Mega Banton

MEGA BANTON has maintained a deep affection for music as long as he can remember. Garth Williams, who was later dubbed MEGA BANTON, grew up outside Kingston, Jamaica in the third city of Portmore. Since his early days as a youth, he crooned the lyrics of Dennis Brown, Yellow man and Alton Ellis over his father's sound system at neighborhood sessions. Mega was soon writing his own tunes and developing his own lyrical style while in the second form at ST. ANDREW TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL. Mega's reputation as a talented young DJ grew as a teenager. He began performing at local stage shows and was introduced by RICKY GENERAL to notorious reggae mogul/ producer Jack Scorpio. It was while recording with black Scorpio Label that mega earned his name from an elder musician, black mice, for his intense delivery and provocative vocal flair. He began to record tracks like GIVE IT A EASE witch is the first song the magician as he is called by his friends as ever recorded. The song echoed the harsh reality of the life that surrounded him with a positive message. Mega's swift hard-hitting lyrical delivery distinguished him among the emerging DJs with songs that epitomized the dancehall era of the early 90s.   In 1993 Mega Banton released his debut album, FIRST POSITION, on VP records with hit singles such as NAME A MENTION, GLAMOROUS, COBINATION MIX, and AND A SO WI STAY. The single, SOUND BOY KILLING of the same album charted on the US BILLBOARD charts and propelled Mega's career to the next level. Mega Banton landed a deal with SONY RECORDS in 1996 and recorded 1,000,000 MEGA WATTS. Mega has spent the past decade recording with various producers and labels in Jamaica including Shocking Vibes, Steely and Clevie, King Jammy, John John, and Free Willy witch he said is his favorite producer at this point. Mega has toured with members of the shocking Vibes crew including Beenie man and Tanto Metro and Devonte. The popular street anthems; MONEY INA MI POCKET and PON DI CORNER, revived Mega's status as one of Jamaica's most respected DJs and stayed on the Reggae charts in Jamaica and the United States for several months in 2003. Popular singles such as RISE IT, GIMMI DEM, and GARISON featuring Mr. Lex, have kept Mega Banton on top of his game. Both GIMMI DEM and GARRISON were released on Gargamel Records and produced by one of Mega's musical inspirations, BUJU BANTON. Although, Mega has been limited his appearance on dancehall rhythms in the last few years, He still manages to preserve his untouchable style and status. Mega Banton also more recently known as MEGAH DI MEGLADON is currently under the management of ICON REGGAE ENTERTAINMENT and is in the final stages of completion of his new album, THUG POETRY to be released in the spring of 2007. The new album features a combination of Mega's usual hardcore dancehall edge with an added touch of hip- hop with a variety of tunes and topics such as THESE STREETS, to LOVE IT as well as guest appearances by several renowned hip-hop and rap artists. Songs of the upcoming release as well as Mega's current tracks will also be featured on his upcoming mix CD ENEMIES ON DEADLY GROUND. Mega has proved his position as an undeniable force in the dance hall scene and continues to leave his mark.

Maffie

ULAN “Maffie” ATWELL was born in the city of Georgetown, on the island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, in the Caribbean. As a young boy growing up in Georgetown Maffie remembers singing a song called "Row Me "Over the Tide Boat Man" which he learnt from his mother. He performed this song with his sister at a function in December 1985 and won first place. Since his school days Maffie knew that he was blessed with a creative ability and when he turned his attention to woodworking, he was chosen as the best artist in his class. Later, Maffie turned his attention to Skin Diving but deep down inside Maffie always knew that he was destined to be a musician. So he turned his attention back to what he loves best and he began his musical career as a panist in 1991. He performed in the Pan Festival in St Vincent and the Grenadines Carnival and played in several different locations on the island. Later, Maffie moved on to be a drummer for the band "We Boy Country Style" from 1992 to 1994. He immigrated to Vancouver, British Columbia in 1995 and since then Maffie has been strengthening and developing his musical abilities.

