BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – HOME grown reggae artiste Crucial Bankie has released a new single which speaks about a very serious issue he claims happening among black people. ‘Genocide Plan’ is the single and it speaks to the global black on black violence.
“Just basically looking out at the world, the kind of phenomenon going on with the youth them, especially in the black community, the gang violence…it’s like a black on black destruction. So I’m trying to shed some light so that people wouldn’t become too complacent,” he said.
Bankie, whose real name is Ian Viera, said that the song would be part of an album he is presently working on.
“Basically, we have completed the majority of the tracks and I’m hoping to shoot a couple videos next year. We are not sure of a release date as yet, but I already have a tentative title for the album in mind.
“This is a serious album…it’s going to be one of the most serious works I’ve done,” he said. Bankie said that he has put a lot of writing into the album. “I had to take some time out and withdraw and put some writing skills into this. With experience comes a lot of teachings, so we have to take time out sometimes.
“This album is more of a social production. It’s about different subject matters, ranging from social to love tunes, and I will release some new singles in the coming months,” he said.
Bankie said that he has been receiving requests from a number of people suggesting he should make a video for Genocide Plan, which is reminiscent of one of his past hits - ‘Slaughter’. Music has a tremendous influence on Bankie and this effect was present since his youthful days.
‘Just a Sting’ is his first album and it was recorded in 1985.
Looking back at his career, Bankie has accomplished a lot, coming from a small island. He has performed on one of Jamaica’s biggest concerts, ‘Reggae sun Splash’ in 1986 and 1988, and had shared the stage with the legendary Bunny Wailer, Gregory Isaacs, Sugar Minott and Cutlure.
His last album, ‘Shakedown’, was released in 2005 and featured the hit ‘How Excellent’, which was Bankie’s way of praising the Most High. As he continues on his career path, Bankie said he simply wants to do what he has been blessed with…“Make good music and try to reach as much people as possible”.
Bankie also said that he would like to see the development of artistes in St. Kitts, an issue that he is very passionate about. “I would like to see a change in the lack of support.
That is something that has been a nemesis to me ever since my career started. With the reception and support we get from the general public, I would like to see that changed, not only on the individual level but collectively.
“My experience is that I have had to go out there on my own with no backing from anyone, and it’s not easy. Other artistes are organised out there and when you look back now you see there’s no support from home,” he said.
Bankie said he would like to see the development of Kittitian and Nevisian artistes and that the people of St. Kitts and Nevis need to show more support for local talent, especially budding new talent.
“I would like to see Kittitians and Nevisians start supporting them by buying their music. When they keep a show, full up the place just like they would for anyone from anywhere…the youth doing some positive things that society needs to hear,” he said.
Bankie has not set a date for the release of his album, which is being jointly produced by Jazzique Chiverton and a Jamaican musician by the name of Bopy. He [Bankie] also has a major role in the direction of the album.
He said that Bopy is a renowned guitarist and has played with numerous artistes, including Gregory Isaacs, Taurus Riley and 809 Band.
Bankie is also hoping to host his ‘Home Grown’ concert once more and plans to make it an annual event, giving home grown their rightful place on shows as the main acts.
