Beautiful, talented and extremely passionate about music would be the best way to describe the 5ft 3 dynamo vocalist who is Sophia Brown. She recently released her debut album "The Spotlight" this April. A full fledged performer by choice, Brown has been in the music business for over a decade and is still as persistent now as she once was. "I want to be the first female reggae artiste to win the coveted Grammy Award," she says.
Sophia got her introduction to the world of entertainment as a dancer and with her exceptional skills in choreography she created routines for songs by Dancehall pioneers Barrington Levy, Little John and Michael Palmer. Her talent as a singer came to the forefront after a progressive relationship with the Jamaica Tourist Board developed into her doing live performances on what was then called the Appleton Estate Tour.
Supported by her family and friends, Sophia left her St. Elizabeth home in 1988 to live in St. Catherine-a short distance away from the music capital of Kingston Jamaica. Her first break as a singer came with the Outta National produced single "Jig Mi." -a harmonious track that gave Sophia her very first local listenership on radio. Recognition of her vocal abilities soon followed and in no time she was off doing big shows performing on the same stage with top-rated reggae acts such as Shabba Ranks, Lady Patra, Frankie Paul, Richie Stephens and Doug E. Fresh.
By 1992 Sophia was performing at international music festivals such as Reggae Sunsplash in Montego Bay. That same year, a collaboration with the renowned Mad Professor from Europe flung open many doors for the singer and landed her recording projects across the globe starting with the Cayman Islands in 1995 where she voiced for Strawberry Records which later sold out to CMI Records. Securing a four-year, four-album deal with CMI, Sophia’s plans were soon dashed when the company crashed shortly after.
Undeterred, she stayed focused and managed to form an alliance called Music Mecka with Dale Dunkley. This production house was responsible for a host of singles released during that period, namely "Baby Tonight" and "Give it Up"-both of which enjoyed favorable airplay. In the years preceding Sophia took to the road and did several tours in and around the Tri-State area of New York, as well as Arizona and Virginia. She's been on stage with hip hop greats Snoop Dogg, Lil Kim, and Jah Rule to name a few.
Coming back home to Jamaica during summer 2007 Sophia decided to concentrate on recording and from this came her biggest single to date- "Love You Pure." It is a tasteful Reggae / R&B track inspired by the everyday problems that affect the typical romantic relationship. "That song came about one day when I was talking to a friend who was going though a few challenges in his personal life. After listening, I was inspired to write about what he was going through. It was a beautiful song that in the end captivated a lot of hearts, especially of those of people going through difficult times in their love life, and now it's like a Valentine's Day Classic!"A video of the single came shortly after and eventually the song climbed to #3 on the E STRIP Video Charts. 2008 ended with Brown forging numerous distribution deals from online music retailers such as Rhapsody.com, Apple iTunes and Sprint Music Downloads. Her second official single "I'm A Rose" produced by Cell Block/Music Mecka, captured the attention of her fans while she completed her ablum. The 14-track album of course incluides "Love You Pure," "Weak To You," "I'm A Rose," as well as collaborations with Macka Diamond ("Female Thing") and Junior Kelly ("Precious").
Sophia is one award nomination closer to her dreams of a Grammy. In Feb 2009 she was nominated for an Excellence In Music award inthe category Best New Female Artist. Like they say everything in it's time, and now is definitely time for Sophia to bask in the spotlight!
Multi-tasker....dancing diva....Sophia Brown you are officially Lime certified!
Q&A
1.How long have you been singing professionally?
I have been singing professionally for 17 years. It all started when I was introduced to a record company named Outta National from California, by my very good friend Steven Stanley. That was the label that produced for Gregory Issacs, Michael Rose and Anthony Red Rose. So I was in the studio with Steven one day and he hollered out "see Wonder Girl here (I was singing under that name at the time) put her on the track." I sang on the Jig Mi song and that's how it all started.
2.How do you balance motherhood and your career?
Well it has its challenges but I manage pretty well. Being a mother is like a job in itself , so when I am on the road I communicate a lot with my kids (a boy and a girl). I help my son with his homework over the phone and I make sure I talk to them twice a day. When I'm home its work and kids and everything in one, but I truly love both being an artist and being a mother. I wouldn't change a thing.
3.If you were a tree which would you be and why?
Blue Mahoe because it is our national tree and it represents me as a Jamaican.
4. Do you have a favorite vacation spot?
Yes...St. Thomas United States Virgin Islands.I really like the warmth of the people, the brilliant sunshine, the ocean. Everything about the island just makes you feel welcome.
