BVI's Five-Time Road March Champs in 2011: Showtime Band

The BVI's Showtime Band has continued to excel since its formation in 1999. The band has won five consecutive road march titles and continues to shine.

When British Virgin Islanders think about their annual festival, they look forward to celebrating their culture with both food and music. The music for festival time in the British Virgin Islands is the VI's own style of calypso and soca. Traditionally, the islands were known for fungi music, which is played with handmade instruments such as the ukulele and the squash. Since the 1980s, with the influences of Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua, St. Kitts and Nevis and the nearby U.S. Virgin Islands, the BVI has cemented its own brand of calypso music.

BVI's Festival Music

 Several bands have come out of the BVI, including Caribbean Ecstasy, with songs like "Push Pipe" in the 1980s, Adjik with "Ram," Awesome Crew and Prime Time, who sang "Bernie," inspired by Weekend At Bernies (1989). The band Elvis White also comes from the BVI and they sang the hit "Sexy Waist." In 1999, Showtime Band came on the scene and made an impact instantly. Today, they have accomplished eight albums, several hits, a growing fan base and road march titles.

Who is Showtime Band

Showtime's lead vocalists are Raul "Jougo" Sprauve, Renrick, "Mac Daddy" Massac and Eustace "Boss" Freeman, all original band members since 1999. Kerry Nichols is on keyboards, LeeSean Smith handles the drum machine, also called the rhythm box, and Glen Lamothe is a guitarist. Jougo's brother, engineer, Ramon Sprauve and Osbert "Cushung" Pole, the bass guitarist, were both members of the 1990s BVI sensation, Primetime. Kevin Sweeney, a rhythm box 'genie,' is also a founding member of Showtime and is currently on a short hiatus. Crystal Frett and Andrea Sweeney are also contributing members of the band.

The managers are Roger Frank and Ottley Hodge, another founding member. Since its inception, the band has gone through several metamorphoses, but stands strong today, and gave several outstanding performances during the BVI's 2011 Emancipation Festival. Showtime has not only performed for audiences in the BVI, but has also shared their music with fans in St. Thomas and St. Croix in the USVI and in Miami. They have collaborated with both local and regional artists. Locally, they have worked with hip-hop artist, Aaron 'Da Jedi' Parillon, in "Invisible" and with [Lincoln Ward](http://www.lincolnward.com/) in "See You Again."

They have also shared tracks with Sowande and Terra Mike and teamed with Trinidad and Tobago's Shurwayne Winchester on the 2007 Road March, "Soca Pledge Remix," from their 'The Family' album. Most recently, they teamed with singer and producer, AJ, of the former Xtaushun Band who sang "Energy" and with JJ, formerly of Xtreme Band, for another Road March. The collaboration resulted in the 2011 Road March "Buns of Steel." Other Road March songs from Showtime include "Hula Hoop" in 2008 and, in 2009, "Circles" which may be deemed their biggest hit. In 2010, two songs won, "Yo-Yo" and "Whine Like Crazy," both from the I Am album. Older songs that are recognized by fans include "Madoo," and "B.V.I.," a tribute to the BVI's beauty and culture.

How Road March is Determined

 For local bands, during the festival, the prize sought is the coveted Road March title, a competition in which only BVI bands can compete. The winning Road March song is chosen from the songs that are played in front of the judges during the August Monday parade. The person charged with ensuring that the Road March competition was properly handled in 2011 was Miss Nakema Bell of the BVI Festival and Fairs Committee. According to Miss Bell, the Road March judges consider the total number of times a song is played by a DJ or a band, the originality and creativity of the song and the band's overall performance of the song. Bands have to submit an application and compact disc with the songs to be considered as contenders for the Road March title. The song with the most points at the end of the parade is declared the winner. In 2011, there were two dedicated judges for the Road March Competition.

What's Next for Showtime Band

 2011  proved to be another successful year for Showtime Band. They are booked regularly in the BVI in Tortola and in Virgin Gorda and are getting positive feedback from their fans. In addition, they recently released their eighth album, The Journey, with eight tracks, including "Buns of Steel, "Pushing Bush" and "Surround Me." According to co-manager, Roger Frank, Showtime is aiming at a sixth consecutive Road March title in 2012. In the near future, they hope to perform at New York's annual West Indian Day Parade. Roger also shared that "the (fans') support has been tremendous and had a driving force to keep the band going." The band regularly performs community service by linking with a cause of their choosing to show their gratitude for the support of their fans. For more information and for bookings, please visit their Facebook page.

