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With a combination of old school and
new school Bahamian artists, the Artist Pages on Island FM’s website seek to
educate people about the traditional forms of Bahamian music as well as the new
genres explored by the newer artists. Remember … it’s not just good music … it’s
OUR music!
RAFAEL MUNNINGS AND THE BEGINNING OF THE END
Established
in 1969 and influenced by the pop culture that was vibrant in the United States,
The Beginning of the End consisted of three brothers, Raphael, Leroy and Frank
Munnings, and a fourth member, Fred Henfield, on bass. Their only hit, “Funky
Nassau” debuted on the Billboard 100 chart at 94, peaked at 15 and remained on
the charts for 14 weeks in 1971. Under the direction of Alston Records (a
subsidiary of Atlantic Records), they produced the album entitled “Funky
Nassau”. The single “Funky Nassau – Part 1” made its way on the Billboard Black
Singles chart reaching #7, hit #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the same track
reached #31 in the UK singles chart in March of 1974.
Managed
by the famous Don Taylor who also managed T-Connection and Bob Marley, they
joined forced with Bahamian icon Freddie Munnings Sr. who at the time owned and
ran “The Cat & Fiddle Nightclub” giving the Munnings brothers the chance to
perform with International acts like Nat King Cole, Count Basie, Flip Wilson
and other musicians in the 50’s and 60’s.Their only live performance was in
1971 at the University of Miami at the invitation of the Bahamian students
studying there. In 1974, they released a new album called “Beginning of the
End”. This album didn’t quite take off like the “Funky Nassau Album”. They
remained in the musical circuit performing at local clubs and on promotional
trips for the Ministry of Tourism.
Funky
Nassau spoke about the current social climate in Nassau at the time.
“Mini-skirts, maxi shirts and afro headed dudes, people doing their own thing,
they don’t care bout me or you” (lyrics from the song Funky Nassau) The song was
heard in the Blues Brothers 2000 movies and recorded by stars such as Eryka
Badu, Joe Morton, Dan Akroyd and the Blues Brother Band.The artistic freedom
embraced by these young innovators in the late sixties would appear to prove
that uniqueness will stand up against the test of time.
RIK CAREY
Born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas, Rik Carey is the son of a
very popular songstress, Portia Nottage, and a very well respected guitarist,
Pat Carey. It was destined for music to play a very major roll in his
life. As soon as his father placed a pair of drum sticks in his hands at the
age of four, Ric started to play on a bunch of pots and pans. That is
when his family realized that his future was music. Throughout his development,
he worked to establish a career in The Bahamas as a drummer for local bands and
a producer for local studios, working with numerous young and upcoming
talents. He went on to take his music to another level, landing a spot as
the lead vocalist for the world famous BAHA-MEN in 2000. Rik quickly
developed into a young International recording artist and producer. During this
period, he and the BAHA-MEN toured all across the globe, performing their
albums and gaining great success with the now famous, "Who Let the Dogs
Out." To this day, the song is still heard and loved by masses all
over the world.
Selling more than 7 million records world-wide, more than 3
million in USA, "Who Let the Dogs Out" earned Rik and the
BAHA-MEN the Grammy award for "Best Dance Recording” in 2000, 2 Billboard
awards for "World Music Album” of 2000 and “World Music Song” of 2000, 2
Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards for favorite band. When not travelling around
the world performing, Rik can be found at several recording studios in Nassau,
Bahamas where he does most of his production with local and international
artists.
R.A.P.P QUELLE
 Quentin Glover, better known by his stage name R.A.P.P Quelle was born in Nassau, Bahamas to parents that both had a love for music. Finding his passion for the arts’ at an early age, after graduating high school he began as a photographer for newspapers and local photo labs. For a while it was fun for him but something just didn’t click; there was a feeling like there was something more he should be doing. It was then he put his focus on his music and the phenomenon that was created was R.A.P.P QUELLE.
