|
Stories 2010
 Local funk/soul ensemble band One White Chick does music and contests well. No strangers to The Daily Herald’s “Best Of” band category, One White Chick has claimed on-stage titles including the Heineken/Bliss Green Synergy Music Awards in 2008. It’s easy to see why this group combines a strong mix of contemporary instruments with old-school and classic music to create the well-known One White Chick sound. The White Chick is one of the band’s brass experts. Band leader Youmay Dormoy can be found at Philipsburg Cultural and Community Centre on Back Street. One White Chick performs all over St. Maarten.
Contact: http://www.myspace.com/onewhitechic
|
 Mixmaster Pauly, born and raised on Dutch St. Maarten, was introduced to the DJ world in 1986 after hearing his cousin Michael de Weever a.k.a. Fred scratching for the first time – a sound with which he instantly became infatuated. After his cousin Michael left the island, he received his DJ equipment, an opportunity that allowed him to play for many house parties during the late 1980s. His first opportunity to play at a public event was in 1992 at the Raoul Illidge Sports Auditorium. The SXM Dance Express held a competition in which Pauly won the single and group category. The DJ for the dance competition did not show up and Pauly’s dance partner “Archie” told the organizers that Pauly could DJ. After that night, he was not only known as a good dancer but also a good DJ. Between 1990 and 1994, Pauly received many opportunities to play with various local DJ Crews for house parties.
In 1993 he was the first person from St. Maarten to enter and qualify for the World Championship D.M.C. Competition in Miami. He didn’t make it to the finals, but was given the opportunity to take part in a scratching seminar, which he won. In 1994 he was introduced to the DJ sound system with Earth Quake Sound and met many other local DJs. In 1996 he entered his first local DJ competition and became the undefeated Star Pick Talent Show DJ Champion. He also remained the undefeated champion for many other local DJ competitions from 1995-1999, such as Soualiga DJ Competition, Best of the best talent show, Sound Quake DJ Competition and Youth Extravaganza DJ Competition. Pauly embraced opportunities to travel to neighbouring islands. From 2000 to 2004 he was banned from local DJ competitions. In November 1997, Pauly started his own crew, the Mixmaster Crew, which is still going strong.
In 2004 he was allowed to enter the St. Maarten Heineken Green Synergy DJ competition. By the judges’ tally he came second, but to the crowd he was the winner. In 2005, he entered the St. Maarten Heineken Green Synergy DJ competition for a second time and won. He went on to St. Lucia and won the Regional Finals. In 2006 he had to defend the Caribbean title in the Bahamas and came in third due to equipment malfunctions. This did not bother Pauly, as he came third out of 21 islands. In 2007 he entered the St. Maarten Heineken Green Synergy DJ competition for a third time and won. He went on to the Regional Finals in Jamaica and came in second according to the judges, but was the crowd’s favourite.
Pauly had the opportunity to DJ on different Caribbean islands such as St. Barths, Saba, St. Eustatius, Anguilla, St. Kitts, Antigua, St. Vincent, St. Lucia, the Grenadines, Grenada, Trinidad, Puerto Rico, Us Virgin islands, Bermuda and Jamaica. Pauly is the only local DJ from St. Maarten to play in Jamaica more than five times. He has opened shows for many international artists including Beenie Man, Beres Hammond, Machel Montano, Sean Paul, Busta Rhymes, Omarion and Shaggy. Pauly has opened shows for all local bands on the island.
Throughout his DJ career, Pauly has travelled throughout the Caribbean, Holland, Belgium, Spain, Germany, England, and the USA. Pauly has had the opportunity to promote many local events on St. Maarten, such as his popular Big Boxing Day Beach Party which has been in existence since 1998. He also has many plans for the future which includes his upcoming event “The 5 Massive Fiesta Parties” from March 14 till April 11, at a different location every Saturday. Check out Pauly at his best at the Heineken Regatta!
|
 DJ Nachum winner of the Heineken Green Synergy 2008 DJ competition took home the number one spot! Originally from Canada, he has also lived in Curaçao. He came to St. Maarten in 1992, and has been rocking various hot spots on and off island for years. He discovered his love for DJing at the age of 11 at a friend’s birthday. Nervous and shy, he says he was afraid to dance. When he saw that the guy who played the music at the party did not have to dance but just stayed in the corner playing music, he decided that’s what he wanted to do. In the months that followed, Nachum kept seeing him at different parties and eventually befriended the musician’s little brother. That’s how he became a DJ.
