Claudius Philips

The story so far.

Written and edited by Smokiller

Claudius Philips is an Aruban singer, bandleader and songwriter. A carnival listing in The Daily Herald of St. Maarten calls him an Aruban legend who has delivered hits across the Dutch Caribbean for three decades, first as head of the O.R.E.O. band, which became one of the most popular dance bands in the ABC islands. The same listing says the album "Saka E Boem" earned him a Golden Award and a Platinum Award from the Disc Maker organisation in Philadelphia. He remains active as a carnival writer: Aruba Today credits him as composer and arranger of "Come Together", the song with which Rocco Flava and Buleria won the Groovy Soca title at the Aruba Caiso and Soca Monarch 2024. In November 2025 24ora reported a celebration of his 45 years in entertainment. His sons Claudius II and Shaun Philips also perform, and 24ora notes that Shaun's four calypso king winning songs were written together with his father.