With a musical style that can only be described as Roots Rap and Hip Hop, Quelle is inspired by all genres of music such as Rakim, Bob Dylan, Tupac Shakur, Robert Nesta Marley, Incubus, Al Jarreau, Lauryn Hill, Alanis Morissette, John Coltrane, Jay Z and Roberta Flack. At home, his Bahamian artists are Tony “Exuma” McKay”, Blind Blake and Pat Rahming. With his neo/Tony McKay style of music. He quickly caught on with Bahamians and with it hopes to fans for a “Bahamian Revolutionary”.
His first appearance on stage was in 2003 at Club Ecstasy performing his song “Truth”. Since that first appearance he has since produced three mix tapes "Gorilla in Tims: The Leak", "Abstract Art: Quelle's World Vol.1", "After the Art: #WEAREUP Vol.1" and numerous singles such as "The Truth", "Have Mercy" - Ky-mani Marley Feat. R.A.P.P. Quelle "80's Back” "Lay Lay Babies”, “All The Way Up", "Fresh Out the Pool".
With his accomplishments so far, Quelle is looking forward to reaching the next level of his artistry.
RONNIE BUTLER
The grandfather of Bahamian music, Ronnie Butler has spent
over fifty years in Bahamian music. He
has won numerous awards including two awards from Baha Men, one award from the
Bahamas Music and Entertainers Union, Ministry of Tourism Awards, Bahamas
Goombay Summer Awards, College of the Bahamas Union students award, CEO Network
Media and Entertainment Award and the Love 97 Hall of Fame Award. Butler was first inspired by fellow Bahamian
artist Joseph Spence. According to Ronnie, Spence was the first real musician
and it was because of his guitar playing that Ronnie was inspired to become a
performer. He is also inspired by George Symonette and Blind Blake, as well as
King Eric & his Knights.
Ronnie started off as a carpenter/mason before
he began on the road to musical stardom. He learned to play to guitar from a
Trinidadian man he worked with during his time as a carpenter. Soon after, they
received jobs where the Trinidadian sang and Butler played the maracas. Most
famous for his hit song “Burma Road” and the fourteen albums under his belt, Ronnie
Butler is an icon and role model for new, up and coming Bahamian talents.
SAMMIE
STARR
Sammi
Starr got his start in music at the early age of 3 years old, when he would
travel to gospel concerts with his father, Rev. Oswald Poitier, who was a
popular gospel artist in the mid 80s. Sammi would also listen to records
all day as his father played them and pull out pots and pans, playing them as
drums and singing and dancing all through the kitchen. His father bought
him his first drum set when he was 4 and Sammi, to his father's amazement,
within hours and with no training, began playing them skillfully. Sammi Starr's
upbringing was mainly through the church. He was a Minister's son, and was the
drummer and keyboard player as well as lead singer for the Youth Choir.
His parents were stern and didn't allow him to attend many parties and social
events. His social life mainly revolved around church, school and family.
His first ever recording was in the early 90's when he entered the ZNS Song
writing competition at 11 years old.
Sammi Starr's inspiration is definitely Michael Jackson, the world's greatest
entertainer. Since childhood, Sammi could do all of his moves and was dubbed
lil' Michael. Also, his father, Ottis Redding, Sam Cooke, Elton John,
Daryl Coley, Celine Dion, Brian McKnight, Bob Marley and more recently, Jay Z, Usher,
Beyonce, Kanye West, Faith Evans, Timbaland, R. Kelly, Rodney
"Darkchild" Jerkins, The Clark Sisters among others.
Sammi Starr's first performance as Sammi Starr was in Nassau, Bahamas at the
former Club Envy at a Make Em' Listen production that featured
"Tada".
SKETCH
Born
and raised in the beautiful tranquil isles of The Bahamas, in the capital city
of Nassau - Christopher Marcus Carey, began singing at the tender age of 5 yrs.
old and was absolutely fascinated by the multi- talented "King of
Pop" Michael Jackson. Christopher couldn't wait to make the world his
stage and music his name! His love for the arts quickly became his passion and
Christopher "SKETCH" Carey, would find himself enthralled in a zone
that only a true artist can appreciate. Make no mistake about it, singer,
songwriter, producer, dancer, and artist, SKETCH is multi-talented --
playing the guitar, drums and piano.