DJ Nachum plays hip hop and all kinds of dance music in clubs. He also plays reggaeton, merengue and those flavours. When played at the Green House, he played a lot of hip hop, dancehall, zouk and Soca. At Bliss, he plays more of the popular songs and house music; he says it depends on the clientele. DJ Nachum also does a lot of 80s and 90s parties, also on Curaçao. At the Heineken Regatta, Nachum will be highlighting moments from the Green Synergy competition, don’t miss it!
|
|
The Cut Creator DJ Outkast on the turntables |
 DJ Outkast is one of the popular DJs on our island and as you can see also one of the best! St. Maarten’s top party and club DJ, Chantry Hodge, better known as The Cut Creator DJ Outkast, is always giving you his best! At a very young age, he started experimenting with music on some old turntables, CD player and cassette deck and worked on refining his knowledge of music. Outkast won the first ever Heineken Green Synergy DJ Competition hands down at the age of 20!
He has preformed locally and internationally at various types of clubs and parties and was signed on to Shadyville Entertainment last year. Outkast has entertained many different kinds of party people and has a growing fan base!
When we contacted DJ Outkast to tell him that he had been voted as 2008’s best, he could not believe it. He was so humble, surprised and happy about it. This is what he had to say about winning: “It is a shocker; so many years it has been my goal to win! The one year that I didn’t have it on my mind, I won! I would like to thank SXM for voting for me. Thanks for supporting me in 2008; I’ll keep doing my best in 2009! Shadyville/G-Unit!’’
Check out: www.djoutkast.com or www.myspace.com/djoutkast101 for more on Outkast!
|
 With his blazing performances on Summerjam Festival (Germany), Rototom Sunsplash (Italy), Two7Splash (Netherlands) and Zenith (France) among many others, Holland’s #1 reggae artist Ziggi has put his permanent mark on the international reggae market.
With the release of his second album “In Transit”, Ziggi proves that he’s an excellent singer and song writer. Artists such as Gentleman, Anthony B and Ce’Cile has collaborated with Ziggi on “In Transit”. From september 2008 Ziggi played at all the major venues in The Netherlands on his “In Transit” tour. From february 2009 Ziggi and The Renaissance Band are touring throughout venues and festivals in Europe. Growing up on the Caribbean island of St. Eustatius the young Ricardo Blijden was given the nickname Ziggi by his grandparents who raised him. In 2001 Ziggi came to the Netherlands to study. It was in that time when he was introduced to Mr. Rude the owner of an independent studio and label called Rock’N Vibes Entertainment. Soon chilling out in the studio with friends became a professional musical career for Ziggi. Since then Ziggi is a signed recording artist to the Rock’N Vibes record label and management. The dream team was made...........
Quote Mr Rude: “Ziggi had a vibe from the first time I heard him sing”
In February of 2006 Ziggi released his debut album “So Much Reasons”. With this album Ziggi managed to capture several awards in the Netherlands such as “Best Album”, “Best Artist” and “Best Live Act”. “So Much Reasons” produced several hits and had noticeable features on it with artists such as Elephant Man and Turbulence. His track “Blaze it” (on the “come around riddim”) had a major impact internationally and peaked at the #1 position in the official German reggae charts for weeks.
Ziggi and his Renaissance Band closed off the year 2007 at a peak by going along as the official support act on what was considered the biggest reggae tour that year, Gentleman’s Another Intensity European Tour 2007.
Quote Gentleman: “Ziggi should wear sunglasses because his future is too bright!”
With the cooperation of VP records/Greensleeves for the release of “In transit”, Ziggi writes history by being the first European (Dutch based) artist to work with the biggest reggae label on the planet. All in all, Ziggi is set out to take his musical career to the next level on the Dutch and the international market in 2010.
Quote Ziggi: “I just love to do music”
For more info visit www.ziggimusic.com or www.rocknvibes.com or www.myspace.com/ziggib
|
 Hameau Du Pont; St. Martin, FWI; To entertain their neighborhood friends, teenage “musicians” Patou, Alex, Junie, and Pascal would come together to “play music”. With the backyard of Mr. and Mrs. Piper as their stage, these teenagers played their hearts out…on home-made instruments! Pots and pans for drums and bass, vocal sounds for keyboard, and a malfunctioning radio for guitar. A couple years later Ramon, of Ramon & the Family Brass, gave them the opportunity to use his band’s instruments to practice on during their rehearsals, in his band house. Since reggae was the easiest music genre to play, this is what they practiced, however listening to bands like the Creole Stars they ventured into zouk then soca music.
