ST. KITTS – The newest soca band in St.Kitts-Nevis and the Caribbean, d’Vybz Band, has definitely made a huge entrance and significant mark on the soca music scene in less than 3 months of existence.
The band which most have labeled a re-energised, revitalized and updated version of the regionally renowned Nu-Vybes Band , marked its entrance into the caribbean music scene with an impressive band media launch at the luxurious St.Kitts Marriott beach resort.
The event was attended by almost 200 persons from local and regional media houses as well as corporate citizens, well wishers and curious on-lookers. The band was introduced and since then they have become a household name in St.Kitts-Nevis and throughout the so called small islands of the caribbean.
D’Vybz grew out of the vision of three talented and much revered young Kittitian musicians. The three envisioned a Caribbean musical group that surpassed any that preceded in terms of musicianship, professionalism and management.
This was the vision of Steve “Steba” Dublin, Carl “Ozzy” Osbourne and Chad “Sucky Benjamin. After many years as the musical core of the regionally acclaimed Nu-Vybes Band, Steba, Ozzy and Sucky ventured out from the Nu-Vybes to pursue and achieve the ideal that they envisioned.
A vision that encompassed an approach to the music business that had not been seen in St.Kitts-Nevis and to some extent the Caribbean music industry . The approach is simply to effectively marry great music with equally or exceedingly greater management and conduct. It was felt that pursuing such and achieving it would be the difference between moderate regional success and tremendous international acclaim.
For years the three were the heart and soul and the musical core of the band Nu-Vybes . Now they have joined forces with the 2003 St. Kitts & Nevis Soca Monarch, Jacinth “Shakki” Smithen and talented performer Lynshel “Shakkal” Peets, (as Lead Vocalists); along with the energetic and youthful drummer, Emris “Jay” Forbes and young musical phenom Gavin Charles on 2nd Keyboard, Bass and Programming to form the idominable musical force known as d’vybz..
The bands first event, which was themed d’Vybz Rag and Flag Concert, drew a record breaking crowd at the Club Kactus the premeir night club and event center in St.Kitts. Thousands packed the club and were not disappointed as the band played a wide variety of local, regional and international hits as well as songs from their debut album No Turning Back.
The band’s first release “Hello” was a massive carnival hit and stood steady at the number 1 position in all the local radio stations top 20 carnival countdowns.
The band’s debut album which was produced by bandleader Steve Dublin along with Andrew Denny of Barbados, was released on December 8th and it was an immediate hit as songs like “Turn it up” and “One Time To Many” dominated the airwaves.
Denny also mixed and mastered the album. Denny has worked with some of the soca industries biggest names including Rupee. The debut cd literally flew off the shelves and the band quickly rose to the top of the music scene in St.Kitts-Nevis. They played regularly and extensively for their inagural carnival drawing massive crowds wherever they played. They hosted a new years eve ball which drew the largest crowd ever to a new years eve ball in St.Kitts-Nevis.
Along with Small Axe , d’Vybz staged some very memorable concerts at venues including the very popular Sprat Net and the Angelus Beach Resort. The bands performances at the Carnival Queen Show and the Miss Caribbean Talented teen Pageant eched them permanently as a major musical force.
The bands presence in the 2006-07 carnival was seen by many carnival and music fans and observers as the catalyst for what has been one of the best years musically for St.Kitts-Nevis carnival. The bands music style and approach to the business has changed the musical landscape for the better in St.Kitts-Nevis.
Bandleader Steve “Steba” Dublin was recognized during the season as being one of only two local producers to have produced or co-produced at least 5 road march champion songs in St.Kitts. He along with Ellie Matt are also the only two producers to either win or placed 2nd in at least 9 road march title races in St.Kitts. Steve’s genius is exhibited in hits including Kittitian road march champion songs Hand Signal (1997),Street Style (1998),Ting Lang (2005),Step Up (2003) and the massive hit Sugar (2002) as well as other hits inclduing Tempo, Forward On and Keep on Moving.
This year Steve added “Turn it up” to his long list of road march hits. Turn it up was one of the two biggest road march hits for St.Kitts Carnival 2006. “Turn it Up” along with “Masquerade” by Small Axe were the two top contenders for road march. The road march title eventually went to the Masqeurade but by only the narrowest of margins.
The band’s debut cd was widely recognised as the best St.Kitts-Nevis carnival 2006 cd . The band was the most contracted band for the carnival season and their debut cd was one the best selling cd’s for St.Kitts-Nevis carnival 2006-07.
D’Vybz have definitely made their mark in a very short time and if the success’ that have been achieved with their former band are any indication it is no wonder d’vybz has made such an indelible mark on St.Kitts-Nevis and the Caribbean.
