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| Willis and Mandisa: voices together since the beginning, in 2008 |
The
most popular band in Nassau (Bahamas) has nothing to do with
the Caribbean folklore Junkanoo. A mix of soul, jazz and funk with the original
sound of Jamaican reggae influence is what Willis and Illest presents
in his lyrics based on love, union and freedom of spirit. In an industry
where reggae is often discriminated, the Bahamian band emerges with
strength, showing that it is worthwhile to make music from the heart and confirming that the power of his musical style has everything to thrive to the four
corners of the world.
Initiated in 2008, the band started when singer Willis, who has previously enjoyed composing and playing for himself, joined with some friends to make music. From the initial meeting till today the band is formed by singer Mandisa - supplementing the band's style with her booming voice - as well as some other musicians, some scholars of music, some adherents to different styles. Saxophone, organ, Spanish guitar, keyboards, among other instruments give Willlis and Illest an eclectic tone, resulting in harmonic reggae and very unique to listen to. And with this sintony the group seems to attract those who like and even those who are not "a big fan" of reggae.
Initiated in 2008, the band started when singer Willis, who has previously enjoyed composing and playing for himself, joined with some friends to make music. From the initial meeting till today the band is formed by singer Mandisa - supplementing the band's style with her booming voice - as well as some other musicians, some scholars of music, some adherents to different styles. Saxophone, organ, Spanish guitar, keyboards, among other instruments give Willlis and Illest an eclectic tone, resulting in harmonic reggae and very unique to listen to. And with this sintony the group seems to attract those who like and even those who are not "a big fan" of reggae.
Filling
up the venues where they play, the vocalist and band manager Willis
changed the subject several times, and with a modest smile, resisted
considering that Willis and Illest is the band of the moment in Nassau.
In a exclusive interview to Mixculti, the singer revealed his
inspirations - Bob Marley and the Rastafarian movement - and reminded
that, despite the influence of Jamaica, the most Bahamian value of the
band is the content of his lyrics. "Our message is real love, the
story and the truth. Our music brings motivation to go back to being
united people", he recalled.
The band, whose first and only album includes the hit "Hey" - is already working on his second album, to be released in " singles " (as individual songs to be bought in the media ) and will address patriotic and social issues. Except the difficulties of the music industry, "the problem at the moment is not being recognized as Bahamian reggae", says Wiilis Knowles. "We know the problems as part of the industry of the consumers, but we will not give up to continue making music from the heart and not music only to sell."
While his goal of traveling the world is not yet achieved, the band - who has already played on American grounds and aim to be in Europe next summer - can celebrate his conquests. One of them, and the most recent, the publication of the videoclip on MTV "Lion in the jungle", filmed in the famous Bay Street in Nassau. And the work has just started, says Willis. "Improve performance, meet other artists and explore creativity are things that we really want to accomplish ," said the singer, who by the way would love one day to perform in Brazil.
The band, whose first and only album includes the hit "Hey" - is already working on his second album, to be released in " singles " (as individual songs to be bought in the media ) and will address patriotic and social issues. Except the difficulties of the music industry, "the problem at the moment is not being recognized as Bahamian reggae", says Wiilis Knowles. "We know the problems as part of the industry of the consumers, but we will not give up to continue making music from the heart and not music only to sell."
While his goal of traveling the world is not yet achieved, the band - who has already played on American grounds and aim to be in Europe next summer - can celebrate his conquests. One of them, and the most recent, the publication of the videoclip on MTV "Lion in the jungle", filmed in the famous Bay Street in Nassau. And the work has just started, says Willis. "Improve performance, meet other artists and explore creativity are things that we really want to accomplish ," said the singer, who by the way would love one day to perform in Brazil.
Click below to watch the clips:
More articles in English in Mixculti:
http://mixculti.blogspot.com/2013/09/end-of-maternity-leave.html
http://mixculti.blogspot.com/2012/10/mixreport-brazil-and-bahamas-closer.html
http://mixculti.blogspot.com/2012/08/mixtrip-hope-town-must-see-in-bahamas.html
http://mixculti.blogspot.com/2012/07/mixopinion-god-bless-americans.html
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