As they progressed in their rehearsals, Ramon allowed them to perform for audiences during his play-outs when his band took their breaks. It was with this new taste for performance, that they began brainstorming a name for their band. Root Waves, New Waves, were some of the names they came up with before settling on Youth Waves. With their new name, Alex Piper, Patou Piper, Silvere Mingau (Junie), Pascal Adams, and new-comer Trevor Castel, founded the band Youth Waves that same year, 1986. Now all they needed were their own instruments…
Mr. James Frankel, owner of La Samana Hotel, was the angel who made that dream come true, when he gave them the necessary funds to purchase their first instruments. Mr. Frankel did this because he saw their determination, drive, and potential as a band, however, Youth Waves insisted on repaying him in full. Youth Waves gave one of their first paid performances at La Samana Hotel, and began repaying Usd 375 monthly.
Years later, before his passing, Mr. Frankel wrote them a letter stating that their “loan” was paid in full, praised, and encouraged them on their climb to success.
The 90’s proved to be the climbing and establishing period of the still infant band Youth Waves. They established themselves as the local international band when they gave their first international performance… on Anguilla (1990). From that point on their international audiences has grown to include Dominica, St. Kitts, Tortola, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Barths, Fr. Guyana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Marie Galant, France, Belgium, and The Netherlands, and the USA In this year they produced their first two studio recordings, That You Want That You Gon’ Get (with an album title so long, designing the name in wave form was the only way to make it fit on the album cover), and the single Reverse with which they won that year’s Carnival Road March title.
Youth Waves also produced two tracks in 1996 Moving to the Left, and Leader, on their album So Sweet. These two tracks exploded on the music scene worldwide.
By the time Y2K rolled around, Youth Waves had produced albums like Tune Up, So Sweet, Versatile, Step Up, Ambassador, Evolution which contain tracks like Neural and Whine, Tune Up, Ram Jam, Pantyhose, Tonight Baby, Summertime, All Ova You, Piment la, Voting Jouvert.
To date, Youth Waves have accomplished much, which they are very proud of. They’ve opened concerts for world renowned bands like Kassav, Tanya St. Val, Lovendere, Lucky Dube, Steel Pulse, Digital Express, 727 La Rose, Mary J. Blige, Beres Hammon, to name a few.
International events such as, Fete de la Music, France; Festival Terres de Blues, Marie Galant; Carnival Tropical de Paris, France; Antillean Feesten, Germany; the annual CTO Gala Dinner, New York; Labor Day Carnival, and the Detroit Carnival, USA, are just some of the organizations/events for which Youth Waves have also performed.
This level of exposure solidifies Youth Waves’ mission which is to put St. Maarten/St. Martin on the map, musically. According to the band, “our vision and goal is to attain to a professional level that would enable us to make a living from what we love most, while focusing on producing new sounds that will cross-over on a commercial level, and worldwide.”
www.youthwaves.com
|
They are among the most recognized stars of the 1980’s and ‘90’s…classic rock icons whose “voices” comprise the soundtrack of a generation. From the bars of the 1970’s where they were born, to the theaters and arenas of the ‘80’s and ‘90’s where they prospered, and the waterside in St. Maarten, the musical memories live on.
 Loverboy’s Mike Reno
They were the first of Canada’s true supergroups,
led by the driving vocals of front-man Mike
Reno. 2009 Inductees into the Canadian Music
Hall of Fame, and holders of a record nine (9) Juno
Awards, Loverboy boasts enduring fan appeal:
- Six Multi-Platinum Albums earning more
than 60,000,000 worldwide record sales;
- Nine Top-Forty Hits, including Working for
the Weekend, Turn Me Loose, This
Could Be The Night, Hot Girls In Love,
Lovin’ Every Minute of It, and Heaven in
Your Eyes (from the film “Top Gun”);
- Mike Reno scored a Number One Solo Hit
with his Adult Contemporary Classic
Almost Paradise, love theme from the
motion picture “Footloose.”
 Toto’s Bobby Kimball
Bobby Kimball’s was the voice that propelled
the incomparable Toto to Six (6) Grammy awards
in 1982 for their album Toto IV, including
recognition for Album of the Year and Song of the
Year (“Rosanna”). Embodying the “Yacht Rock”
genre, Toto’s achievements include:
- Three (3) Billboard Top Five Hits, including
the Number One Hit Africa, Number Two
Hit Rosanna, and Number Five Hit Hold
The Line;
- Six (6) Grammys, including Album of the
Year and Song of the Year in 1982;
- Three Gold and Two Multi-Platinum
Albums realizing more than 30,000,000
Worldwide Record Sales.
