Virgin Islands most influential people in entertainment Part 1
People in entertainment have given and sacrificed everything to either put on a show, get their music out there, raise awareness of the arts etc. However these people have hardly gotten the recognition they deserved. We decided to put together a list of extraordinary people from the Virgin Islands who's talents aren't recognized as often as it should be. We would like to introduce you to a few people we've witnessed who have made extraordinary sacrifices to get to where they're at and those who have paved the way for others with the same dream as them to follow. This is just part one of a very big list of influencers.
R.City
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R.City formerly known as Rock City or Planet VI, is a duo from St. Thomas U.S.V.I. This duo has been in the music industry for over 20 years. During their time in the industry they have managed to write and produce for some of pop culture music biggest stars. It hasn't always been an easy journey for the brothers, it takes a huge amount of obstacles to get where you are. Timo and Theron Thomas grew up in the Oswald Harris Court Projects. It wasn't easy for the brothers, who are now very successful artists/writers/ and music producers from the Virgin Islands. At one point in time they were sleeping on their friend's couch, and at a studio that their friend allowed them to crash at. All of the struggle and hardship they have faced is why they're the first on our list of the Virgin Islands most influential people. They continue to spread their influence through their music and social media. Theron who is the more vocal of the two uses his platform to give daily realness quotes, share laughs with his audience and what he as an individual is up apart from working with his brother. Timo uses his music to get the message he's trying to send across, even though they're a duo he often flies solo.
Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights
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Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights is a Quelbe based group from the Virgin Islands. They were established in the 1960s. The band consists of 10 members, Stanley Jacobs, Harold SteinBrenner, Hugh Clark, Gilbert Hendricks, Kevin Christian, Devinci Valentino Francis, Eldred Christian, Kendall Henry, Herman Thompson Jr, Lauren Larson. The band first consisted of 6 members, who played instruments such as the steel triangle, squash (gourd rasp), flute, guitar, steel bass pan, and banjo. Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights have been an active band for over 50 years, during that time they have travelled the world trying to bring awareness to Quelbe music and the Virgin Islands culture, and have even been honored for their many years in the music business. They're a pillar in our community and music wouldn't be so inspirational if it wasn't for them. If you live in the Virgin Islands specifically St. Croix, around Christmas time which is also when we celebrate our festival. The band has tramps where they're playing live on a truck while driving through the different towns and having a massive crowd both young and old enjoying their sweet serenade. They are and will forever be one of the most influential people in our community.
Dj Mojo
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DJ Mojo is a female dj from the Virgin Islands, Purveyor of feel good VIbes , in a judgment free, take your shoes off type of musical atmosphere.”
That’s how MoJo’ describes herself as a DJ. Never afraid to go too deep, her emotive musical selections are her own therapy. Having grown up in her father’s studio (Mountain Sounds & Vision, USVI), she was exposed to a combination of genres, to include reggae, soca, hip hop, and soul music...all which became infused with her own love for calypso, afro-beat, electronic, and pop music. MoJo’ ended up with quite a mixed spectrum of musical influence. Today, this translates into her live sets where she picks apart and infuses together all the pieces of this music that she loves best. As an upcoming audio engineer, producer, fire dancer and performer she has found another way to express herself musically and overall artistically. She produces her own mash-ups that pair seamlessly with artistic fire dancing videos of herself. Those videos reach a large audience of people via social media, as she shows the world what she’s really made of. MoJo’ has been working tirelessly in growing her business (MVEnt.), as she believes that a true entertainer and lover of the arts explores and expresses through many forms. We actually copied this from Dj Mojo's website because no one can describe Dj Mojo like Dj Mojo. Growing up you mostly saw men being djs, so to have a female Dj who leads the way so that other women can follow and not be ashamed is why is makes our influential list. (Quoted from Dj Mojo Official Website)
Gonglight Management co. & RLD Entertainment and Promotions
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Gong Light Management co. has raised some eyebrows and turned some heads in the industry. Although they're fairly new, the owners and operators of the budding "Roc Nation" like entity are nor new to the entertainment world at all. Jun collaborated with Dwayne "Redman" Hodge and Ineke "Neekes" Hodge both of which are co owners of RLD Entertainment & Promotions. Dwyane is no stranger to local entertainment scene as he so eloquently burst into Virgin Islanders lives via social media with a fiery style of socil commentary. With a roster of 3 talented artist and a Rockstar producer at the helm, Gong Light shot out of a cannon fast with no signs of slowing down. In speaking with Dwayne about the day to day management duties of Gong Light, it was clear that it’s a task that requires a lot of time and attention. “Managing one artist is tough, so imagine 4 separate acts as well as others who are still developing their craft and working towards joining the roster officially!” “It’s difficult but very necessary, which is why we work as a team to ensure all angles are managed properly. Neekes as the “glue” to the operation, adds a feminine touch and a creative element of organization and administrative strength to the team. Collectively, we work together like a well-oiled engine, using our differing strengths and talents to build each platform according to who the artist is organically.” The roster consists of Mic Love who dominated social media timelines with “Rona” and “Me & You Alone”, King Lion Defuture - creating 3 much loved hits in 3 different genres with “Mango”, “I Like It” and delivering a much needed plea to the streets with his latest single “Every Day Is A Shootout”, and Priceless a BVI star who was officially introduced to the USVI’s market with his hit song “Butterflies” featuring Pressure BussPipe. In the midst of these artists, also managing the meteoric rise of St Croix born Producer Masai Harris which is a key factor in the development of the quality and sound of each talent. Just the way that they handle their artists, is one of the many reasons they've made it on our lists of influential. (Direct Quote from our old Interview)
Kruziano
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Kruziano went from New Kid on the Block, to Virgin Islands sensation almost overnight. His music is so diverse you never know what to expect from this young artist. Love it or Hate it, and Everything Irie were his first hits and they basically describe the personality of the artist. Now with his latest single "World" he sings of spreading love to change the world even with the current pandemic, police brutalities in the mainland and protests for change. If that doesn't scream inspiration, we don't know what will. He dabbles in a little bit of everything, so he's very diverse as an artist. Kruziano continues to use his platform to spread love and affect change in the society we live today. He's managed by T40 Recordz, who takes his career as an artist very seriously, using various social media platforms to get the word out about Kruziano. He's one of the most viewed artist from the Virgin Islands currently on Youtube. As he continues to grow and be an inspiration to people in the community we hope that he continues to be the genuine and down to earth person that we all know and love.