It was in 1999 after a lot of hard work that Maffie exploded into the music scene in Vancouver with his first album call "Sweet Wine" which he composed and produced in association with Dan Shallow. One year later in June 2000, Maffie took his musical abilities to higher heights, producing his own debut album in 2001 call "Juk Juk Passy." Exactly one year later in 2002 Maffie came out with his second album, "On Strike," which included the popular song "Pum Pum On Strike.” This album reached number 4 on the top ten music charts in his homeland St. Vincent and the Grenadines and remained one of the most popular carnival tunes for that year.

In 2003 Maffie produced his third album called "Shake Shake". This album also includes some hot reggae and Soca tracks as well. 2004 May 15th Maffie produce Sam Hope and family first album call Unity reggae and Soca mix and Master by Maffie and Arrange by Sam hope. He also produces Phase 111 Steel band first album call we jamming 2004. Maffie record mix and Master Music for The Fire Band and Out of Many Band as well . He functions as an arranger, composer and producer of all his CD’s. He is constantly striving to be a better artist and to expand his musical career. Work has now been completed on one of his recent album produced in association with African artist Silas Sajjabi. The album was officially released at a spectacular function at the Croatian Center in Vancouver on July 17th, 2004. It is called "Somebody Is Watching Me" and work has also been completed on his most recent album, l "Represent 2005" which is a very exciting and versatile CD. Maffie is Working on his New Album call "Revolution".

Other highlights from Maffie's Career:
In October 2002, Maffie organized a band called Maffie and Crew. The band members, internationally known as 'The Crew', derived from the Caribbean and are now focused on their objective, to bring a Caribbean vibe to the industry locally, regionally and internationally. Their stage performance is incomparable to any other artist throughout the Lower Mainland. Each performance is filled with high energy and precision. It contains a magnificent display of dance flavor, originality, versatility and creative musical interpretations. The band induces their fans across the country into soca frenzy by performing their own original music and they are certainly on their way to become one of the best Soca band in Western Canada.
In 2002 Maffie and Crew opened a show for renowned Vincentian artist, Alston Becket Cyrus at the Jewish Community Center in Vancouver. From opening band Maffie and Crew moved on to being the back-up band for another famous Vincentian performer, Winston Soso. On July 28th 2003, Maffie performed solo with the Caribbean & African Dancers for the Caribbean Days Festival 2003 at Waterfront Park in Vancouver. Later on August 31st 2003, this avid performer and his Crew took center stage again as they performed for the African day Celebrations at the Croatian Center in Vancouver. Maffie performed alongside the popular African singer Kibwe and other popular performers such as Masabo. He performed recently at the Caribbean Days Festival 2004 at North Vancouver's Waterfront Park, the Maple Ridge Annual Street Festival and the Afro-Carib Festival in Victoria. Recently, he has been very busy producing music for other young artists in Vancouver as well.

GEN-X “ The Soca Elijah”

Climb a tree and shout it out loud..." Trinidad is his country and he is proud. Cassio Anthony, aka "Gen-x", aka "The Soca Elijah", set out from a little village deep south of Trinidad, called Los Charos (Palo Seco) with a belief- he will be the people's poet, the voice of the street. All he had to prepare him were the songs of strength from his only up bringer- his mother. In his family, music was always force against trouble times, and Gen-X flexed his musical inclination while still a youth, taking it from major church conventions to the corner- all by the time he was eleven. On this level, he saw just how many young Cassio's there were (and still are) and decided that music could inspire and change not just himself, but any neighborhood. Armed with many styles, ranging from R&B, to Hip Hop, to Reggae, he became known on the street as the Ghetto Gospel Singer. It wasn't long after he graduated from Siparia Junior Secondary & Senior Comprehensive, things began to change. After many years pursuing a degree in England, Gen-X felt his musical vibe begin

to slip and with one breath decided to alter his life: he boarded a jet plane to Trinidad and never looked
back. With pen, paper and thoughts of the worsening crime in Trinidad,
Gen-X landed in Port of Spain with his first track. Now, all that was left was to find a studio and begin recording. Within a week of landing, he had begun recording the very track he wrote on the journey, his first Soca anthem, "Trinidad Is My Country". Immediately, he heard both praise and criticism.

He was told his vocal style was too much similar to that of Soca Superstar, Bunji Garlin, and it was recommended he change it up if he wanted to earn money. To which he replied that he will only be himself, and wants people to hear the positive message in his lyrics, and not focus on who he sounds like.
His resolve is already working, as early reviews cite Gen-X as "Deep", "Heavy", and "...raising positivists to its highest peak." Gen-X has reached the hearts and minds of many fans, artistes and producers.