 John Cafferty
John Cafferty is known simply as the man who
made “Eddie Cruise”…singer and songwriter of the
Triple Platinum soundtrack to the film “Eddie and
the Cruisers.”
- John Cafferty and his Beaver Brown
Band scored a Rock Chart Number One
with the “Eddie and the Cruisers” theme
On The Darkside, in addition to an Adult
Contemporary Top Ten with the film’s
ballad Tender Years.
- John Cafferty followed his “Eddie and the
Cruisers” success with Tough All Over, a
second Rock Chart Number One, and
C.I.T.Y., a Pop Chart Top Ten.
|
 Timothee Van Heyningen a.k.a. King Timo or T-Mo
Timothee was born on January 21st, 1964 on St. Martin FWI.
During his young age Timo, as he is affectionately called, developed a strong love for music, particular calypso music.
As a result of his love for music and his singing ability, he became the lead singer of one of the island’s most prominent musical bands, the Creole Stars.
As the band’s lead singer, he composed several songs for the Band’s yearly recordings. Some of these became instant hits and made the international charts.
Songs such as: The Lumber Man, Cocktail Party and Sweet Soca Music were among some of the favorites.
His love for music drove him to the Calypso Competitions held yearly in April.
Although he has not managed to capture the Calypso Crown he has made a name for himself among his peers in the Road March category.
Over the years Timo was dubbed the “Master of the Double Entendre.”
Hits such as Vicks (1993), Sucker Garden (1995) Everybody for King Beau Beau (1996), Happiness (1996), Aunty Man (Anti-man) (1999) and others earned him the honor.
T-Mo is capable of coming up a naughty rhyme or a verse in the blink of an eye.
Also known to be the most controversial Calypsonian in this area, he manages to tease the most innocent mind with his unique vision of today’s educational, social and political commentaries.
With 6 Road March titles to his name, T-Mo has won the Road March Crown in St. Maarten more often than any other artist.
1991 - Push Out Your Bottom.
1992 - Wale It
1999 - 30 years of Mass
2007 - KFC*
2006 - The Village Burn Down and
2009 - 40 Years.
In 2009 T-Mo was crowned St. Maarten’s first Soca Monarch by defeating some other 21 contestants for the coveted title.
King T-Mo has produced at least one CD each year since his first solo recording in 1993.
In 1994 he produced one of the first solo Christmas recordings: “Caribbean Christmas – Joy to the World with King Timo.”
His CD’s over the years include among others:
“Trouble” and “Caribbean Christmas – Joy to the World with King Timo” - 1994
“Post Man” - 1995, “Happiness” and “Through Faith Were Here” - 1996,
“Attitude” - 1998, “Celebrating 30 years of Mass” - 1999,
“On the Cross Road” – 2000, “Woman Deserve The Best” – 2002, “Just 4 U” - 2006 “KFC” – 2007, “40 Years of Mass” – 2009
|
 New Band, Familiar Names from Stockholm, Sweden
Mats Ronander, Lead Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica
- Mats was lead guitar player with ABBA during their concert tours around the
world in throughout the 1970’s.
- Mats boasts 10 solo albums released in Scandinavia through Warner, Bonniers
and EMI.
- Toured in Scandinavia with Ian Hunter, Graham Parker, Sanne Salomonsen, and
appeared as an opening act in the big stadiums with Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton and
Meatloaf.
Johan Wahlstrom, Keyboards
- Johan released 6 solo albums during the 1980’s and 90’s in Scandinavia.
- Toured in Scandinavia and the UK with Ian Hunter, Mick Ronson, Dan Reed,
Graham Parker, Sanne Salomonsen.
Tobbe Stener, Guitars, Programming, Bass
- One of Sweden’s top session musicians for the past two decades.
- Educated at Berkely School of Music in Boston.
- Toured with Ian Hunter , Mick Ronson, Graham Parker, and many others.
Karin Risberg, Vocals
- One of Sweden’s most in-demand female session artists.
- 2 solo albums in the 80’s in France under the name Blue Angel, produced by the
producer of the Village People.
Magnus Fritz, Drums
- Swedish Session musician and the youngest member of the band.
