PHILIPSBURG--Several performers and bands will go head-to-head for a chance of winning the Road March title on the ring road today, Saturday, April 8, starting at 6:00pm. Six of the first-time contenders give us an insight into what they plan to deliver and why they think they should win.
Maejor Dice
Niky Jean Charles, who will be performing tonight as Maejor Dice, is a newcomer to not just the Road March competition, but to singing itself.
“I’ve always been known to be a quiet and shy person and I believe this experience will encourage me to break free of those shells,” he said.
Dice says his performance will be memorable. “I strongly believe in creating a great impact on the audience. It will be joyful moments where my wish is for the crowd to be interacting and having a great time with me during my performance.”
The young artiste said he is the only competitor who has never performed on a stage before. “What a glorious moment this will be for all my supporters to see. I believe that I should win, because this will encourage other young persons like myself to come forward and showcase their talent and conquer at the end... Should I win this competition, I will use this title as a platform to become an advocate for community service amongst the youth,” he said.
As for his stage name, the young artist said he had enjoyed playing dice growing up. The name Maejor was inspired by an artiste who goes by the name Maejor Ali (Bei Maejor).
Dice describes himself as a humble individual who consistently sets goals for himself. “I love writing music and I have been writing for the past eight years. I’ve been writing hip hop and R&B. As a Carnival-lover I decided to start this venture towards writing Carnival/soca music.”
Asked about his performance tonight Dice said he will be “like a king who is reaching out to his people. Over the past few weeks I’ve been practising every chance I get, whether it’s alone or in front of different persons.”
Mr. O-Ezy
Omar “Mr. O-Ezy” Ottley says he is a breath of fresh air in the music industry in St. Maarten who will bring “new” excitement to the country’s Carnival celebrations.
“I wanted to compete in everything and whether I win or lose, I want to show the public the hype that the band can bring to any event or contest,” he said. “I bring a new sound that is unexpected, because no one expected me to enter such a competition. Patrons can expect an amazing performance from me, good music and hopefully the trophy.”
Asked what makes him stand out from other competitors, Mr. O-Ezy said: “My confidence makes competitors bring out their best and some really good music came out early this year. This is not the norm for St. Maarten artistes, so you can see the effect.”
He said he should win because his song is “a great” one and his performance will be matching.
Boogie “G” Suave
Boogie “G” Suave (born Allandale Etienne Jr.) has his eyes set on winning the Road March competition with his song “Masterplan” this evening.
“My ‘masterplan’ will be for patrons to get the people in the Carnival mood; let them stay in the Carnival mood and to deliver a great performance and a song to make you shake your body and move your feet,” he said.
He said his stage name Boogie G is a childhood pet name given to him by his aunt, while Suave is his musical alter ego. “This means that I can be rough and still have a soft and groovy melodious vibe to go along with my style of music.”
He describes himself as a “bold, vibrant, energetic, charismatic person, who can rock a crowd at any occasion. The Road March competition is something I always wanted to try, but never had the courage to until my friends and family pushed me to try it out for the first time. My strong support team and love for music built my courage to finally compete.”
He sees music as an expressive art. “I’m basically bringing my art to the table. Hopefully it would be a performance everyone will remember.”
He said he rocks his own style. “I incorporate my Dominican roots with my St. Maarten style which makes me more unique and appealing to everyone I perform for. I think I should win, because I believe I have a great song that appeals to a general group. Winning is not the end road for me though. I look forward to the opportunity to showcase my art, gain experience and release a great song so everyone can listen to it.”
He has been in the music industry since 2010 as part of a small deejay group at St. Maarten Academy. He has been involved with several bands since 2012.
Uncle Brasi
Dante “Uncle Brasi” Ottley said fans had encouraged him to enter the Road March competition. He promises to deliver “pure energy” during this evening’s competition and said he will be singing “a great song” with lots of dancing. “The fact that this is my first year, I have a lot to prove.”
Uncle Brasi said he has been playing music all his life. He is a member of the TG band, which was formed last year. He is preparing for the competition by practising as much as he possibly can.
4MHD
4MHD is not new to the music industry, but it is the band’s first time competing in the Road March competition. The band said patrons can expect it to deliver its “best” performance yet.
“We are very quiet and humble and … we let our music talk. For us it is not just about winning, but about delivering and showcasing that, yes, bands in St. Maarten can produce Road March quality music. Music is our life,” the band said. “Most of our members come from and have musical background.”
The band decided to enter the competition “to do something different for Carnival. When we found out that bands were allowed to [compete – Ed.] we decided to challenge ourselves by entering the competition.”
4MHD Band consists of Edwin Nicholson (Mr. Stutter), Sammy Gomez (Sammy), Stephane Baptiste (Uncle Baldhead), Samantha Joseph (Sammie J), Kylon Hull (The Cleaner), Farishinell Gumbs (Fafa), Guirlanda Hunte (Sheera), Jose Heliger (Mr. Showoff) and Andrew Richardson (Baker Jr.).
“We will be bringing something that the crowd will be able to move to. After all, it is Road March and nothing is sweeter in a Road March than a song that will have people moving and dancing,” the band said.
Da Big Bad XP Band
Da Big Bad XP Band said patrons can expect to see them deliver “Da XP Experience” at tonight’s competition, which they said is something you just have to hear, see and feel to fully appreciate it.
“The decision to contest this year’s competition was made by all of our supporters. This was done after we released our regionally recognised song ‘Santo’ on January 4, 2017. It was a no-brainer,” the group said. “We’re known for our high energy, smooth, clear, melodious vocals, crazy riddims, skilled musicianship and some of the cleanest sound around town. We’ll bring Da XP Experience and more to this year’s Road March Competition.”
Asked why they should win, the group said: “We always leave the decision-making up to God, the judges, our supporters and the musical-universe. Once we lay it all out on the floor the rest is up to them.”
The Da Big Bad XP Band was formed by MixX!E and Daddy Dez and has been around for 4½ years. The band plays any and everything. Last year the group captured the first Band Clash title.
The band consists of Dwayne York (Dwayne E), Desmond Cane (Daddy Dez), Marvin Rodney (SFM), Michael Angelo (Sponge), Nicholas Henrietta (Magic), Fred York (Fred), Earl York (Churchie) and Darnel York (MixX!E).