A second generation Musician and
Entertainer, SKETCH hails from a heritage of highly skilled, world
renowned artists. His father and brother, both of the Grammy Award-winning
group, BAHAMEN (“Who Let The Dogs Out”), maximized their potentials in music
and have become the ultimate success story. The legacy continues with SKETCH,
as he embarks on his new journey in the United States. Since his move to the
U.S. in 2010, SKETCH has worked with some of the biggest artists and
producers in the Music Industry. While garnering respect from artists,
producers, publishers and record companies alike, SKETCH is preparing
for his much anticipated career in the Music Industry. With hundreds of tracks
to his credit, the word is out, and SKETCH is quickly becoming an
international household name. He has written for himself as well as many other successful Bahamian artist such as:
Ncity - Like Me, Dancing In The Rain, Leaving
You
Angelique Sabrina - Speaker Box
FourEver1 -
FourEver1, Life Of The Party, Don't Hold Back, Back Door, High With The
Wind
Tada - No One Else
Garnel Storr - You & Me, On The Radio
Trigga - Get Crazy, That Good
Barz Noble - Let it Go
Break Through - Make Her Say
Cazna Hinds - All Because Of You Ft Sketch
Carey
Dash - Greatest Show
Sakinah - I Miss, You Once Knew, Used To Love
Me
Jay King - L.O.V.E
Saniyah D - Treatment, Candy, GoGo
Sosa Man - Guarantee Ft Sketch Carey
Sketch Carey ft Sammi Starr & Sosa Man -
Fade To Black
KC - Our Love
Proda J - Strong Woman
K Jae - Put It Down Ft Sketch Carey, Make Her
Say
Rudell - Thats Why, Lets Make A Way
Sketch Carey - My Candidate, Your Love, Make Me Say, Once Upon A Time
Sketch Carey, Cj Priest & Sammi Starr - Pick me
SOO STUNNING MR. YAGGA YO
With a style influenced by reggae legends such as Jimmy
Cliff, Black Mice, Super Cat, Ninja Man, Terry Ganzie, and the illustrious Buju
Banton, Mr. Yagga Yo is someone who embodies versatility and has set himself
apart from any of these musical power houses by proving he is just as powerful
musically. “Spooks”, as he was known as during his days in high school,
played on the music school piano and desktop computer as he sharpened his
skills in free styling. He further fine-tuned his vocals and musical skills by
joining the choir when he went attended high school in Virginia. It was there
he began to evolve musically.
Upon his departure from high school he moved to North
Carolina and began a career as a radio personality and disc jockey. During this
time, he continued working on his craft as a musician and later changed his
name from Spooks to Mr. Yagga Yo. He joined a group of men called “Fire Storm
Crew” who were following the same path. Together they released “Ganja Song”
which was a hit on the local airways giving the listeners a fresh new sound. He
and the Fire Storm Crew together have opened for acts such as Sean Paul, TOK
and Sasha. As a solo Artist he released tracks like “Wah She Beg Mi Fah”,
“Lovely Day”, “Nah Waan See It” feat. CJ Priest and “I know Jah” feat. Peter
Runks. It’s been a few years since Mr. Yagga Yo has graced the stages but this true
genius listens, watches and plans a very timely return.
SO$A MAN – Brandon Major
 The History of So$a Man proves that an artist can still start from
ground zero and rise to independent success. Over the past 5 years, So$a Man
has released 8 mix tape/albums, organized over 20 successful independent events
with major sponsors and opened for top-selling international artists including
Bobby Valentino, Buju Banton & Lil Wayne. Although his career has
just begun, he has already made Bahamian music history by becoming the first
Bahamian Hip Hop artist to receive video play on the Caribbean network
Tempo. He continues to receive video play with his video releases
“Shawty” & “We Winnin”.