Cruz Rock
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Cruz Rock was born on the beautiful island of St. Croix, to his mother who is from Trinidad and his father is from Puerto Rico/St. Croix. As a child he was always fascinated with music and art and was naturally gifted especially at art. Cruz Bwoy was the original name and rock was added when he connected with a DJ Sound called T Rock Sounds from St. Thomas. It then changed to Cruz Rock. His career began when he received a scholarship to attend college as an artist after winning several awards for his work. He spent 5 years of his life in Ohio, attending the Columbus College of Art and Design. His first year in college, he began paying more attention to music. He was different from everyone else and all of his peers were intrigued by his island accent. They wanted to hear him sing Reggae music at talent shows and small events. At that time he never knew it would get that far. At the age of 19, he performed at a club in Ohio and impressed the local crowd and some promoters. One of them approached him about taking music seriously and eventually became his manager. He then introduced him to the bigger shows in Ohio and soon enough he was rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest acts in the state and international acts that came in to do concerts. A year later, he was approached by a Rap group called T.O.G. It consisted of about 30 members, who were using their talents to build a buzz around the city and beyond. Some of the artist were signed to major record labels and already been seen on MTV. They made a movement and while attending college he became a star in Ohio and other surrounding areas. Producers from Jamaica were sending him riddims to sing on after hearing his music. Eventually everyone wanted to get his flow on their record. He formed a small group called the "Virgin Islands Pride" which consisted of some other artist from the Virgin Islands that lived in Ohio as well. Cruz Rock movement was big, but eventually he felt like he wanted bigger, he would have to leave Ohio. After graduating from college, he headed to Florida, where he spent a short time performing and creating new fans. Then he migrated to New York where he landed a job working behind the scenes for Tempo/MTV. It was a great job because he met influential people and at the same time, shared his music with them. Cruz Rock had access to music video producers and that would eventually turn into him making his own videos.
Nikki Brooks
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Nikki Brooks, is a Soca Artist born on St. Croix U.S.V.I, but raised in St. Thomas, and has in Anguilla roots courtesy of her grandfather on her father's side and her mother is Puerto Rican which makes her very diverse. She has been singing from the age of 7.Nikki has many qualities that makes her an extraordinary artist one of those being the first ever female to win Calypso Monarch in the Virgin Islands. This has paved the way so that other female artist may follow their dreams of being an artist. Nikki Brooks is known for her hits such as: Play me Like Pan, Love Me, & Plenty Peppa. Often times the artist uses her social media platform to shed light on the many injustices in which the Virgin Islands face. She has received astounding support from her ever expanding fan-base securing her favor as an international cultural ambassador. Nikki has provided vocals for top bands including St. Thomas’ Imagination Brass, St. Croix’s Vio International Band and the legendary DC based Image Band. (Few Direct Quotes from Nikki Brooks Website)
Tia
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Tia was born on the beautiful island of St. Croix and is one of the few Reggae Female Artist we have in present today. When she was little she moved to Atlanta, Georgia where she grew up. During her high school years she always had a passion for poetry and the arts. That eventually fueled the passion which she has for music. Tia was drawn to music, because she worked at a job that she didn't enjoy then realized that art moves her and began the journey towards music. She moved back to the island as an adult and took an interest in Reggae music. She began writing her own songs because she always enjoyed creating stories. Ms.Mason had a big break in 2013 when she featured on a track with local artist "Cruz Rock" on the song named "This is Love" and has been making music ever since. She is a very talented singer. The people that influences her music are Etana, Elaine and of course Queen Bee "Beyonce." When working to reach a deadline in the studio it can be stressful at times, but she gets it completed in a timely manner and moves on to the next. She has been in the music industry for over 5 years now and has definitely left her mark. Tia has dropped hit after hit and it doesn't stop there, she recently traveled to Jamaica to work with a producer named Troyton Music to release her hottest track out right now "Overdue." This is her first international release and she is on the track with some big names in reggae such as Christopher Martin, Charlie Black and I-Octane. Although Tia isn't the first female reggae artist from the Virgin Islands she's certainly leaving her mark. (Direct Quote from Tia's old interview)
Mada Nile