5. What is the high-tech gadget that you just cant live without?
My cell phone of course ....
6. Do you have a hobby?
Yes, I like to dance and chew gum... hehe.
7.If you spy on someone who would it be and why?
Denzel Washington......he is hot!!
8. Who can you call at 2AM and know they will pick up?
My two sisters Roseta and Suzette.
9.Describe your ideal man and have you met him?
A man that can cook, well kept, sense of humor is a must...have I met him..not sure.
10. What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Releasing my debut album The Spotlight.
Go With Your Gut...
11. Kiwi or tamarind?
Kiwi!
12. HGTV or MTV?
HGTV!!!
13.Knowledge or wisdom?
Wisdom.
14. Lace or leather?
Lace.
15.Which is worse a bad hair day or need a pedimani day?
Need a Pedimani day.
FINISH IT....
16.Being Jamaican means I embrace my culture to the fullest.
17. You might not believe this but I really am camera shy!!!
18. Condoms mean safe sex all the way.
19. I am most content when I'm relaxing-writing songs and listening music. That is how i come up with some good ideas for a wicked love song!
20. Sophia Brown is a Ragamuffin with a sense of purpose !
Check out her tunes "Love You Pure," "I Am A Rose and "Weak To You."
myspace.com/sophiibrown
Some people just have talent. A simple statement.True. Powerful. Dennison Ikes Joseph has talent. He was born with it, he was blessed with it, he has embraced it and many can't deny it.
Dennison attended the Delice Primary School where his budding talent was recognized with the Best Actor award three years in a row. He also received the Student Of The Year award, at one point. After primary school he relocated to the city of Roseau to start his secondary school education at the St Mary's Academy. The talent in him spoke to other talented youth in Roseau and he became a member of the Klockerz Crew. Back then he sang Reggae and RnB. In 1999, Dennison took part in the Junior Monarch Calypso show and won! He also won Mr. St. Mary's Acadmey that same year.
The budding talent was growing and would soon blossom into the powerhouse we now know it to be. Dennison, by then known as Dice joined the most popular band in Dominica, WCK, as one of its lead vocalists. He recorded his breakthrough hit "Chance" with the band- a reggae ballad telling the story of a man pleading to his lover to give him another chance at proving his love. It is a song still popular today as it was 10 years ago.
In 2002, Dice entered the calypso scene once again, but this time on the big stage. Performing his self-written song "The Truth," he made it as far as the quarter finals that year. Undeterred, he returned in 2003, and made it to the finals, with two songs written by Pat Aaron, "Tarzan in the Jungle" and "Check Your Politicians", and captured the 3rd place position. The following year, 2004, he won his first crown with the songs "Peace Is My Business", dedicated to world leaders, and the second round crowd pleaser "Animal Farm," which compared politicians to various farm animals.
Dice now had a winning recipe for success: An accomplished writer in Pat Aaron, determined focus, and the ever present talent. So it was rather fitting that in 2005 when he returned to the stage he would no longer be known as Dice, but rather King Dice. Perhaps a sign that he was meant for this title which he again captured. Always the voice of the "ghetto youth" Dice spoke for them through his song "Help My Brother For Me” The political satire “Puppet Master" exposed the usual clamoring for power by those in power which was especially fitting as Dominica was embroiled in heated election debate.
On February 25th 2006, King Dice made history by becoming the third but youngest calypsonian in 30 years to win 3 calypso crowns in 3 consecutive years, accomplishing what many veteran calypsonians have yet been able to do. "These Are The Days" and "I Eh Fraid Of Them" were the two songs he performed that night. In July 2006, he became a member of the Elite- Tri Peat Club. Along with the other two calypsonians who have won 3 consecutive crowns he received his blue 3 peat jacket from the University of the West Indies in Dominica and Pawol Inc. In 2006 he released his 13 track debut CD entitled A Little Higher, co produced by himself and his writer Pat Aaron, consisting of all his calypsos from as far back as 2003, the ever popular “Chance,” "Hold On To Cricket", a song for cricket fans all over the Caribbean, urging them to have faith in the west Indies cricket team, and a few other party tunes.
The night of February 17th 2007, Dice was definitely the crowd favorite at Idol City (named after the first 3 peat calypso king) in Roseau where he performed "Lights" and "Follow Your Leader." He placed 4th out of nine other calypsonians. Not breaking from the recipe that secured his prior wins, Dice with the help of Pat Aaron came back a year later to capture the crown with "Roll The Dice And See" and "On My Own," remaining the youngest and ONLY calypsonian to win four national crowns and five consecutive road march titles ("Tarzan"-2003, "Animal Farm-2004, "Puppet Master"-2005, "I Eh Fraid"-2006 and "Lights"-2007).
