BVI BVI, March 9th 2012 - The British Virgin Islands (BVI) has become a fort as artist after artist is fired from its canon. On Sunday 4th March, 2012 after months of organisation, BVI born Darius Semper, better known by his stage name "Shine-I", successfully hosted and performed at his album debut event dubbed, "Shine-I's Album Debut Explosion". The event and the debut album, "The Foundation" were endorsed by several artist, namely; Capable, Imo, Empress Ruth, Maccabee and Ritcal of the BVI; Infamus of St.Kitts; Mada Nile of St. Croix; and Jah Vinci out of Jamaica.
La-Piazza, Prospect Reef, Tortola proved to be the placed to be on Sunday night. The event commenced with juggling by DJ Fabio of Intra Tech Soundz and vegetarian cuisine, organic home made juice drinks and the classic party drink were all available for those who wanted to truely feel the love that was ever present at the night's event. Persons who were fortunate enough to have access to the VIP section were greeted with pool side seats, free wine and cocktail catered by BVI award winning chef, Kenneth Molyneaux. Paul "Gadiethz" Peart served as MC and expertly introduced artist after artist to the stage provided by arguably the BVI's best in stage, sound and light, Front Line Systems. Easily accomodating overseas artist and Shine-I were The Hard Core Band out of the neighbouring island of Virgin Gorda, comprised of the album's Chief Producer Marcus "YungBlood" Mark on keyboards and programming, Dean Alexander on bass guitar, Frandy Martin on drums and fellow artists and back up vocalists, Martino "Tino" Mark, Makisha "Queen Makisha" Gordon and Bradford "Maccabee" Prince.
Shine-I took the stage at approximately 12:30am on Monday morning in a well fitted black shirt, designer jeans and an african print head rap with gold print and perfomed, the title track, "The Foundation", "Need Real Love", "DreamSnatchers", "I Know" and "Black Love" with fellow artist Maccabee before leaving for a "super man" wardrobe change and returning to conclude his performance in a white ensemble by performing three of his more mellow tracks, namely, "I Got It Bad", "Empress" and "Universal Chant". The attendees cheered, danced and sang in approval throughout his performance.
When asked about the process he under went to select the artists for the event, Shine-I, with a smile in his voice, spoke about the "positive vibes" he felt meeting Mada Nile and Infamus for the first time (on separate occassions) and indicated that all he had to do was ask. As for Jah Vinci, it was implied that the connection was made via DJ Fabio. It would appear that the connections between Shine-I and the artist were strong as many took the time to congratulate him on his endeavour while Jah Vinci, invited him on stage with him before singing "Remedy", a song which conveys that the result for bad mind and jealousy is prayer.
Shine-I has confirmed that so far his album and the debut event has been everything he hoped they would be, as he has since received many offers to appear on stages out side of the BVI and is eagerly anticipating the finalisation of those appearances. In addition to the outside recognition he is receiving, strong bonds have been formed with the artists who travelled from overseas to share and participate in the explosion and listeners can look forward to hearing more collaborations on Shine-I's second album which he has already began working on! "I will not release a second album this year, I still have a lot of pushing to do for The Foundation but I have not left the studio, the work must go on," emphasised Shine-I.
Curiosity would make one wonder if there is a possibility of fans experiencing a similar event in the future and the answer is, "YES!" Shine-I, who says that he is driven by his family and friends, took a brave step into the unknown when he commenced preparations for the event as his original team was only comprised of himself and his wife. As the months passed by, support and excitement grew as the album's tracks soon metamorphosed into the engine that would drive his mission forward. "The Foundation" is comprised of fourteen tracks and two, "I Got It Bad" and "I Know", have held number two and number one spots respectively, on count-down shows on radio stations in the British and United States Virgin Islands.
If one stood on the side and watched the actions of this father and husband they would quickly conclude that Shine-I is no stranger to hardwork as his spirit of perseverance and determination is ever present since there is no formal management involved. "I am the ship, my wife the sails and my friends and family, the wind", says Shine-I." When we began planning this event we had no idea how to move forward but we were blessed by many persons in the community. Even using the internet, facebook, youtube, twitter, to promot my music is something that I just started within the last year, twitter in the last two weeks."
Separate from all the sponsors, artists, musicians, assistants and coordinators, Shine-I expressed special thanks to Mr. Neville "Sheep" Smith, the Minister of Education and Culture Hon. Myron V. Walwyn, Kevin and Kishma of Road Town Wholesale Trading Ltd., Mr. Marcus "YungBlood" Mark, DJ Gumption, Mr. & Mrs. Eric "Ijah" Taylor, Mr. Bevis Sylvester, Dr. Mitchell Penn, Mr. Jerome Joseph, Mr. David Archer, Umi Fashions, Dede's Rent-a-Car and U.P.'s Cineplex.
Persons may stay in tune with the latest from Shine-I by visiting www.facebook.com/1ShineI, www.youtube.com/1ShineI, or follow him on twitter @MusicByShineI. For more information and booking email: shinei.artist@gmail.com or call (284) 499-5073.
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