Sources:

• Telephone Interview with Roger Frank, co-Manager of the Showtime Band on September 6, 2011
• Telephone Interview with Nakema Bell, BVI Festival Committee on September 2, 2011
• Showtime Band Facebook Page
• Showtime Band is 2011 Road March Champion, BVINews.com accessed September 6, 2011

The Fads, Sex & Fashion of Music - short thoughts

Music really seems to go in periods of fads. It's not just the fashion and the rhythm but lyrically, music does evolve and in some cases almost dissolves. I liked the 90s lyrically but the fashion, which was the craze at that time, was really off. Hammer pants, crazy colors and hair, jherri curls, jeans that were loose and still baggy or super baggy are all part of the 90s and we hope these trends stay far away in the annals of time. I must say that the different award shows were much more glamorous back then because there was some really regal outfits. Of course, Lil Kim and Toni Braxton bared it out in the 90s too.

I think that since 2000, we've been focused on so much sexuality that even the once squeaky clean (or so perceived artists) fall into the trap of pushing sex. I do like some artists that have achieved major successes since 2000 including Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, Chris Brown, Lloyd, Jazmine Sullivan, Gyptian, Jah Cure etc.

If you sing about love, sex is part of it too. However, do we need it blatantly in our eyes? Even in our local festivals and carnivals, we have to wonder what has happened to us. I guess the sexual images are so much in front of us that one front looks no different to another. I always say that I am tired of seeing the crotch of certain musical artists that I have don't even bother watch their music videos. It would have to be that I'm listening to the radio to realize that a particular song is theirs.

You may laugh at because I will support the Caribbean artists but if I don't like the content - lyrically or in the video, there are options - listen on MySpace or not at all. I can limit the garbage that I am exposed to and everyone has a tolerance level for nonsense.

I miss the days of Troop, Bel Biv Devoe, Jagged Edge, Lil Mo, Tweet etc.

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Short Narrative: Learning Lessons

I once met a man who had two children, Tommy and Timmy. He seem to favor Tommy more because Tommy could be seen sucking a lollipop, slurping a Chubby and somehow, had another hand to hold a Snicker bar. Timmy seemed to lonely even though he had a brother. He seemed dejected and sad.

I asked their dad if Timmy was OK. He said sure he is and that Timmy was quite OK. I asked Tommy if he would share with Timmy and he said that he wouldn't. I smiled at Timmy and he smiled back.

We bade farwell and met later on at another location. This time, Timmy seemed to be happy and Tommy looked sick. I again approached the father and asked how things were going. He said things were fine. I dug a bit further to find out that Tommy had put on a tantrum prior to my first meeting them. He demanded that he should have all the sweets and snacks. His dad bought them for him. Timmy apparently was ashamed of Tommy's behavior and was sad because Tommy did not share with him.

Their father wanted to teach both boys a lesson even though Tommy ended up with a tummy ache. Not to worry - his dad also bought him some bitters to drink for a clean out! Timmy surely knew never to try to pull such a stunt with his dad.

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POEM: Do You love What You Feel

Do you love what you feel?

Cause your feelings no one can steal
what's inside is what's real
you're you - that you can't conceal
your inner beauty - you must reveal
even if you feel a shade of teal
even when someone gives you a bad deal
take courage and grab the wheel
and let the negativity be peeled
because you've got natural appeal
erase the hurt and heal
and just Love what you feel!

Inspired by "Do You Love What You Feel" by Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan
© Linette Rabsatt 2011

Goats, Rabbits and Dogs

Some animals seem to like me. I guess because I am always willing to feed some of them. A few dogs, rabbits and goats have become my 'friends' this year. It is something that makes me laugh. I know with the rabbits and goats it is because I feed them. Goats really love the attention and really eat almost anything. Rabbits are cute and most people like them. Rabbits like ripe bananas, lettuce, grass, spinach, cabbage, carrots  - at least that's what I would give them!

As for the dogs, I am not a dog lover. However, two so far have adopted me. One unfortunately died. Now her grandson follows me everywhere. I have not fed this dog but he seems to be attached to me for some reason. I guess I'm pretty decent if animals like me.