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Mada Nile is a legendary artist in the Virgin Islands. Her journey first began here on St. Croix USVI, she first started out with Sound Vizion Records, her first recording was worry nomore on the culturmelinium 2. Her first album was named Rise Today released in 2000, with the hit song Send I The Love. Her first collaboration was actually with Batch and Ras Attitude the song was entitled Bredrens and Sistrens. This legend has been in the game for about 19 years now, if that doesn't say legend I don't know what does. She's not been as active nowadays as far as performing in different venues, but she is still a legend. We touched base on the music industry in the VI and it's true we don't have a Sole music industry on St. Croix as well as the rest of the VI. Don't you guys agree that needs to change. The government needs to look into making the music industry better for these artists. She never thought of taking a hiatus from music, but feels like she needs some time to figure out how to improve her brand. She is multi-talented individual she does hair, she sews and on top of that she sings. She is a triple threat! "I Would Like to See" inspiration came from her comforting mothers who've lost their love ones, the song was actually built in California. There was a major gang issue in California and that ignited a flame to write about it. Inspiration also came from different things happening in America at the time.
Midnite
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Midnite is a roots reggae band from St. Croix U.S.V.I who began their musical journey in 1989. The band was inspired by a roots reggae band from Jamaica that was established in the 1970s. The band began with Benjamin Brothers, Vaughn and Ron, the brothers were raised on St. Croix and were the sons of Antiguan musician Ronnie Benjamin Sr. In the top 50 Reggae Albums of the 2K list, they were ranked the most influential and prolific reggae act in two decades. Midnite was featured in Escape to St. Croix, a documentary that was released in 2014. Vaughn Benjamin died at 50 died in Port St. Lucie, Florida, on November 4, 2019. Their most famous hits consists of Love the life you Live, Unpolished, & Knocka fia.
Kickin It w/ Kyra
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Kyra James is a young creator from the small island of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, trying to make her mark on this big world. KWK is a platform that aims to promote positive messages, celebrate creators and pay homage to Virgin Islands Culture.
KWK was created in 2016 with the desire for Kyra to work on her design and video editing skills. She challenged herself to produce 30 videos that summer and by the time the series was over, it accumulated a great amount of interest. Thanks to the fans who demanded her to continue, KWK is still going strong. Kickin it w/ Kyra attracts hundreds of viewers who enjoys seeing their culture displayed on the web. She created a space where everything produced is Virgin Islands inspired. Viewers have expressed the inspiration they felt after viewing some of Kyra's videos. They look forward to being a source of positive, cultural content for many years to come. Celebrating creators is something they'd love to do, not just online but offline as well. (Quoted from Kickin it w/ Kyra Website).
Dezarie
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Dezarie is a legendary Roots Reggae Artist from St. Croix U.S.V.I. In 2001 she received "The Best Female Artist" before returning to St. Croix. She also worked closely with legendary band Midnite. Midnite's trademark sound is displayed on one of her albums. In 2002 she collaborated with Bambu Station on her album Talking Roots volume 1. She's known for hits such as Fya, Gracious Mama Africa, Eaze The Pain, The Forth Book and Love in Your Meditation. (Quoted from Wikipedia)
Daddy Friday
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Trevor Nicholas Friday was born in Antigua and migrated to the Virgin Islands at a young age. However he spent most of his childhood in Tortola BVI. Nick began singing with T & T Brass, out of Nazareth Bay High. It eventually blended into Eddie and the Movements as their main singer. He returned with his Law Degree and was immediately employed by the Virgin Islands Legislature where he was first a researcher for then at-large Sen. Almando "Rocky" Liburd and later a Legal Adviser to former Sen. George Goodwin. He was unsuccessful as he ran for Senate in 2004 as an independent candidate. He passed away in October 4, 2005.
Kylo Sylvester
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Kylo Sylvester was the lead singer of Kylo & The Stylee Band for over 12 years, and former St. Croix Soca Monarch winner in 2017. Kylo was a legend in the making and has paved the way for other soca artist with a dream. Kylo & The Stylee Band had famous hits such as Jam Passe, Big Jam, and Biker Gyal. His single, “Big Jam”, became a breakout hit during the Uber Soca Cruise in October: now playing on radio stations and air waves from St. Thomas to Trinidad and Tobago. The entire “Mi And é m Riddim” was originally released on November 21, 2017, and also included contributions from Virgin Islands Soca Artists Adam O & Mystro, BugZBugs & Saraiyana, and Big Shaw & RainMan. He sadly passed away in December of 2017, but his legacy lives on through music .
Written By: Minoca A.
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Vid Cred: Youtube