All music written by: Johan Wahlstrom, Mats Ronander and Tobbe Stener
All lyrics written by: Maria Brage, Rick Shadrick, Joe Hrasna
Stockholm Stoner’s first album released in Scandinavia in October 2009, and has since
gone Platinum, its single “The Bridge,” rising to Number 13 on the Swedish Pop Charts,
driven by live performances in concert and on Swedish National Television
Read more about Stockholm Stoner at www.stockholmstoner.com
|
Rupee is one of the foremost artists in the intoxicating musical movement known as soca (soul + calypso) - the supercharged party music of the Caribbean. Rupee's soca sound is rhythmically complex yet instantly catchy, a non-stop blending of the flavorful, tuneful, and irresistibly danceable. With "1 ON 1," he becomes a major force in the eruption of innovative urban-influenced Caribbean artists who are changing the face of music worldwide.
Rupee's first success came as a teenager, when he won a popular Barbados talent competition. His performance stole the show and fueled his desire to be an artist. The public's response to Rupee was tremendous, and in 1997 he was invited to join the top Barbadian band, Coalishun. With no formal musical education, but an adventurous and well-tuned ear for hooks and vocal arrangements, Rupee became a natural innovator. As a result, he stoked the progress of soca music - especially in expanding its reach to the young - by fusing it with hip-hop and dancehall. "In Coalishun, my role was to chant [rap]," he explains. "When one of the vocalists was unavailable for a session, I ended up singing a calypso song, even though dancehall was really my thing".
Initially acclaimed in the competitive and fertile culture of the yearly Caribbean carnivals, Rupee has gone on to win over masses of jubilant fans through his high-energy performances at festivals and concerts throughout North America and Europe and even as far as Asia and Africa. Whether supported by his vibrant Caribbean-based band or super charged deejay DJ FUZZ, he is a charismatic and inspiring live performer.
"I try to have as much fun as possible," says Rupee, "but I always also inject positivity. There are sensual moments, but it's never overdone. I try to be responsible and create a vibe that's about love and upliftment. While I tell the audience to jump and wave and get all crazy, we also have to give thanks, and acknowledge the Almighty."
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rupee/17838242534
www.myspace.com/rupeemusic
|
 Music insiders would have you believe that there are a variety of musical genres and categories, and that common ground is few and far between. However, the bottom line is that people embrace music and rhythms that mean something to them, no matter what their background. As Maxi Priest knows, music is universal. Over the course of 10 albums and countless live performances all over the globe, Maxi has unleashed a one-world music that heals, rejuvenates and uplifts.
The second youngest of nine children, Maxi's parents had moved to
London, England from Jamaica. His father was a steelworker in a factory, while his mother devoted her life to Christianity; she was a missionary at a Pentecostal Church and lead singer for the church choir, and as a youngster Maxi grew up listening to gospel, reggae, R&B, as well as pop music.
While working as a carpenter building speaker boxes for a local reggae sound-system, Maxi Priest began singing over the mic at live dancehall sessions with artists such as Smiley Culture. In 1984 Maxi made a bit of history after he and Paul "Barry Boom" Robinson produced Philip Levi's "Mi God Mi King, " the first UK reggae tune to reach Number One in Jamaica.
His 1988 album Maxi, was recorded in Jamaica with legendary musicians
Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare, and Willie Londo, and was released in America by Virgin Records. With "Some Guys Have All the Luck", a cover of Cat Steven's classic "Wild World" that gave Maxi his first U.S. smash hit, and roots tracks like his duet with Beres Hammond, level, gaining him worldwide recognition.
Two years later, Maxi released Bonafide, which achieved gold status, and the single "Close To You" hit Number One on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and Number Two on the Hot R&B Singles chart.
In 1991, Maxi's collaborations with Roberta Flack, "Set The Night To Music", and with Shabba Ranks, "Housecall," again took Maxi to the highest chart echelons, and he capped off the year by releasing Best Of Me, a powerful compilation of hits from his four previous albums.
By the early to mid 90's, Maxi was critically acclaimed for his skills in balancing hard-core reggae vibes with more mainstream pop sensibilities and that approach added to his growing popularity as both a recording and touring artist.
In 1996, Maxi released the hit CD Man With The Fun, which contained the crossover single "That Girl," a duet with Shaggy. "That Girl" became a Grammy Nominated track and the accompanying Hype Williams-directed video became and MTV staple.