Already, he has collaborated with Jah Banton, Collis Duranty and Farmer Nappy from the well known band XTATIK. Follow-up hits "In De Party", "Tell Me Why", and "Old People Words", have been playing on all local radio, fetes and clubs throughout the nation and are steadily working their way around the globe from London to New York, Miami, Toronto and Vancouver. Of course, stage performances were not far behind, and in less than a year he has toured nationally with the band Made In Trinidad.

With such drive and accomplishments, the only question left unanswered was why
he carried the name Gen-X when it is commonly associated with the abbreviation
for "Generation X" (an age group of people usually depicted negatively throughout
society). The answer: he represents the shining light of young people everywhere-
a reflection of the true positivity that resounds within this generation. There is always
hope, and you will find it in the music of Gen-X.

This young singer is already a star in the Caribbean diasporas. She has already been honored with several awards over the last few years. But let's forget the coconut tree, the idyllic beaches and the cheep touristic clichés. Gailann sings and creates the Caribbean music of today; a unique mix of RnB and Soca. Urban and modern, but never too far form her musical roots, which emerges from her Caribbean culture.
Gailann spices her songs with Ragga, Calypso, Jump up and other rhythms of the 'Road March' of Carnival each year to create a new direction in Soul music.
Born in Trinidad, she started singing religiously in a gospel choir, then rapidly became one the most wanted back up singer of the top soca artiste. She was noticed by the best producer in Trinidad, $hel $hok, who invited her to his New York studio to record the first batch of tracks. Hip Hop, Electronic beats, ''Hot & Spicy'' lyrics together with her unique soulful voice rendering which started to assert itself. The collaboration is creative and the RnB style started to get some tan. Gailann idolizes Mary J Blige and Sade. Both are real women and genuine artists, sincere and human beings like herself. O ne of her singles (Brain Therapy Mix) ''There You Go'' is already a must play by the DJs. Brain Therapy was release under Warner Music/Une Musique in France.
Gailann has also done a song with Saik, a young talented Mc out of Guadeloupe, a track titled "Baby" a collaboration of Soca and Creole/French.
She is part of the well known "Godfather Asylum" and is affectionately referred to as the "Godmother" or the "First Lady".
Her first album will soon be released. She has already recorded a total o thirty-five tracks throughout her career.
For 2005 she did a collaboration with (Cheryl) 'Salt' from Salt and Pepper, alongside Benjai
a track titled "Buckle up Yuh Belt" a Hip Hop, Soca flavour.
First Album of Gailann released fall 2002 by Maturity music Ltd. "Brain Therapy"
Soca for the World - album (Gailann and Rocky)
Soca for the World Vol 2 - album (Gailann and Rocky)

RnB will at last get Sunstroke!!!

She has performed at: 1 MTV 2 New Orleans Jazz Festival 2 Boston 3 Maryland 4 Detroit 5 Orlando 6 Turks & Caicos 7 Canada 8 Philadelphia 9 Paris 10 Universal Studios Orlando 11 Miami 12 Virgin Islands And throughout the Caribbean.

PATRICE ROBERTS

Eighteen-year old Patrice Roberts has been singing professionally since the tender age of 8 in her home country of Trinidad and Tobago. Roberts, who is also a model and tenor steel pannist descends from a musical family. She was educated at Toco AC School and Toco Composite School where she was a Form Five student.

Though young in years, Roberts has the background of a seasoned performer. The Sangre Grande Junior Calypso Monarch competition (which she won in 1995) was her first professional singing experience, but she realized her true calling as a performer when she participated in her first National Junior Calypso competition at age fifteen. In 2000, she became a top finalist in the competition, marking her ascent in the calypso arena.

The year 2001 was also memorable for Roberts where she became the National Soca Monarch, the National Library Calypso Monarch and the National Junior Calypso Monarch, which she won again in 2002. Other career highlights include Toco Personality Winner 2000; U.N.D.P. second-runner up 2001; second-runner up in both the Junior Soca and Junior Calypso Monarch competitions and finalist in the International Soca Monarch competition in 2003 and 2004.