So$a Man has become a regular face in the local newspapers, with over 25
features in the various publications during his short career. Knowing the
importance of international experience, So$a Man has performed in Halifax,
Canada, Tampa, Florida, Nashville, Tennessee, and Orlando, Florida. Then
in 2007, veteran local production team STypz signed So$a Man to an artist
development contract. During this development period, So$a Man and label
mate M-Deez have taken local radio by storm releasing 5 radio singles over the
course of 2008 and 2009, 3 of which reached local number one status. In
2010, Sosa had his biggest release to date 'iDream'. The release stayed
#1 in this region for 17 weeks.
Although history has taught us that no one MAN is an island, in this case, So$a
Man has defied this rule by becoming the Man of the Bahamian islands. Now it's
time to take it to the WORLD!
STEVIE
S.
Lemuel Smith Jr., was
born February 22, 1962 in Bailey Town. Beginning at Bimini All Age School, he
continued onto Miami Killian Rogers where he completed High School. At the age
of seven he made his debut performance at Zion Baptist Church and continued to
perform until the age of ten. It was there he learned and practiced
playing the guitar and took music lessons at the age of twelve.
Before he hit the road to fame, he was a mason. Shortly
thereafter, from 1992-1998, he began playing in the local Bimini Clubs and went
pro during the late 90’s. He is known for hits such as “You Got me Thinking”,
“Crisis Time, “Love your Mama”, “Wine Up on Me” and a slew of albums like “Gone
to Jail without Bail”, “Hold me Squeeze me”, Hold your Head”, and “Wine Up on
me”. Being inspired by television matinees, Stevie hopes to perform and sell
albums abroad. His goal is to become more internationally based.
STILEET
Stileet remains one of
the Bahamas’ most popular, well grounded and well-rounded recording artists.
Hailing from Inagua, Stileet is a singer, co-producer, song writer and
multi-instrumentalist who describes his rake n scrape style of music as party
music and world music. In addition to his musical talents, he also has equal
passion for the performing arts having appeared in the “Pirates of the
Caribbean” parts 2 and 3 (2005) and “Way of the Dolphin” (2006).
Stileet has performed in
hundreds of concerts across the Caribbean and remains a crowd
favorite. His smooth, vibrant and electric style has catapulted him
to national prominence. Influenced by legendary Exuma the Obeah Man, Tony
McKay, Eddie Minnis and Macfarlane Gregory, Stileet made his debut in 2007 at
an Inagua Fund Raiser held in Freeport with his first single off of the Yea Ya
See Vol. 1 album "Pie".
Since jumping into the
Bahamian music scene he has gone on to produce an incredible line up of albums
and hit singles like Bahama Mama, Fa Sure, Oh Anna, We Rakin’ N We
Scrapin’,Saxon & Da Valley-Junkanoo, Suitcase, Everybody Love Rake N
Scrape,Vacation Rest, The Lord Is Good, Hail Me Mama, and Wine ya Boongie.
After
Releasing a Vol. 2 of the "Yea Ya See" album , in 2011 he
produced another album called Bahamian Tempo. Stileet has remained in high
demand as one of the top Bahamian artists since he debut in 2007. He has performed
at several festivals, and made appearances at many private functions and
concerts throughout the Bahamas, showcasing his talent at the Solid Gold Club
in Abaco, the Inagua Salty Festival, Harbour Island Regatta, Atlantis Paradise
Island Christmas parties, as well as the Home Coming Festival in
Eleuthera.
Terez admits she does not have just one favorite Bahamian
Artist. She says that she sees something special in all of them. For
example, she loves the way Geno D writes his lyrics and the way K.B and Funky D
perform on stage. Enjoying the sounds of fellow artists and family members Anwar
Rolle and Tony Seymour Jr., Terez also favors the voices of Sweet Emily and
Priscilla Rollins.
