram, Aisha Manrique VO on TikTok, and Aisha Manrique on LinkedIn.