Roberts has graced stages across the globe, performing at London's Royal Opera House, the Barbados Crop Over Festival, the Miami Junior Carnival and several other New York venues like K.C.'s Hideaway, the Elite Ark, Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts, The Brooklyn Museum and The Afrika House where she performed amongst noted talents as Queen Singing Sandra, the legendary Black Stalin, the Mighty Sparrow and Jamaica's Hopeton Lewis.

In December 2003, Roberts' debut CD titled Blossoming was released. She co-wrote the album with the popular Calypsonian, Impulse.

Breaking News: Patrice Roberts has made it to the International Soca Monarch finalists in Trinidad for 2005.

Patrice Roberts teamed up with Machel Montano of the big band Xtatik on the song “Band Of The Year” which Won the Road Match in Trinidad & Tobago for 2006 Carnival.

IMPULSE

An aggressive and artistically agitated Calypso/Soca writer/performer responding to the stage-name Impulse, is now commanding respect and attention everywhere. In a controversial track titled Four Cars from his soon-to-be-released debut CD, the artist threatens to make a clean sweep of the four major Calypso competitions in his homeland in '03. With a car being the top prize in each contest, the exceptionally prolific composer sounds the double-entendre warning that he is ready for dem Four Cars.

Born 39 years ago and christened Wayne Modeste, this gifted tunesmith lived his early years in Mayaro and New Lands Guayaguayare, two small southern villages on the sunny Caribbean island of Trinidad & Tobago. From his formative years, Wayne exhibited an aptitude for the performing arts. At age 12 he was climbing onto a stage for his first performance at a school concert. By the time he turned 17, using the sobriquet Young Unknown, the budding artiste became one of the youngest cast members at the Masters Den Calypso Tent in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, led by super Calypso composer/performer Shadow. At age 20 the Young Unknown came to be known as Impulse. By that time admiration for entertainer Shadow began to take root and Impulse adopted the popular artists as a mentor and idol.

Calypso stalwart Brigo gets glowing credit from Impulse for discovering his artistic talent in the mid-80s. "Brigo taught me the art of constructing a proper Calypso," Impulse notes with gratitude. As the years rolled by, performances at Calypso Spectacular and the Revue Calypso tents in Trinidad groomed Impulse into a songwriting whiz and a rounded entertainer while simultaneously paving his way to stardom and success. His tenacity to fight for success never wavered, and in 2001, he hit the doorway to a gold mine. Gypsy Car Too Small ('De Car Cah Hold) and this is Kim (a reply to Barbadian TC's hit Wrong Name, more popularly known as Who de Hell is Kim?) caught the ears and eyes of the Caribbean public worldwide.

In 2002 popular songs like Macco and The Sheriff (more commonly referred to as Dhanraj), had Impulse among the headliners at the Revue Tent in Trinidad for annual carnival celebrations. Those two hits earned him numerous engagements both at home and abroad and catapulted Impulse to North American stardom resulting in performances in Baltimore, Connecticut, Atlanta, Miami, Washington D.C., NYC and Toronto. He performed with greats including Sparrow, David Rudder, Rikki Jai, Scrunter, Sugar Aloes, Singing Sandra and many more. He also performed at the successful Guinness Reggae Cari-Fest 2K2 in New York with Dancehall stars Beenie Man, Merciless, Elephant Man, and Bounty Killer.

Due to his masterful lyrical composition a number of artists have commissioned Impulse's to write for them. For example the hugely popular Whey De Fork (Yuh Hold Meh For) by Eddie Charles, Biting In-Sects by Ronnie McIntosh and Calypso Queen Denise Plummer's I Love Me are among countless compositions authored by Impulse. In addition, Impulse has written for Calypso/Soca artists like Denise Plummer, Ronnie McIntosh, Candy Hoyt, Oscar B. Rikki Jai, Millennium Krew, Island vibe Band, Denise 'Saucy Wow' Belfon, Twiggy, Patrice Roberts and Crazy to name a few.

Breaking news, on Jan. 24th, 2005 Impulse was declared the new 2005 Young King Calypso Monarch at the National Action Cultural Committee (NACC) competition at Pier 1 in Trinidad.