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Entertainment Macco experienced their first Labor Day and we have to tell you guys it wasn’t what we expected at all. When you live and experienced Carnival in T&T for so many years it is hard to even consider comparing it to any other carnival especially to Labor Day in New York where only some of the population are west Indian, so who knew what to expect. It was quite an experience that we very much so enjoyed.
Monday 29th August
We got to JFK Airport that morning, had some food took a rest and our first order of business was Mas camp hopping we wanted to shop around before deciding who we should play with, because we ain’t fly all the way to Brooklyn to not play mas:
First stop Elegance Mas Camp, beautiful costumes, small group but creative with determination. Then it was off to Sesame Flyers, There costumes were again beautiful and very much like what we see in Trinidad.
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| ELEGANCE |
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| SESAME FLYERS |
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| SESAME FLYERS |
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| KARMA MAS BAND |
Please note we never identified ourselves to any of the camps we visited as we wanted to get the real deal.
First thing were noticed was how organized they were, like WOW, we have to make notable mention of Claude, who we later learned was the designer of the costumes, the brother knew his stuff and before we left the camp, KARMA carnival band was it, we chose a section called Silver Lining, frontline of course, 1st time we had to be in the best of everything.
So now that we chose the band..... time to fete.
Tuesday 30th August
We had dinner at Sugarcane Restaurant on Flatbush, now since we reach we went by the lil take out spots, Ali’s on Flatbush, Island Burger on Utica, but, Sugarcane Restaurant was it and the place popular too, cause we had to wait to be seated. Of course we make friends wherever we go and the staff was so friendly; the manager Wendell was so nice, he took good care of us, and the food… the food was amazing; the callaloo, macaroni pie and stew chicken was bess….
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| SUGARCANE SALAD....YUMMY |
So after eating up a storm we headed to Casym panyard on Church Avenue. It's the first time in Brooklyn so we were behaving never-comeseeish like we never see a pan yard before but being in Brooklyn watching the youths on the pan and watching the folks who were just enjoying the music because they love their culture was wonderful.
Wednesday 31st August
(Happy Independence Trinidad and Tobago)
The lime was by the Pagwah Mas Camp on Nostrand Avenue cause as you know that was August 31st Trinidad and Tobago independence and this J’ouvert mas camp advertise Lord Nelson so we headed over there to enjoy the festivities. This was a J’ouvert Band with a difference yes; the J’ouvert costumes were designed to look like a Minshall mas, nice nice pieces, how you go play J’ouvert and get them nice outfits dirty.
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| PAGWAH |
Lord Nelson at 80 looked great in his signature body suit and boy was he was ready to give us a stellar performance. However the DJ for the night (who shall remain nameless) messed up a good time, this man was wheeling Nelson's tune over and over again in the middle of the performance (WTH!). Something Positive (Dance troupe from NY) also took the stage accompanied by the great Singing Sandra, but again DJ Mess-Up let everyone in the yard know he didn’t know what he was doing. We were so mad, because we were trying to enjoy independence as best as we could (Since it ain’t have curfew in Brooklyn) with some of the living legends from our country and this man just kept playing music while they were performing, we had to leave when Dane Gulston took to the stage..... we love that pan man and DJ Run-Crowd ran us home! (rolling my eyes).
Thursday 1st September
We had to hit Sugarcane again and had a "Maracas" (a fancy Bake and Shark) and checked out Karma to make sure the costumes were ready. Then it was off to the yard at the Brooklyn Museum (The New York version of Queens Park Savannah) for old mas and party... it was nice, the crowd wasn’t big but we had fun anyway.
Friday 2nd September
We started the day off kinda early, we didn’t want to miss anything as we heard Kes the band was performing on Fox 5 morning show. So we were in nightgowns still with the TV on waiting from 8 in morning to see the band...then at 9:50AM it happened... Kes the band graced the Fox 5 morning show, not singing there alternative material but hit Soca songs “Where yuh From" and "Wotless”. I real smile at the huge T&T Flag that was hanging on the speaker box throughout their performance.
For the Friday night we went right back to the Museum for Brass Fest....yes....they have a Brass Fest and talk about people which made sense cause Machel Montano HD and Kes the Band were headlining along with WCK, Lyrikal, Skinny Fabulous and Soca princess Devyn.
Little Devyn, ain’t easy nah she perform with a band and my girl had dancers, choreographed moves and thing.. and a new song “Jab Jab Whistle”. Lyrikal did his thing as usual, we now know he could wine (blushing).
