It is ‘Skarpyon’, not Buju Banton
Although he mentions his name in the introduction to his latest hit song, entitled âWine Inâ, many Vincentians do not recognize that the voice on the track is Ragga Soca artiste Shernelle Skarpyon Williams.{{more}}
Using a voice very much unlike the usual mellow tone that he has serenaded the ladies with over the years, the reigning Ragga Soca Monarch is now being mistaken for renowned Dancehall artiste Buju Banton on his new track.
The artiste revealed to SEARCHLIGHT on Wednesday that he has always been fascinated by Bujuâs voice, hence the reason for recording a track of his own, while sounding like his idol.
âWhen I was growing up from primary school level, during the same time he (Buju) had not too long come on the scene. I was fascinated by the artisteâs voice.
âI used to do a lot of imitation and many persons know that when I was younger, I used to sound like himâ¦â
However, as Skarpyon matured and decided to venture into the music industry as a professional, he adopted his own style, which has been embraced by many, locally, regionally and internationally.
âI admired Bujuâs voice, but I didnât want to sound like him,â he added.
âWine Inâ was produced by Kamal Archibald of Sound Domain Studio and, according to Skarpyon, it was not originally intended to be recorded in that format.
According to the âLookin Fineâ artiste, the idea of changing up his voice crossed his mind on several occasions during his career, which began in 2004.
âI had the idea all the time and this year I just keep asking myself, should I do it, should I do it, not?
âI eventually did it when I went to the studioâ¦â
Skarpyon said he threw out the idea to his Archibald, but the producer was unsure whether or not Skarpyon should record the track. Nevertheless, the two went ahead and âa masterpieceâ was created.
Skarpyon said that the reception from the public has been overwhelming since the release of the song less than two weeks ago.
âThis song was scheduled to be released later on in the season, but I was waiting on another track that I think will also mash up the place and went ahead recording this one (Wine In) which has been well received,â the singer and songwriter said.
For this yearâs carnival, the two time Ragga Soca Monarch promises to deliver another year of top quality and entertaining music for his fans.
Other materials are in the pipeline to be released, and in coming days, persons can look forward to tracks such as âSoca Connectâ (power soca) and âHammer and Conksâ (ragga soca).
âFun Fairâ, another of Skarpyonâs songs for the 2012 carnival season is already on the airwaves as well. The song also has a video, the artiste informed.
With a number of tracks still to be released, Skarpyon, however, said that to date, he is still unsure whether he will be using âWine Inâ to defend his Ragga Soca title this year.(AA)