CombiNation, released in 1999, is a sexy and soulful album embracing reggae, hip-hop, R&B, rock, jazz, pop and rhythms, containing production and songwriting work by Sly & Robbie, Robert Livingston, Simon Law, and Joe. The album contains "Mary's Got A Baby," featuring a sizzling rap from Beenie Man; pumped up electro-dancehall beats on the fierce and furious "She Wants To Dance" featuring toasters Degree and Red Rat; an uplifting track "We Tomorrow's People" a collaboration with the acclaimed acid jazz band Icognito; the smoothed out old-school R&B Donny Hathaway/Roberta Flack cover of "Back Together Again" featuring Elisha La'Verne; and the righteous reggafied take on
Stevie Wonder's classic Golden Lady."
Since his 1988 debut, Maxi has enjoyed tremendous success as a singer with popularity and recognition around the world. In fact, he is the most successful reggae solo artist in the world, second only to legend Bob Marley. He has enjoyed numerous worldwide hits as well as a Number one pop chart smash and is widely credited with helping spread the gospel of reggae and Caribbean music.
His 2005 album, "2 The Max" includes the dancehall anthems "Full Hundred" and "Sweat A Go Buss" (featuring Beres Hammond) and the hot new single "Believe In Love" featuring 2005's hottest new rhythm.
Maxi Priest's music continues to grow. 2008 saw Maxi on tour with UB40, Toots and the Maytals, Third World and Rik Rok on the great Reggae Sunsplash Tour. Also Maxi's new video, "Makes Me Wanna Hallah" (from the album to be released soon) is capturing a new and excited group of Maxi Priest fan.
|
 A distinct, unique voice and humble character
describes the artist Maikal X. These same
features made him part of the best selling hiphop/
reggae group ever in The Netherlands
“Postmen”.
After the Internet release of Maikal X’s first
tune “The Best In You” late 2008, he
captured the attention of music lovers around
the world and was seen as a promising new
artist with a mesmerizing voice and great
talent.
“The Best In You” caught the attention of Jamaican hit producer Don Corleon who
thereafter approached Maikal X personally to voice a tune on his latest production called
“The Changes Riddim”. The result was the hit tune called “Bear With Me”. “Bear
With Me” is Maikal X’s first official single released by his label Rock 'N Vibes
Entertainment. The video for “Bear With Me” was shot in Amsterdam and Rotterdam
(The Netherlands). The single was released on April 20th 2009.
Quote Don Corleon: “Maikal X can do great things in the reggae world”
Maikal X was born Michael Parkinson, hence Maikal and the X reflects all that he’s
known for. Even though Maikal X lived all his life in The Netherlands, having a
Curacaolenian mother and Guyanese father made it almost impossible for him to loose
the Caribbean feel for music. Maikal X started out as a break-dancer at the age of 6 and
later discovered his singing abilities. At the age of 17 Maikal X started touring in The
Netherlands and Belgium with the famous Dutch formation Gotcha!
From 1998 Maikal X then known as Rollarocker / Shyrock enjoyed critical and
commercial success with the group “Postmen”. They had a string of hit singles such as
“Cocktail” and “You Wait” taken from their hit debut album “Documents”. After winning
several prizes (Silver Harp, Heineken Crossover award) and bringing out 3 albums,
Maikal X left the group in 2004.
In 2008 Maikal X signed with the independent label Rock ’N Vibes, who is responsible
for the success of Ziggi, one of the best Reggae artists Holland knows. Maikal X dove
into the studio with producer Mr. Rude, to record new solo material to pursue his solo
career.
Freshly signed to Rock N Vibes Maikal X ceased the opportunity to go on tour in 2008 as
opening act during the “In Transit Tour” of his label mate Ziggi.
Quote Mr Rude: “I can spot a big artist when I see or hear one”.
Under the name Shyrock, Maikal X is also known as the mc of Europe’s biggest
dancehall and reggae party called “Jamrock”. Maikal X also hosts the Jamrock radio
show.
The tune “Bear With Me” is one of the many tunes to appear where you can enjoy
Maikal X’s mesmerizing voice and melodic flow. Some of his music are considered
classic from birth. Maikal X will be performing on several prestigious festivals in the
Netherlands and Europe with his band “Evolution”. Look out for the newest veteran in the
music game!
Quote Maikal X: “I don’t believe in co incidents!”
For more information visit: www.maikalx.com or www.rocknvibes.com.
|
 District Band comprises of a group of young that was formed in the latter part of 2008 by Calvin Mardembrough Jr, a young musician on the island. The original members of the band are Calvin Mardembrough Jr. , Jaleel Fredericks, Kelvin James, Arthuro Zabala and Xavern Labega.