So in true Macco Style we peeped Machel with he new “Boo”, my girl was snuggled up close before and after the show. We also peeped famous radio personality with his family Ian "D Goose" Eligon , Former BET host AJ also attended, a surprise performance from Michelle Xavier (Imij and Company). But hear this it was quite interesting that just after she performed with Kes, he then announced that Nadia Batson was no longer with them and that she is starting her first all girl band. We were wondering and we have a strong feeling that maybe Kes was throwing hints our way, could it be that Michelle Xavier is now going to be a member of Kes the Band? Hmmm…only time will tell.
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| LYRIKAL |
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| MACHEL & HD |
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| KES |
That show was amazing, we fete till we couldn’t stand up then we crawled to back of the crowds where there were a bunch of vendors to get a corn soup and some doubles (Yes is doubles ah say Brooklyn have it all). They even had a Bake and Shark vendor (Tobago Bake and Shark to be exact) with long long lines which is the only reason we didn’t get any.
We almost felt like we were back home in the savannah Yes!
Saturday 3rd September
We slept for most of the day and then got dressed and went to a party titled "3 The Hard Way" at Volume 2 Mas Camp on Veronica Place, this party was definitely for the grown and sexy. The Djs were on point, especially DJ Funky Fat Boy, this man had an 80’s session of music that had the whole party moving. At about 4: 00AM me the whole crew left the party hungry and someone suggested we go to Trini breakfast shed on Church Avenue.....we ordered some doubles with tamarind sauce and slight pepper, please note we said SLIGHT PEPPER, like this young boy didn’t know the meaning of slight; pepper bun we eyes noses ears and bellies and that was from eating one doubles.
Yeah not we again, We good! Lol
Sunday 4th September
We made our way around Brooklyn making sure we had all the necessities for mas on Monday.... Costume ready so now I can continue to fete.
We went back to the Brooklyn Museum for the Dimanche Gras show....we were thinking they have calypso competition too! but no it was performances by the some of the greatest artistes in the biz, from Little Devyn to Kofi (10 year old from Monserrat), Red Plastic Bag, All Rounder (first in a red suit then in silver tights I had to mention that), Swallow, the Mighty Sparrow, King David Rudder, Singing Diane, Benjai and many more and they even had Kings and Queens of the band (savannah vibes we say).
My friends then took me to KesFyah, a party with Kes the band and Krosfyah. Krosfyah was great and as always so was Kes but what we were stunned by was the location of this fete, in the basement of a church, it was huge but we felt a lil funny ordering a vodka while standing in a church, but meh friend tell me that is normal so we got over it quick fast and had a time.
My friends then took me to KesFyah, a party with Kes the band and Krosfyah. Krosfyah was great and as always so was Kes but what we were stunned by was the location of this fete, in the basement of a church, it was huge but we felt a lil funny ordering a vodka while standing in a church, but meh friend tell me that is normal so we got over it quick fast and had a time.
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| MICHELLE XAVIER |
Monday 5th September
(On the Road with KARMA Carnival band)
I couldn't even get up to meet the band fuss ah was tired but we had to because this was our first time and we wanted to experience everything. So we met the band and we hit the parkway. We were feeling a lil out of place cause everyone was repping a different country, some from Guyana, British Virgin Islands, Haiti, St Lucia, Grenada and one or 2 Trinis.
So now worries kick in, what if they don’t play no Iwer, Machel or Kes, what if they only play St. Lucian Music, what if we make a mistake here. All our fears were put to rest when the Dj started to play a complete mix of all kinds of soca and let me tell you, we didn’t stop jumping yet. At one instance this girl take of a police man hat put it on her head and advantaged him on the truck, the police didn’t seem to mind at all and it turned out that one of the artistes on the truck was none other than my good friend Mastamind.
Our band mates were friendly the KARMA crew ensured our security and made sure we had refreshments throughout the whole experience. However my new favorite tune is a song by St Lucian Artiste Crocodile titled “Ready Mixx Already Fixx”, an instruction song, we learned how to sit down and wine yes, it was wicked.
We pranced the whole of Eastern Parkway, our family called worried because they heard there was a shooting on the parkway. We had to tell them we didn't hear a thing, we crossed the stage at about 3-3:30PM then pranced our way back to the mas camp on Clarkson road for a home cooked meal (yes we get food).
All in all the Labor Day experience was quite an interesting one and my crew had a great time... For something that was not really happening in an island I felt close enough to home...for anyone who has never experienced the West Indian Day Parade I would say experience it at least once.... Shout out to WIADCA for all the hard work they do during the year and for the Labor Day celebrations......
Here is a peek of what we experienced.........
The Only Place To BE This Labor Day
Don't You Dare Miss It!
