BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – ALTHOUGH St. Kitts is made up of an area of just 68 square miles with a population of some 40 000-plus, the island boasts many talented individuals - from scholars to athletes to musicians.
Among those talented individuals is 23-year-old Dijon Webbe of St. Peter’s Village, who many people in the entertainment industry view as the man behind St. Kitts’ music. They claimed that he is a music producer by day and a performer by night.
SKNVibes’ interest in the young man had grown over the past two weeks upon learning about his versatility as a musician, and an arrangement was made for an exclusive interview.
Born to Basil Webbe and Doris Archibald, Dijon is touted as the best keyboardist in the twin-island Federation; a versatile musician who plays the bass and lead guitars as well as other instruments in the various bands in which he was a member.
Dijon told this publication that his musical journey began when he was a mere four-year-old, at which age his grandfather had presented him with a toy keyboard. That present, he added, had brought out his untapped talent, which was seen by his parents as a gift from God, and they subsequently harnessed it two years later by enrolling him at Hulda Lawrence School of Music.
Since then, his ability as a keyboardist became high in demand, which led him to membership of the Royalties Band, Nu Vybes International Band and the Grand Masters Band. He currently plays in the Limitless Band.
The popular song ‘With Or Without You’ done by Ali Dee for the 2011-2012 Carnival was arranged by him and he noted that he had lent his opinion on many other songs done by local artistes.
Dijon is currently working on two new tracks for Queen Anastasia for the 2012-2013 Carnival celebrations and also one for Nickhail.
He declared that with this year’s Carnival rapidly approaching, his time is being taken up in the production of those songs as well as being the keyboardist for the Proud Sounds Grand Masters Calypso Tent.
“I am currently juggling my limited time between these two.”
Dijon explained that during the day he could be seen working on the two artistes’ production and at nights he pounds the keys of a keyboard in providing musical accompaniment for calypsonians of the Proud Sounds Calypso Tent.
He expressed his eagerness to enhance his ability from an academic standpoint and is trying to organise the funds to go off to college and study music production, which he hopes to accomplish very soon.
Dijon explained that upon achieving the funds to further his studies and attain his degree, he would return to his homeland and establish a state-of-the-art studio to arrange and produce music. “A place where local artistes can get quality products,” he added.
He also outlined a number of short comings in music in St. Kitts, explaining that the general public does not appreciate the worth of a musician. Therefore, it is a very tedious task for one to make a honest dollar from music, knowing that many people are of the view that music is not a real career.
In his recommendations on the short comings, Dijon said, “Before musicians can get recognition they need to get their act together and grow together, because if everyone is unified they can have one set price among all musicians which will see the art form progress. This calls for a professional stance to be taken by all musicians in the Federation.”
This publication also spoke with Dijon’s father, who commended his son’s ability and stated that whenever he plays he does it with a lot of passion and feeling, which also make people in the audience feel what he is playing.
He also stated that whenever Dijon is performing, the family tries to be there to support and encourage him to continue in this field.
The senior Webbe further stated that he hopes his son would further his musical career and publishes something about his music on paper.
The Manager of Limitless Band, Hakim Samuel, also had his say and told SKNVibes that “Dijon is a big asset to the group” and described him as a skillful individual.
He added that the band has not produced any original composition as yet, but when they do he expects Dihjon to play a very significant role in its production.
Samuel declared that Dijon is one of the best musicians in the Federation and noted that he has a great sense of humor.
He also said that the young musician is a good team player.
Asked about his most memorable accomplishment, Dijon said, “Being able to successfully complete the Grade Eight Pianoforte Examination.”
He explained that the exam was conducted by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, which is a London-based examinations board and registered charity that provides examinations in music at centers around the world.
Although Dijon aims to be successful in whatever he does musically, he indicated that frustration sometimes steps in due to the fact that there are certain goals he would have liked to already achieve, but did not because of the lack of funds.
He however indicated that with support from his parents and funds raised from what he currently does, set goals would soon be achieved.