The objective of the band is to showcase the talent of St. Maarten’s youth. To demonstrate what young people can do when given the opportunity to shine. And shine they did when they released their first song entitled ‘District run di show’ prior to Carnival 2009.
Branded as St. Maarten’s Next Generation Jam Band, this group of youngsters took St. Maarten’s carnival by storm in 2009. They were able to accrue many fans (young and old alike) and as such were invited to participate in the parade for Saba carnival 2009. Once again, District Band left a mark and was invited back to the island to perform for their Saba Day festivities in November 2009.
Since the summer of 2009, District Band was asked to play at numerous public and private events and continued to work on their debut CD, which was launched in November 2009. On the heels of the success of their CD, District Band recently launched two music videos from their debut CD, which can be seen on You Tube.
District Band is not an ordinary band, it is a group of talented young people who are quite versatile and can play from carnival music, to zouk, to reggae.
District Band is prepared to take on the Caribbean and the world with their youthful energetic sound and non-stop music.
 BAND PROFILES
Calvin Mardembrough Jr. plays keyboards, drums, trumpet and has developed a reputation as a producer hence his nickname “Producer C”. He has a great talent for sequencing and arranging music and has lent his talent to numerous initiatives on the island since the age of 10. As a result, he has received numerous accolades and awards including the St. Maarten Outstanding Youth Award for his musical talent. Calvin advises young people to find something that they enjoy and build on it. To never give up and always follow their dreams.
Calvin Mardembrough Jr. is the band leader and keyboard player in District Band.
Jaheel Frederick like many musicians got exposed to music in the church. He has been playing the bass since the age of 4.5 and also plays keyboards, guitar and drums. His advice to young people is to join something positive and stay out of trouble. Jaheel plays bass in District Band.
Arthuro Zabala is a self-taught musician who always loved music and gravitated towards the guitar after hanging around bands over the years. Arthuro believes that young people must always work hard to improve themselves and he is an example of such as he has improved on his skill since joining District Band.
Xavern Labega’s draw to the drums began at a young age. This fascination led him to hang around bands and hone his craft. Xavern is an example of determination as he ensured that he got exposed to playing drums as much as he could and as such honed his craft. Determination is vital, according to Xavern.
Kelvin James never considered himself to be a vocalist as he was always drawn to the rhythm box and making beats. Although singing was never his intention, District Band gave him the opportunity to expand his talents and showcase his vocals.
Makieba Gibs started singing in her church choir when she was eight years old. Her talent led to her competing in various talent shows and winning as well. This winning vocalist is also quite ambitious and continues to balance her academics and music.
Stephane Baptiste was able to make a dream to be in a band become reality when he joined District Band. Stephane has always loved music and since joining the band he has gotten stronger vocally and through mentorship is becoming a better performer. Stephane advises young people to never give up on their dreams, regardless of how silly they might seem.
Tatiana Gibs’ singing voice became apparent to her parents when she was just three years old. She started to perform at the age of five and over the years her vocals have just gotten stronger. Tatiana has performed at many events on the island and after joining District Band in June 2009, she added songwriter to her credentials with the song “Temptation”, which is on the District Band debut CD.
Nasmarie Doran has been singing and dancing since the age of five. She got her first exposure to the stage at the age of nine and has been going ever since. Nasmarie also dabbles with the drums and keyboards and is considered to be the hype person of the band as she brings an energy that cannot be disputed. Nasmarie also showcased her songwriting skills since joining District Band with the song entitled ‘On the Dance Floor’. Nasmarie says that she wants to be a example for the youth of St. Maarten.
|
 The ten-member band, Diese Compas, will perform at the 2010 St.Maarten Heineken Regatta on Friday, March 5th. The Band will perform at the St. Rose Arcade on the Boardwalk from 9pm to 12 midnight.
The Diese Compas Band is comprised of ten Haitian musicians who live in St. Martin. The Band Leader and founder, Ronald Desir, was first introduced to music as a youngster in Church. A pastor recognized his talent and taught him how to play the drums and congas. Now he is a well-known and talented percussionist and lead singer of the Diese Compas Band. He has also played in a Zouk Band, Band Satellite, in French Guiana . He is also a carpenter and welder by trade.
Mr Desir, “Kid Creole,” wanted to share his love of Compas music with the island so he started the band in November 2008. Stanley Malbranche is the Maestro of the band.
Diese Compas has played at the Boardwalk at Taloula Mangos, the 2009 French side Carnival, Tropicana Casino, Kalis Beach Bar in Friars Bay, Rivera One with NU LOOK Band from Haiti. The Band has also performed at Heavens Disco, St. Maarten Academy and has raised money for the relief effort for the earthquake in Haiti.