Entertainment Macco Celebrates Caribbean Heritage Month: Shurwayne Winchester
In a proclamation on May 31st, 2011 from the White house of the United States of America, President Barack Obama declared June, 2011 as Caribbean History Month:
"NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2011 as National Caribbean American Heritage Month. I urge all Americans to commemorate this time when we celebrate the history and culture of Caribbean Americans."
Entertainment Macco, would like to celebrate Caribbean artiste highlighting there achievements for the rest of June, 2011. Today we salute Shurwayne Winchester:
Shrurwayne Winchester was born in Tobago on February 8th, He is one of Trinidad and Tobago most celebrated artistes. Winchester has positively represented Trinidad & Tobago and the Caribbean in various parts of the world and has won several titles including:
2004 Road March Title - The Band Coming
2005 Road March Title - Dead or Alive
2006 Power Soca Monarch - Can't Wait
2006 Groovy Soca Monarch - Don't Stop
2008 Groovy Soca Monarch - Carnival Please Stay
He has been awarded many industry awards for his contribution to the art-form and culture and we at Entertainment Macco salute you!
2004 Road March Title - The Band Coming
2005 Road March Title - Dead or Alive
2006 Power Soca Monarch - Can't Wait
2006 Groovy Soca Monarch - Don't Stop
2008 Groovy Soca Monarch - Carnival Please Stay
He has been awarded many industry awards for his contribution to the art-form and culture and we at Entertainment Macco salute you!
Many of us have a misconception that any person involved in SOCA, CALYPSO, REGGAE and other Caribbean genres must originate from an island that indulges in it. WhiteWine however is different all together and has been proving that misconception wrong. Entertainment Macco found a special interest in WhiteWine and had to take an available opportunity to find out as much as we could about him......
What we got was a TASTE OF WHITE WINE....
Entertainment Macco: So, tell me a little about White Wine, who are you?
White Wine: “Me? I’m a Canadian born, soca artist, songwriter and producer. I was born in Toronto and raised here. I got involved in the soca scene about 9 years ago and immediately caught the bug. I transitioned my singing career from rap to soca about 6 years ago, and started producing the music maybe about 4 years ago.”
White Wine: “Me? I’m a Canadian born, soca artist, songwriter and producer. I was born in Toronto and raised here. I got involved in the soca scene about 9 years ago and immediately caught the bug. I transitioned my singing career from rap to soca about 6 years ago, and started producing the music maybe about 4 years ago.”
Entertainment Macco: What is your given name?
White Wine: “Greg Smith”
Entertainment Macco: Hi Greg *waves*
Entertainment Macco: Where did the name White Wine come from?
White Wine: “Back in the days when I first started feteing I used to hit a lot of Dr. Jay de Soca Prince’s parties and he used to say that white boy could wine. Eventually he started calling me White Wine and the name stuck.”
White Wine: “Back in the days when I first started feteing I used to hit a lot of Dr. Jay de Soca Prince’s parties and he used to say that white boy could wine. Eventually he started calling me White Wine and the name stuck.”
Entertainment Macco: Are you single, in a relationship or married?
White Wine: “Oh lawwwd. I’m like ... say... I’m married to my family and my puppy.”
Entertainment Macco: What about children, do you have any?
White Wine: “Nah, no children, Just an English bulldog puppy.”
Entertainment Macco: For those who may not know, what role do you play in the entertainment industry?
White Wine: “Well right now I’m working with my partner in crime Jaxx, a major major star coming out of Toronto and Trinidad who can real sing. He bad…trust me, he bad. I’ve done a lot of production of the last 4 or so years, and song-writing. Between that and doing some singing myself I’ve been staying over-busy. Trying to keep my head above the water, grow, learn, and keep involved with the culture as much as I can."
Entertainment Macco:How did it begin for you?
White Wine: “Ha! Everyone seems to ask this. For me, I love to dance, I always have. But in my culture, white guys don’t dance. In college I met a few of my long time partnahs who started taking me out to dancehall jams and reggae shows and I would catch the steps pretty quickly. I enjoyed it but my next partnah, a trini, told me he wanted to bring me to a fete. From the first fete I ever went to I was locked onto soca. The positivity, the happiness and the vibes; I felt at home. From then on they created a monster.”
Entertainment Macco: Tell me about the pre-conceived notion people usually have when they see you?
White Wine: “I mean, I can’t speak for other people so I wouldn’t know. But I think I definitely stick out in a fete. Being a 6’4” white boy in a fete full of mostly black people – I stick out. It probably makes it worse because I’m wutless and will wine up on anything!”
Entertainment Macco: When people hear your work, does there impression of you change?
White Wine: “I think it does. I think that most people have been warm and open to my music, my style. I think others are surprised. I also think I have a lot to learn, and that the learning and growing process is what keeps me enthused with the music.”
