D’Vybz still has some vibes left
By Suelika N. Creque
Editor-SKNVibes.com
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BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - D’VYBZ was only a few months old when its members lost the physical presence of their visionary band leader Steve ‘Steba’ Dublin, who had to travel overseas for medical attention.They also lost one of their lead singers, Lynshel ‘Shakal’ Peets, who left the band in 2007, while one of the band’s leaders, Chad ‘Suckie’ Benjamin, was involved in an accident and had to be away from the band for a couple of months that same year.
However, despite the setbacks, the band was still able to produce its second album for Carnival 2007/08 titled ‘Life’ and featured hit songs including ‘Deejay Play’ and ‘Party in the streets’.
Marketing Manager of D’Vybz Band Wallis Wilkin, in an exclusive interview, told SKNVibes that the band is alive and well.
Although their last gig was early this year, they are still confident of producing an album for the 2008/09 Carnival, with the hopes of releasing their music as early as around the Independence celebrations in September and their album in mid-November.
They believe for people to truly savour and listen in on their music, it has to be released ahead of time before other bands and artistes.
One of the issues the band faces is a permanent band house for members to have regular rehearsals, as they have been housed in several different places over the past two months.
There also seems to be an issue in terms of management of the band, as the job was undertaken by Val Henry in the beginning.
Wilkin, evading the question of whether Henry is still the manager, said the band has a vibrant and powerhouse management team that includes several professionals from marketing and management fields.
“D’Vybz is very much alive and well. The band is together, the band members are together and we are better than ever,” Wilkin said. “Like any other band or organisation, there are always obstacles that may come up, but I think we’ve managed to overcome most if not all of those obstacles…and look out for us to continue to produce good music and good performances.”
Wilkin said their debut song, ‘Turn it Up’, was awarded second position for Road March while their latest tunes, ‘Deejay Play’ and ‘Party in the streets’, did well on the overseas charts.
More specifically, the songs have been featured on Tropicalfete.com, a soca music website, and Deejay Play made it to number one on the UK Soca Charts on Vibes FM Radio.
The song is sung by their lead vocalist Jacinth ‘Shakki’ Smithen.
Smithen, who in the past has been a member of several bands in St. Kitts and Nevis, said at the band’s launching press conference in late 2006 that she had found her home.
And indeed she has, for despite the band’s issues the talented singer has remained faithful to D’Vybz.
Her partnership with their newest lead vocalist, Marquice ‘Mr. Quice’ Willett who replaced Peets, has been going well as Willett has brought a new flavour to compliment Smithen’s own unique style and sound.
“They are working together very well. We all know of Shakki’s ability and Mr. Qucie is a very talented and accomplished singer and they are both professionals in their own right,” Wilkin said. “Having them mesh was not a difficult a task, as many would have thought, they have been working very well together.”
While the absence of Dublin still affects the band physically, it has not dampened his role with the band as keyboardist, arranger, composer, rhythm programmer and vocalist, as he produced the band’s last album.
“In terms of his absence from the band, it has limited the band somewhat. However, his contribution is still very significant through technology, as he has still been able to play a major role in the band,” Wilkin said.
Wilkin said they have so far achieved the aim they set themselves.
“With any new entity, we set certain goals that we wanted to achieve when we launched. One of the major things I think we set out to do is to create good music, and music that is appealing to artist, and music that is out of the box in terms of the style of music from St. Kitts-Nevis,” he said.
“I think we’ve done that successfully as our music is different and appeals to fans of any genre of music, and testament to this is the fact that we’ve been able to have songs featured on international music charts.”
The band is also planning to go on tours for the first time, where they will be playing at overseas gigs as well as shooting a music video in the near future.
D’Vybz Band Members:
Co- Band Leader- Carl Ozzy Osbourne-Guitarist
Co-Band Leader- Chad Suckie Benjamin- Bass player
Emris Jay Forbes- Drummer/Sound technician
Jacinth ‘Shakky’ Smithen-Lead Vocalist
Marquice ‘Mr. Quice’ Willet- Lead vocalist
Mervin ‘Inches’ Maynard-Keyboardist/Rhythm programmer
Steve ‘Steba’ Dublin- Keyboardist, Arranger, Composer, Rhythm programmer and vocalist
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i wish D'Vybz all the best. Love yall and still do despite the setbacks.
(11-Jul-08 11:00 PM)