Diese Compas’ musical style is influenced by well-known Compas Bands such as Wyclef Jean, Carimi, T-Vice, Systeme Band, Magnum Band and Tabou Combo. In addition to Compas, the band also plays reggae zouk, meringue and jazz.
Come out and hear the unique sound of Diese Compas at the Heineken Regatta. For more information about the band contact Mr. Desir at 5995206678 or 0590690226861.
|
 Percy Rankin born Percival Violenus was born on the French side of the island of Saint Martin to Wilma Violenus and Petin Rachel a saxophonist of the former Creole Stars Band. Percy’s was exposed to music from an early age as his grandmother had an extraordinary voice and sang in church, this talent was also passed on to his mother.
At the age of eight Percy started exploring his musical talents by performing in front of family and friends. At this tender age Percy and family realised that he truly had a gift for singing.
Percy’s first experience in recording in a studio was at the age of 18 where he recorded a single with the Youth Wave Band. His first stage performance was with the Youth Wave Band in the 1980's.
Percy Rankin first recorded his first single with a compilation of various artists. This single was entitled "Step Up On Your Culture" in 1990.
Percy obtained a job as a cook at the Sunset Beach Bar and his talent was discovered by the owner of the Beach Bar. The owner was impressed with his singing and offered him a life changing proposal. He was offered to sing at the Beach Bar permanently. Percy Rankin was part of a three-piece Band and performed at Sunset Beach Bar on weekends.
Percy's desire to expand his repertoire and be a lead singer inspired him to join the Bon fire Band in the early 1990’s. The Bon Fire Band separated and was reformed by Percy Rankin with different musicians. The name of the band was kept and Percy Rankin became the lead singer, and it is at this point Percy Rankin and the Bon Fire Band became very popular on the island.
Many entertainers knew of his musical talents and invited him to open local shows in 2005 for Sean Paul, Shaggy, Wyclef Jean and many more.
His first album was released in 2005 entitled "Smile". This was a big hit on the island of Sint Maarten as the lyrics promoted the island of Sint Maarten a tourist destination.
Through the manager of Sunset Beach Bar Percy was introduced to the Heineken Regatta's manager, through this network he was invited to perform at the Heineken Regatta in 2005. His performance made a lasting impression on the manager of Heineken Regatta hence he was reinvited in 2006 and 2007.
Percy Rankin and the Bon Fire Band continues to perform at the Sunset Beach Bar, local entertainment shows, and the neighbouring islands of Saba, St. Eustatius, Anguilla and St. Barths.
|
ST. MARTIN, F.W.I. - February 11, 2010 - St. Maarten’s own BarbWire Band will be taking center stage at 5pm, Sunday, March 2010 for a return engagement during Heineken’s 30th annual Regetta celebration.
BarbWire, founded in 2000 with Ralford Joseph a.k.a. “Remo” as lead vocalist, currently includes another recording artist on St. Maarten and co-vocalist “Dread’I.” Both Remo and Dread’I have separately produced a number of successful recordings. Other band members include original member Fred York on drums, Alex Jack on bass, Hilroy Honore on guitar and Asward Jno Charles on keyboard.
Remo, subsequent to forming BarbWire in 2000 and releasing its first album, “Brand New Man,” continued his musical career with performances in Europe and Africa. He had the priviledge of working on stage with Beres Hammond and Buju Banton as their opening act. He also worked on writing and recording music with Adele Halley, one of the UK’s up and coming Reggae artists. In Africa, he performed with one of the biggest bands in Uganda, namely Afrigo Band.
Dread’I, originally from the Caribbean island of Dominica and now hailing from St. Maarten, offers a gentle voice that sooths your soul with music and fills your spirit with joy. His style is roots reggae with overtones of R & B, classical music and jazz. He has previously recorded six reggae CD’s.
BarbWire, featuring Remo and Dread’I, performed at the Heineken Regatta 2009 as well as the Reggae Show at the Festival Village and the Music Festival in French St. Martin in September 2009. The band is a versatile one, known for playing Reggae, Soca and Zouk. Remo currently has a Reggae album on the market called Hooked that features original reggae music written and performed by him, in collaboration with Sean Shillingford and Francis a.k.a. Elkie, Durand. He is also working on a few other projects including video clips that will be released to the media and fans in the near future. Dread’I is currently producing his seventh album.
|
|
|