Entertainment Macco: Who are some of the artistes you have worked with?
White Wine: “I’ve done some things with Jaxx, Fadda Fox, Berbice, Mr. Killa, Lavaman, Problem Child, Luni Sparks & Electrify, Brotha B, Scrappy, Lutenants, Mista Meggy, Cabelous, Radford Ettienne, Stray Way, gosh…so much people, I know I’m missing people.”
Entertainment Macco: In one of our conversations, you mentioned to me jokingly that "white people" do not have riddim, but I have seen you in action...this is not the case with you.. Tell me, when did you recognize a desire to be involved in Caribbean entertainment industry?
White Wine: “Ha! Honestly, my friends got me into it. Back when I was rapping, they jokingly told me to make a soca song. They expected I would ‘rap’ on a soca riddim – but I ended up trying to do follow the tempos and rhythms of real soca music. This was back in 2006 area, and when I touched down in Trinidad with the same friends, their family were playing my song when we reached their home. They all laughed, but said it wasn’t all that bad. It obviously needed work , and from there I started the journey into the music.”
Entertainment Macco: Do you have Caribbean roots? (If no how did you find a love for Soca, Calypso and other Caribbean genres)
White Wine: “Nah, I’m pure Canadian. At least 6 generations deep! Like I said before, I just can’t help but enjoy the positive vibes of the music and the culture.”
Entertainment Macco: Are you a full-time artiste/producer? If no, what industry do you work in?
White Wine: “Unfortunately not. It’s not lucrative enough yet, and that’s the next step. Currently I’m a graphic designer. I’m an artist to the core.”
Entertainment Macco: When did you realize that you had a love for music; producing, writing and singing?
White Wine: "All my life. I grew up with music, but not in the traditional sense. My parent's had an affinity for big band music and I grew up listening to that a lot - but no one in my family was really musically inclined. When I was about 12 or 13 my brother became a DJ and I used to carry his records for him. He spun mostly electronic music and then eventually ended up producing that. But he always listened to rap music and that's how I got into that. It was something in me to write. No one in my neighbourhood was into the music, and I've always been on the outskirts of the mainstream with my tastes. I had a fairly prominent career in rap that I dropped because I wasn't catching the vibes of the culture and the scene. It was too negative for me, and it frustrated and annoyed me. That's when I met soca and fell in love. The rest is history being written."
Entertainment Macco: Tell me one thing that a lot of people may not know about you?
White Wine: “Umm…honestly, I’m an open book. I think mostly a lot of people are surprised to find out I have no Caribbean roots.”
Entertainment Macco: Tell me one thing that a lot of people may not know about you?
White Wine: “Umm…honestly, I’m an open book. I think mostly a lot of people are surprised to find out I have no Caribbean roots.”
Entertainment Macco: Describe your style?
White Wine: “Musically or Fashionably? Musically I think I’m very North American. I inject a lot of North American flow and sensibilities into my music. Fashionably I’ve been told I am a bit of a chameleon because my style changes so drastically. One day I’ll come out looking like a hardcore rocker, the next a bit of a surfer or hippy, and then I’ll clean it up and go with a suit or a bow tie with nerd chic. I just like to dress differently and have some pop to what I’m doing.”
Entertainment Macco: Tell me about some of your musical influences?
White Wine: “Wow…how much time you have? I’m influenced by ALL music. There are so many people and artists that have influenced my work. My biggest influence and mentor is Radford Ettienne; A Grenadian producer who has worked with many artists. He taught me how to engineer songs on the computer and for that I’m ever grateful.”
Entertainment Macco: We are still talking music so tell me about the songs you have recorded thus far and what genre?
White Wine: “Speaking to soca I’ve released a couple songs under my name, On De Road & Miss De Jam in ’08 and Push Bumpa in ’09. Crank came out in ’10 I think, and outside of that I’ve done a lot of music with Jaxx. He released Survey & Velcro last year and is looking to further promote them for 2012.”
Entertainment Macco: Is there any one or any persons that you would credit for your involvement in music?
White Wine: “Everyone has been really warm and welcoming and I’ve never experienced any negativity with my involvement in music. But Radford Ettienne was the one person who really took me under his wing and taught me a lot about the music, culture, and more.”
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| Whitewine and Calypso |
Entertainment Macco: I understand that you dog's name is Calypso? Is the naming of your dog an expression of your love for the genre?
White Wine: “Haha Yeah, he’s great. He’s an English bulldog. And definitely, he’s Calypso and I’m Soca.”
Entertainment Macco: What does sexy mean to you?
White Wine: “Confidence & self worth.”