Born March 28, 1964 in Nassau to Lorraine and Patrick Hepburn,
Terez’ first performance was in 1984 at the Cabaret Theatre. This served to be
very easy for her because she was familiar with the stage due to her prior
experience in modeling and dancing. With voice lessons from Ernie Scott of New
York, who also coached a young Whitney Houston in her career, Terez went on to
win two Bahamian Grammy Awards for Best Song and Best Female Entertainer.
In the early 90’s, Hepburn toured the U. S as a part of the Bob Marley Memorial
Concert
Terneille “TADA” Burrows
TADA has always had a passion for music beginning at a very early
age. She’s been writing and singing for as long as she can remember, taking
part in small groups and choirs. She made her decision to go solo in 1998 and
in 2002 TADA exploded. Four time Marlin Award winner, TADA appeared on major TV
Shows such as BET’s “The Source” and Tempo.
She has also opened for
artists such as Bow Wow, Bebe Winans and Carl Thomas. Holding the record for
most nominations for an artist in the 2000 and 2004 Caribbean Music Marlin Awards,
she also has music in international films and television. Since her debut she
has released three albums, I’m That Girl, F5 & Sanctigroove.
VERONICA BISHOP
Veronica
Bishop, an entertainer for over 34 years, was born in Nassau, October 19, 1958.
After the passing of her parents, she, along with her siblings, moved to Cat
Island to live with their grand-parents. This is where she received her early
education. Always having an interest in music and being an entertainer, her
grandmother exposed her to music at her club, the Blue Bird Club in Cat Island,
where her uncle played the accordion and a man by the name of Chippie played
the goat skinned drum. Early one March when Veronica was ten years old, she was
asked to take part in a Christmas play later that year performing the song
“Silent Night”. By the time August came around, she had already begun to
practice. In December, when it was time for the play, she sang so well that she
was asked to sing the song three times that night.
As a teenager
seeking employment in the early 1970’s, the fifteen year old Veronica decided
to leave Cat Island and return to Nassau, gaining employment at a Chicken Farm on
Gladstone Rd. During the mid-70’s she was employed as a waitress at what was
then called “The Fishnet”. Growing up she had always been inspired by the
sounds of what she classes as “soulful music”. Veronica truly felt an artistic
connection with artists like Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklyn and
fellow Bahamian artist Eloise Louis. In 1977, Great Harbor Cay was where she
made her debut performing her favorite song “Quando Quando”. With a style that
can only be described as Calypso and Goombay music, Bishop went on to produce
four albums, “Woman will Rule” in 1999, “Don’t be the Other Woman” in 2000 and
“Tell Ole I aint here” in 2006 and “Another Man done Gone”.
These days along
with keyboard player Raymond Bethel, she makes her appearances at the Atlantis
Hotel in popular spots such as the Coral Lounge, Dragon’s Lounge and Plato’s.
Veronica is still delighting her listeners with her unique Caribbean sound.
WILLIS & THE ILLEST BAND
The Illest Reggae Band is a twisted
amalgamation of aggressive roots, rock and dub-style reggae fused with their
maniac blend of rock, ska, reggae, hip hop, r&b and jazz alike. Fronted
by Willis Knowles and the soulful wailing of Mandisa Kerr, the band continues
bridging the gap of music, people and culture through original songs and
countless covers. Known for their energetic, uplifting performances, The
Illest is poised to take their message of acceptance, love and I-nity to
audiences everywhere.
The Illest is a band that is steadily on the
rise because these talented musicians are passionate entertainers with a
natural driving force and they know how to light up a stage.
With
2+ hours of original music and countless covers, The Illest has delivered more
than 625 performances in the past 3 ½ years at top venues in including:
Atlantis, Albany, Compass Point, Hard Rock Cafe, Luna, Ocean Club, Old Fort Bay
and Waterloo Club easily drawing crowds of 230+ at each show. The group
also opened for Beenie Man and an Aerosmith tribute band, Aeromyth.
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