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A Thought on Happiness

There is no magic recipe for being happy. Everyday will not be easy either and many days, frustration or sadness may cramp your mood. Trials are only for a time - some endure while others subside quickly. There is no magic potion to bring happiness. Voodoo can not bring happiness, but prayer can bring peace of mind.

Keeping balanced within the day takes a lot out of us. Some times we want to scream, curse, kick something or somebody or just walk away. We can't always get that justified result because we may lose a friendship, a contract or a job or go to jail.

Material things will be a short justification but they fade and can't talk to you or keep you warm at night. In a 24/7 world, happiness may just be a short-lived thought or daydream. Peace of mind and balance seem more real but some days, we all know these are not even realistic as we try to maintain finances, keep families together, build communities and nations and pursue multiple careers.

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Great Music of 2001: Mahogany Soul by Angie Stone

In 2001, Angie Stone released Mahogany Soul featuring "Brotha", "Pissed Off", "Wish I Didn't Miss You" and "If I Wasn't".

Angela Stone, known to R&B and Soul music fans as Angie Stone, released her sophomore album, Mahogany Soul on October 16, 2001. Mahogany Soul was a follow-up to her debut album Black Diamond in 1999. She was once a member of the R&B group, Vertical Hold. According to her official website, in the early 1990s, "after struggling to launch a solo career in the States, Stone headed for Europe, where audiences were more receptive." It was after meeting with Clive Davis of Arista, Stone released Black Diamond which featured "No More Rain (In This Cloud)."

The Soulful Mahogany Soul

Mahogany Soul presents 18 tracks of soulful and inspiring songs including "More Than a Woman" featuring former Undacova member Calvin Richardson, "Bottles & Cans", "The Ingredients of Love" - a duet with Music Soulchild, "Life Goes On" and "Easier Said Than Done". Angie Stone not only had lyrical input in the album but she co- executive produced with Peter Edge and Breyon Prescott.

• "Brotha": "Brotha" was such a hot track that it appeared on the album twice with the latter being a remix featuring Eve and Alicia Keys. The original version is the second track on the album and this song is almost an anthem dedicated to all the hard working black men. In the chorus she sings, "Black brotha/ I love ya/ I'll never try to hurt you...there is no one above you...." "Brotha" had lyrical input from Stone, Raphael Saadiq, Harold Lilly, Glenn Standridge and Robert C. Ozuna. The music video was also special because it featured images of African American icons such as Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Bill Cosby, Bishop Desmond Tutu and many others.
• "Wish I Didn't Miss You": "Wish I Didn't Miss You" brought back that 70s vibe with the instrumental from The O'Jays' "Backstabbers." Written by Andrea Martin and Ivan Matias, this song shares the tale of a broken relationship and the lover the singer still misses. She sings "every time you say you're coming, you disappoint me honey" and in the chorus, "I can't eat, I can't sleep anymore, waiting for love to walk through the door."
• "Pissed Off": While this song is supposed to be an expression of anger as shared in the title, it is quite mellow. Stone co-wrote this song with Eran Tabib, Rufus Moore and Stephanie Bolton. This is not the typical angry song, but Stone expresses "so pissed off/ looking at life through the glass that you shattered...can't let up long enough to get over it...."
• "More Than A Woman" featuring Calvin Richardson: Sexy, sweet and soulful describe "More Than a Woman" which was featured in the 2002 movie release Deliver Us From Eva starring Gabriel Union and LL Cool J. This song is a dedication to unconditional love because of the heights of love that the artists express. "Girl you must've lost your way from heaven/ Could it be for me you came so far /nothing like the ordinary woman/ You're the very beat inside my heart" are a sample of the lyrics.
• "Makings of You": They always say that it is hard to remake a song and do it justice but there are some artists who can. Angie Stone took a big step in her two minute and one-half minute interlude "Makings of You". Giving the song her own musical flare, Stone brought this Curtis Mayfield original a new life.

Angie Stone Keeps Singing
While Angie Stone's biography shares that she has "mapped a life-long journey that encompasses rap, neo-soul, hip-hop, R&B, jazz and more", it is clear that she has star and staying power in the music industry. She has also appeared on VH1's Celebrity Fit Club in Season 4 and shares her writing talents as she co-wrote D'Angelo's "Jonz in My Bonz" from his 1995 Brown Sugar album. Since Mahogany Soul, Stone released Stone Love in 2004, The Art of Love & War in 2008, Unexpected in 2009 and the E-Single, I Ain't Hearin You in 2009.