Entertainment Macco: When you were/are searching for a mate do/did you prefer someone in the industry or out? Why?
White Wine: “I’ve never thought about it before. For me, it’s never been relevant to my quest, but they do have to be aware of the lifestyle and understanding of it.”
Entertainment Macco: What is the biggest turn on in the opposite sex?
White Wine: “Confidence & self worth. I used to say a woman’s best quality is being into me – does that count?”
Entertainment Macco: I’ll make it count....
Entertainment Macco: Let's steam it up a little, which do u prefer older or younger women and why?
White Wine: “Wow, this is some serious macco-ing right now. I don’t discriminate to be honest. Age doesn’t dictate experience or how someone carries themselves. But I do think it helps to be close in age, because I find it’s easier to understand each other.”
Entertainment Macco: What is your idea of romance?
White Wine: “Long walks on the beach? Fire side dinners? Hahaha”
Entertainment Macco: Some part of this response has me in doubt ... I’ll leave it alone
Entertainment Macco: Which do you prefer relationships or one night stands?
White Wine: “Isn’t a one night stand a relationship?”
Entertainment Macco: You Joker! LOL
Entertainment Macco: What are your thoughts on same sex relationships?
White Wine: “I don’t give a damn – as long as it ain’t affecting me.”
Entertainment Macco: If you could choose to live anywhere other than Canada, where would it be and why?
White Wine: “I’ve never thought about it. I love Canada so much. I would need to be somewhere where I could live with the same freedoms, amenities and luxuries that I enjoy now. I appreciate everything I have here.”
White Wine: “I’ve never thought about it. I love Canada so much. I would need to be somewhere where I could live with the same freedoms, amenities and luxuries that I enjoy now. I appreciate everything I have here.”
Entertainment Macco: Tell me one accomplishment you would like to achieve in the near future?
White Wine: “Right now, I want to perform on the Monarch’s stage in Trinidad. That’d be a dream come true.”
Entertainment Macco: Why do you think there are more successful men in the entertainment industry than women?
White Wine: “I think maybe it has to do with the lifestyle and culture of music. Studios tend to be full of dudes and it’s an intimidating place for women. I also think that women don’t get as much respect as they deserve. I think there’s a culture around music and studio life, and it’s sort of like sports. It’s a competition. Inside the studio everyone is competing and only the strongest survive. Women tend to get pushed to the back unfortunately. I don’t really have any answers on how to fix it, or if it matters. I’m a person that believes truly that talent will prevail over all and I know a lot of talented female artists that are ready to blow.”
White Wine: “I think maybe it has to do with the lifestyle and culture of music. Studios tend to be full of dudes and it’s an intimidating place for women. I also think that women don’t get as much respect as they deserve. I think there’s a culture around music and studio life, and it’s sort of like sports. It’s a competition. Inside the studio everyone is competing and only the strongest survive. Women tend to get pushed to the back unfortunately. I don’t really have any answers on how to fix it, or if it matters. I’m a person that believes truly that talent will prevail over all and I know a lot of talented female artists that are ready to blow.”
Entertainment Macco: Let's talk pet peeves, tell me that one thing that absolutely annoys you in the entertainment industry.White Wine: “Hmm…in the entertainment industry? I can’t really say anything. I enjoy all aspects of it. To me it’s all a challenge.”
Entertainment Macco: What advice would you give to other upcoming producers/artistes who may not have Caribbean roots and are interested in being involved in the Caribbean music industry?
White Wine: “I’m not sure I’m even in a position to give advice, but I would say just believe in what you’re doing and get a good team of people around you that you trust. Most importantly – be yourself. I think at the end of the day everyone can respect that when they meet me I’m just a corny ass white dude from Toronto. I don’t pretend to be anything else. I might have a cultivated accent on occasion but that is nearly uncontrollable nowadays, it’s all practice to help assimilate my music and add authenticity to it. But at the end of the day I can only be me, and can only bring my perspective and my experiences to the music and the culture.”
Entertainment Macco: How can interested parties contact you?
White Wine: “I am on twitter as ‘whitewinemusic’ and I can be reached via email at whitewinemusic@gmail.com”
Although he has been around the entertainment industry for quite some time, Kevon “Yankeyboy” Heath only decided to seriously venture into Soca music for Carnival 2K11. Almost instantly his first release “Head Nice” which featured Patch became a hit. Entertainment Macco had the opportunity to catch up with the Rum King himself and offcourse we did not hesitate to grill him, we even got him to shed some light on the rumours we were hearing. (Yes there were rumours) Have a good read guys and don’t forget to leave your comments.
Entertainment Macco: Who is Yankeyboy?
