By Cherisse M. Sutton-Jeffers
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - AFTER winning Culturama Road March titles in 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2007, leader of the Ultra Sonic Band Remigio ‘Tebulous’ Powell said they are definitely anticipating taking back their title this year, as they would be coming harder than ever.
The Ultra Sonic Band hails from Nevis and has had a number of hit songs including ‘Searching’, ‘Big Banana’, ‘Sponge Bob Square Pants’ and ‘Double Bubble’, but the band is now roaring like a lion with their new big tune ‘Roar Dem’, which is also the name of their new 2009 Culturama album.
According to Powell, since its inception in 2001, the band has gone through a number of changes and had several new members since their downfall in 2006.
However, determined to succeed and live up to their band’s motto – “Survival is the greatest skill” - members quickly got back on track and did some touring in the BVI and US Virgin Islands as well as St. Eustatius and Anguilla.
The members are keyboardist/MPC Genius Jabari ‘Ras Bari’ Stevens, vocalist Jamoane ‘Dutches’ Maynard, lead and rhythm guitarist Sylvester ‘Master B’ Somerselle, vocalist Chris ‘Ras’ Browne, drummer Jamal ‘Styley’ Jean Jacques, vocalist and live guitar Calise ‘Poodie’ Liburd, chief technician Michael ‘Daddy Vamp’ Mills, assistant technician Everson ‘Casper’ Rawlins, and bassist/vocalist and band leader Remigio ‘Tebulous’ Powell. The band also has three road crew members in Wassim ‘Wazim’ Mintos, Theron ‘Richkid’ Slack and Desmond Slack Jr.
Over the years the band produced nine albums and currently has one in the mix, which includes eight tracks. Although Powell regrets to inform fans that the album would not be out until two weeks after the Culturama celebrations due to studio problems, he wants them to know that the members’ wish is to please their fans and not to give them a sloppy album, but one that they could fully enjoy.
When asked about the title track off the album Roar Dem, [released earlier this month] Powell said, “Roar Dem is a fight against bands and artistes who use violent slangs in their songs. As we know right now crime is on a high and we as artistes need to be more vigilant of the lyrics we use in our songs.”
“Ultra being the veteran band, we decided to roar them and the song is highly motivational,” he added.
Meanwhile, ‘Sugar Ants’, ‘Party Girl’, ‘Wine Like a Geenie’ and the introductory ‘Wine In a Slow Motion’ are some of the other songs that add spice and flavor to the album.
The band had originally recorded 10 tracks but due time constraint it decided to settle for eight, of which the leader is confident that their fans and the public would enjoy.
Nevertheless, fans will be able to enjoy more releases from the band later in December as it band will be releasing a number of tracks for the St. Kitts Carnival celebrations.
Although the band will not participate in the annual Band Clash this Friday in Charlestown, due to an overseas engagement, Powell said it would definitely be ready for J’Ouvert, Parade and Last Lap.
The Ultra Sonic Band will also be at the Cultural Village after the Calypso Competition on Saturday night, where they will give a teaser of what is to come.