During October/November 2008 Dominica celebrated it's 30th anniversary of Independence, and it seemed Dice was every where-performing at the Official opening, at various fetes, Creole In The Park and World Creole Music Festival. Many were anticipating his songs for the upcoming carnival season, so it was a shock when he announced his withdrawal from the competition. This was the subject of debate throughout the island-in all media, and even with Dominicans abroad. Not one to forget his fans, he did perform his string of hits at Harlem Plaza on Feb. 19th 2009, and performed for the first time his latest release "To Kick". As for Carnival 2010 it remains to be seen if Dice will return to whet the appetite of his eager fans. As many people who may not like him, you will hardly hear a bad word about his performances. There goes that undeniable talent again! He made headlines in April 2009, not for music but for a skirmish with local police, and will be going to court this week on that matter.
King Dice is presently contracted as the face of Heineken Beer in Dominica. He has received several awards for his accomplishments in the calypso arena including A Young Achievers Award in 2004 from the Commonwealth of Dominica Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, Sports and Human Resource Development for his contribution to culture. He also received in 2006 a Youth Ambassador Award from the National Youth Council of Dominica in recognition of his contribution to calypso art form and for his 3-peat achievement. King Dice has taken part in workshops and forums on the island, with several groups including the Optimist Club who's main focus is youth development. He has performed regionally in Barbados, Antigua, St Lucia, St Maarten, Tortola, St. Thomas and the French island of Guadeloupe, and internationally in the United States (New York, New Jersey, Houston) Canada, and England. In May 2009 he performed in the World Cup Of Calypso in St. Maarten along with current Dominica Calypso Monarch Karessah. Both qualified for the next round in Barbados in November this year.
King Dice is a proud parent. A mouthpiece of the poor and suffering. A leader to the "Ghetto Youth' He lives on planet earth with the goal of sharing his talent with the world. He has conquered calypso. What next? Hollywood? As they say talent can only get you so far and for King Dice I guess, that's the top of the world!
Talented performer, focused entertainer.....King Dice you are Lime certified!
Q&A
1. You are a great lovers' rock (reggae) singer. Why calypso?
Calypso is the way that I can reach the decision makers of the country.
2. You sing some very strong lyrics, that people sing word for word. Do you see yourself as a catalyst for change?
So far.
3. You are going to court soon. How do you feel about that and are there lessons you have learnt from the whole situation?
I wish I didn't have too. The lesson learned is to always be on the lookout.
4. Can you describe your ideal woman and have you met her?
My ideal woman is the one that doesn't exist-because you would want her to have everything. But love is sacrifice.
5. If you could have dinner with three people, who would they be-(describe the moment who, where,when etc)?
Barack Obama (President of America), Ben Bernanke (Chairman of the US Federal Reserve) Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, (President of Iran). We would have dinner in a third world country and we would discuss the current state of the world and how to change it.
6. If you were not singing calypso or performing, what else would you be doing?
Mastering the inner self.
7. You have achieved a lot of firsts in calypso. Any other records you want to break?
I never went into calypso to break records. It's a good thing, but I cannot ask to break records. I'll take all the good things Jah has for me.
8. What do you like to do when you are alone?
I like to activate the Observer in me.
9. What do you say to the people who say that your life off-stage is in conflict with your life on-stage?
They are wrong. It's perfect harmony. Water is liquid, earth is solid but they always meet.
10. If you could have any super power what would it be?
To be able to acquire all super powers.
Go With Your Gut
11. Juice or tea?
Tea.
12. Beach or river?
River.
13. Alicia Keys or India Arie?
Alicia Keys.
14. Massage or Meditation?
Both.
15. Knowledge or wisdom?
Both.
photo courtesy A. Antoine (Visual Art Society Of Dominica)Finish it....
16.I am inspired by the Energy.
17. I cry when there is injustice.
18. Condoms. yes.
19. Women are a blessing and a curse.
20. King Dice is aware!
Bonus: There are videos of you on YouTube as a cartoon character. What your take?
Answer: I've seen them. Stars and legends they make cartoons about, eh....
Listen to some of his hits" "Chance," "Leader," "On My Own,"" "Save The Universe, and "We Comin"
myspace.com/kingmandice