Yankeyboy: “I am now the “New York Rum King”, that’s a new name that was given to me. Haha! With Yankeyboy it is all about Swag and always being different. I always wanted to be different and it was because of this. People knew me before a song due to the image....”
Entertainment Macco: What is your government name?
Yankeyboy: “Kevon Bovel Heath.”
Entertainment Macco: Tell me your date of birth please...
Yankeyboy: “I was born on 28-04-83... That makes me a Taurus”
Entertainment Macco: Dude, you are almost as tall as a skyscraper... lol How tall are you?
Yankeyboy: “Haha....I am not that tall but I am 6”2.”
Entertainment Macco: Why the sobriquet Yankeyboy?
Yankeyboy: “When I use to live back in Trinidad anyone who really knows me would tell you that I used to be barefeet or dressed with no socks on and probably often seen walking around bareback and that changed when I went to NYC. When I came back home after 3 years they said the swag changed and started calling me a yankee, so I had to live up to the swag.”
Entertainment Macco: What part of Trinidad and Tobago are you originally from?
Yankeyboy: “Pinto Road, Arima...down in the ghetto.”
Entertainment Macco: How long have you been living overseas?
Yankeyboy: “It has been 10 years.”
Entertainment Macco: Are you single/in a relationship or married?
Yankeyboy: “I am a 100% single...I was in a relationship before but she couldn’t handle the studio life so now I single and I am dating!”
Entertainment Macco: What about children, do you have any?
Yankeyboy: “No children......but I am planning too in the next 1 ½ - 2 yrs once I find the right person. Once she isn’t jealous and understands what I am doing and she has to be somebody with some book sense because I have all the street sense.”
Entertainment Macco: How long has Yankeeboy been involved in the entertainment industry?
Yankeyboy: “It has really only been 2 years... I spent 1 year watching the game and building an image and then released music. I studied the game first...”
Entertainment Macco: Are you a full-time artiste?
Yankeyboy: “No but I am consumed by music.”
Entertainment Macco: What is your full-time profession?
Yankeyboy: “I have an 8-4...I rather not say what it is but I have another profession....a very legit one.”
Entertainment Macco: You were not always singing Soca, What other genres of music were you were involved in?
Yankeyboy: “I was playing around with hip hop and Trini reggae and having fun with that; I came out of the studio 53 camp, there was where it started for me. Until one day I realized that you could never be a number 1 reggae artiste because it is Jamaica’s thing but you could still strive in Soca and have one song and be the top soca artiste for that year.”
Entertainment Macco: Now, I am familiar with some of the work you have done before (because I am a macco), tell EM how the collaboration with Patch came about?
Yankeyboy: “Patch decided to work with me off of my hard work and seeing me perform.”
Entertainment Macco: Explain?
Yankeyboy: “I was in Boston on a show and Patch was on the same show. I had a riddim the KIS riddim which I was playing and vibing with at the house; we were in the same house. I started singing the melody and the hook hoping it would catch his attention, which did happen. He came out of his room and asked me to sing, which I did. He got really hyped and asked me to sing the song with me saying that the song would be big in Trinidad. He started singing along and said to add the second hook that was how the ‘Head nice’ part came about as well...”
Entertainment Macco: Oh ho!
Yankeyboy: “That is how we ended up linking. It wasn’t a plan because we didn’t know each other before and it was just vibes...same place at the same time...”
Entertainment Macco: How did the concept of “Head Nice” come about? Tell me about the motivation...
Yankeyboy: “Well for anyone who knows me most of my songs are about drinking. I don’t sing about girls because I don’t want people to know what I am thinking or risk the chance of offending anyone...I don’t do the waving thing because it have people for that. The drinking is something I really do so it was easy.”
Entertainment Macco: You love the rum boy? Uhhmmm Right!
Yankeyboy: “Girl to tell you the truth I almost forget this interview because I was going to drink. I reach in front by Lyrikal them and had to turn back...Haha.”
Entertainment Macco: Who wrote the song?
Yankeyboy: “Both Patch and I initially.”
Entertainment Macco: How did Cassie end up being part of the collaboration?
Yankeyboy: “Patch and I were at the studio recording and decided to take a break and go catch something to eat. While we were doing that Cassie was passing and hailed out Patch. Apparently he was having issues and Patch asked to put it on the song. Cassie wrote his part as well...”
Entertainment Macco: What was your reaction to the request?
Yankeyboy: “I didn’t want him on the song because I didn’t know him but after careful consideration I figured if Patch was looking out for me then I should look out for him too. That was it really.”
Entertainment Macco: Who own the song?
