Features
Carol Quash
A voice is a powerful tool – and voice actress and trainer Aisha Manrique has turned it into a valuable tool.
Manrique’s voice has been heard in radio and television commercials, safety briefings, training videos, tutorials, and even as the “Voice of God” or “Voice in Heaven” at numerous live events.
She owns the San Fernando-based Voicey Versa Productions Ltd, which operates as an advertising producer, production company and coaching school.
“When people hear ‘voiceover’ they think ‘advertising’, at least in the Caribbean.
“But the possibilities are endless because voices are everywhere. You just have to understand the power of the voice and what it can do for you… I am a fully fledged voiceover talent for television and radio, but I am deliberately not a radio announcer.”
She said some opportunities seem to fall right on her doorstep because she is open-minded and not afraid to explore where her talents take her.
Manrique recently returned to TT from a three-day production for Disney dedicated to the premiere of one of his films: Ariel – an animated series for preschoolers inspired by the story of The Little Mermaid. The film follows eight-year-old mermaid princess Ariel and her friends as they embark on fun and action-packed underwater adventures in their Caribbean-inspired fairytale kingdom of Atlantica.
“I was also the voice of God for this production. It was challenging and rewarding” – with 24 shows over a period of three days.
“As host of the show, my responsibility was to keep the energy high, so I had to radiate it.
“It was surreal because as a kid you know the Disney brand, you watch so many Disney shows and you never think that your talents or gifts would one day take you to a place where you are used as a Caribbean voice.”
She said it was like a Broadway production that took place in Battery Park in New York City and attracted thousands of children and their families.
Manrique is convinced that opportunities arise when you do the necessary work and are really conscious about the positioning of your brand.
“I did my job and gave it my best. One day, out of the blue, I got a call from the agency that was in charge of producing the show. This was surprising because I hadn’t auditioned or tried to get in touch – I just got a call from an international number and when I answered, I was told that they were looking for a Caribbean voice actor and a live voice actor because the show was aimed at that market.
“They wanted to show the uniqueness of the region and I guess they did their research, looked at their options and chose me.”
On August 4, she hosted the Miss Universe TT competition at the Queen’s Hall and on August 29, she will host and script the Caribbean Music Awards to be held at the Majestic Kings Theatre in New York.
Last year she moderated the event and wrote the script for the moderators at short notice.
“A few days before the show, they (the organizers) said, ‘Aisha, we noticed that you are also a scriptwriter. Do you think you are up to the challenge of writing the script for the show?’
“I know I’m a creative, passionate writer and I didn’t doubt my abilities, but the tight time frame worried me. But I said yes.”
As a scriptwriter, Manrique had to write down everything the presenters would say.
“I had to get into the mindset of each presenter, because we’re talking about different personalities here. And I had to research and find out, ‘Is this something that person would say?’
“I had to put myself in the shoes of each character and write accordingly to keep the audience awake and captivated.
“So it’s not an easy process,” because the screenwriter also has to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances and be able to make changes on the spot. The fact that she was also the show’s announcer made things even more challenging.
“They were very pleased with my work and that alone prompted them to ask me to return this year as a live speaker and scriptwriter.”
Manrique said she always had a talent for communication, as her mother taught her to write and instilled in her a sense of vocabulary.
“I couldn’t settle for simple words like ‘good’ and ‘nice’ to describe anything. Although I have no formal training as a screenwriter, I am a creative mind and a student of life.
“When I watch movies, go on road trips, or go to an event, I’m not just doing it for entertainment. I’m studying people. It’s a natural thing for me, it’s a gift I have. I observe the space, the human reactions, the emotions and movements. That’s an arsenal that I keep in the back of my mind, and when I write, I draw on that reservoir and the words just flow.
“My mother played a big role in who I am today. She was a writer and even she said, ‘Aisha, you have surpassed me, you know… you have a gift.’ But if the student does not surpass the teacher, learning stops. That is the natural course of things.”
Manrique said she was even given scripts to write when she worked in the banking sector.
“I started as a CSR and ended my days in this industry in the marketing department. They always told me they were a big fan of my pen.”
But although she enjoys writing, she said, “Speaking is my first baby,” and she has invested over two decades of training in it.
“Remember, the audience can’t see you, so you can’t rely on body language. You have to use your voice to take your audience on the journey – you need training for that. You have to understand intonation, how to breathe, how to express yourself and when to pause; it’s all an art.”
Manrique’s training began at the Institute of Broadcasting Careers in Belmont. She was also trained by radio presenter Edison Carr, attended numerous international courses and is a member of the National Association of Voice Actors in the USA.
“So my education is mostly international because although I appreciate the work here at TT, there are so many opportunities internationally. I’ve seen how a good education changes your mindset, how it educates you and how it helps you appreciate the art. The voiceover industry is a billion dollar industry, so you have to be open-minded and position your brand in a way that the opportunities come your way.”
Through Voicey Versa, Manrique offers one-on-one voice training, group training, training for public speaking, interviewing and other voice-related techniques.
“My programs run over Zoom for six to seven weeks, two hours each Saturday, and we cover everything related to voiceover training…
“If the voice is an asset, it has to be treated in a certain way, which is why we also pay attention to vocal care.
“Then there is the business aspect, the pricing and the positioning of your brand in the industry.
“It’s a highly competitive field, so good training is required. I’ve pooled my 23 years of experience and created a program that I’m constantly refining because it’s important to me to offer good value for money.”
For more information visit voiceyversa.com, aishamanriquemedia.com or follow Aisha Manrique Media on IG and Aisha Manrique vo on TikTok