Yankeyboy: “Me, Patch and the Producer (Obanga)”
Entertainment Macco: Well Head Nice turned out to be one of the popular songs this season, But I had no idea you sang on that song, before you got to Trinidad, many people were under the impression that the song was owned by Patch, do you think it was the public’s misconception as Patch has been around longer or do you think that Patch saw an opportunity to own the tune?
Yankeyboy: “I think Patch saw an opportunity to own the song...every DJ in Trini said Patch gave them the CD and it said Patch on it. No mention of Yankeyboy was made according to the CD’s that these DJ’s showed me that he distributed.”
Entertainment Macco: When did all this take place?
Yankeyboy: “This was happening behind my back because i didn’t reach Trinidad as yet.”
Entertainment Macco: So we have heard many rumours that you and Patch have some sort of beef going on (or should I refer to it as a misunderstanding).....Could you shed some light on this for me?
Yankeyboy: “We fixed the misunderstanding but the damage has already been done..but I will just act normal because that is the type of person I am. This controversy just gave my career a push because the streets didn’t like what they were seeing and hearing. Would you believe that people made it their business to find me and let me know what was happening?”
Entertainment Macco: Did you expect that something like this would happen?
Yankeyboy: “Never! Not at all. We planned everything out. Everything was so different when we linked up and spoke or at least that was what I thought. So I didn’t expect that at all...”
Entertainment Macco: I did some digging, (I bet you are not surprised) and I called COTT only to hear that ‘Head Nice’ is registered to Patch and Cassie, can you explain this?
Yankeyboy: “Well when I realized that the song was registered without me I called Patch and he said that the reason it was done like that was because he didn’t know that I was a member of COTT. So he told me to fill out the form and he would sign it.”
Entertainment Macco: Did you fill out the form?
Yankeyboy: “Yes I did."
Entertainment Macco: So Soca Monarch night came and for the viewing audience many were wondering again, whether you were part of the collaboration, a prop or a hype man, why did you take a back seat during the performance?
Yankeyboy: “The reason for that was because of the energy and vibes, it was off. I was glad to be there but I wasn’t comfortable. I came up for my part and did my thing and went back to where I was. If a next man wanted his shine then let him go ahead because I know what I can do. But real talk I really didn’t want to be there at that point in time.....There was a point in time when I almost came back to NYC out of frustration”
Entertainment Macco: So while we on the topic of Soca Monarch, I heard a rumour that Patch called Caribbean Prestige Foundation (CPF) and tried to get your name removed, saying that he was the owner of the song and that you would not be able to sing in the finals as you were going back to NYC, is there any truth to this?
Yankeyboy: “What I can say is this; I received a call from CPF enquiring about the same thing you heard on the streets. I called Patch and he denied it so I really don’t know if the streets telling the truth, if there was a mix up at CPF and well Patch said it wasn’t the truth so I guess I eh have no choice but to believe Patch.”
Entertainment Macco: The highlight of the performance was when you put a bottle of Hennessy to your head and began drinking it.....hear nah, was that real Hennessy or was it Mauby?
Yankeyboy: “It was really Hennessey, it was something I practiced. For the entire week before Soca Monarch I was drinking molasses and honey to prepare my stomach and to keep my throat in a gear for that.”
Entertainment Macco: A little birdy told me you passed out backstage after the performance as a result of your head being nice? True of False?
Yankeyboy: “TRUE I went in the production room and meh head was really nice. Those fellas were laughing at me..but it is true...”
Entertainment Macco: We picked up a copy of the Best Of Best Soca Hits album and noticed that there was another version of “Head Nice” (The godfather chutney remix) with just mention being made of Patch, How come you didn’t sing on that version?
Yankeyboy: “Both Cassi and I are in the song but once again my name was not included.”
Entertainment Macco: Is that an issue for you?
Yankeyboy: “No it does not bother me because the streets already know that I have a part to play in the song....”
Entertainment Macco: What is your favourite alcoholic drink? (If he says Hennessy ask what is so special about that drink...)
Yankeyboy: “Hennessy for sure!”
Entertainment Macco: What is so special about this drink?
Yankeyboy: “For me when I drink it I don’t get headaches or any bad feeling and yuh head does really get nice. Before I sing I would always take a shot, it is like my energy.”
Entertainment Macco: Explain the feeling of qualifying for Soca Monarch finals at your first attempt.
Yankeyboy: “I felt real good. However it wasn’t all about me, I am feeling great for the people who knew me before because the whole of Brooklyn congratulating me. I was studying about the people in the US who were supporting and backing me. My facebook went from 3000 – 5000 in days; I had to open another page. Being acknowledged by people like Machel and Bunji is amazing...my dream wasn’t to reach so far so quickly. Honestly reaching finals was ahead of my plans and I am still trying to ketch up with myself.”
Entertainment Macco: When you realized that “Head Nice” was one of the bigger songs for Carnival 2k11 what was your reaction?
Yankeyboy: “The first time I heard it I was in a bar I nearly buy drinks for everyone in the bar...it was overwhelming. It proved that hard work really does pay off. The fact that once people could relate to it is also great.”
Entertainment Macco: The hype about “Head Nice” has not died as yet and I am hearing another track that is sure to cause a stir, “Drunkin On De Road” tell me a little about this new release?
Yankeyboy: “To be honest that song getting a heavy buzz in New York, Boston and Washington.”
Entertainment Macco: The song was released before “Head Nice” right?
Yankeyboy: ”Yes it was I held it back, many people in Trini wanted to know why I didn’t release it but I really opted to not push it and hold it. I do not want to over flood the airwaves but to always give people something and remain consistent.”
Entertainment Macco: What is up with these colourful hats that you are always wearing?
Yankeyboy: “Talpree calls me visa hat and people call him visa hair because it is said that if either of us decide to get rid of our signature look no one will recognize us. I have like 48 of these hats. People got scared when I threw away the hat in Soca Monarch finals. These hats are specially made for me by someone and not one of them is identical to the other; the colours in the front are always different, more red or green etc.”
Entertainment Macco: Do you have a special interest in fashion? Or plans to develop something in the future?
Yankeyboy: “My swag is different and I do have a thing for fashion and I can see myself venturing into that business....”
Entertainment Macco: I understand you used to play Steelpan? I am shocked....tell me a little about that...
Yankeyboy: “I am a crackshot, I won 3 school music festivals for Arima Senior Comprehensive, I’ve been on tour twice. I’ve played with Exodus and Defence Force. During the Carnival season I used to play with 5-8 bands.”
Entertainment Macco: Generally what are your views on the Soca Industry?
Yankeyboy: “Everyone is for self; there is lack of co operation. Not forgetting that there are very few genuine people. It is so serious that it makes me feel to move the same way but I am different...I am still trying to figure out if it is the right thing.”
Entertainment Macco: Why do you think there are more successful men than women in the entertainment industry ?
Yankeyboy: “It is easier for men to put themselves out there...the way that I see it so far is, if a female wants to get by she has to sleep with someone, that is how it looks. People are not willing to help women too much, men don’t have much to lose as far as reputation is concerned and they have less sacrifices to make”
Entertainment Macco: Tell me that one thing that absolutely annoys and frustrates you about the Soca industry?
Yankeyboy: "The fact that people think they are better than you when you all are really on the same level....the whole fight down scene...”
Entertainment Macco: What is your biggest turn on in the opposite sex?
Yankeyboy: “The walk does just turn me on boy!!!”
Entertainment Macco: What is sexy to you?
Yankeyboy: “Down to earth and willing to do anything...being open-minded and free spirited is super sexy to me.”
Entertainment Macco: When you are looking for a mate do you look for someone in the industry or out of the industry and why?
Yankeyboy: “Nobody in the industry....because people in the industry like to go behind yuh woman when she in the industry. Haha. People woman does come to me and I can’t do anything about it because they are my friends. But seriously some of them fellas ruthless!”
Entertainment Macco: What can we expect from Yankeeboy in the near future?
Yankeyboy: “More rum, more swag, more realness and big entourage... I have already recorded 5 songs which includes two collaborations one with Makamillion and the other with Sugar Jay, the rest are singles. There is also one to come with Lyrikal and I. Real things about to happen!”
Entertainment Macco: Are you working on any new songs?
Yankeyboy: “I have a song coming out on the 15th of this month, it’s called “More Rum”, it’s based on a true story, on my life and I think people are going to love it and I have “Get in the Section” which was done for a mas band in NYC for labour day.”
Entertainment Macco: Would you like to shout out anyone? The floor is open
Yankeyboy: “Thank you Problem Child he always gives me sound advice and shout out to Tallpree for the insight into the game, he is meh real friend. Buffy is like my little sister so mad love to her. Thank you to all the radios for showing me love and the willingness to accommodate me for interviews. Lyrikal yuh big, meh friend for life! Also blessings to Obanga and Ms. Diamond. Then special mention has to be made of the Millionaire family who took me under their wing, showing me around and getting me into fetes. Yankeyboy to the world!”
Entertainment Macco: Thank you so much Yankey and all the best in your future endeavours.
Yankeyboy: “Thank you for having me.....ooohh and before I forget I just wanted to add doh listen to what the streets say Patch is a nice boy but people trying to fight him down. We already talk and he tells me that he plans to help me next year”
Entertainment Macco: There is such a sarcastic undertone!
