Skinny launches video

A wave of approval echoed around the training room of the National Insurance Services (NIS) building on Wednesday morning, as those present got their first viewing of the new Skinny Fabulous music video.{{more}}

Skinny Fabulous, real name Gamal Doyle, this country’s 2008 and 2009 soca monarch champion launched the video to his 2009 winner ‘De Beast Let Go’ ahead of his journey to Trinidad and Tobago, where he will take a second shot at the crown in the International Soca Monarch competition.

Doyle, who was just as excited as those who were about to witness the video for the very first time, said that the video, which was filmed in Jamaica where he studies, was a proud representation of the song.

“All of us who love soca music know that there is a beast within themselves that more time, we must let it out.”

“At the end of the day, I think what I learned from it is the deeper appreciation of what it takes to make a video; energy consumption, time demanding, repetition. But it was worth it.”

The artiste credited a number of persons who were present at the launch for his rising success, including his new management team Pyramid Entertainment Management Inc., which he considered the power house of management.

The singer promised to stay grounded to his roots even in the face of international success, and urged other artistes hoping to make their mark to stay true to their passion.

Tourism Minister Glen Beache, in lauding Doyle, said that the Ministry of Tourism will continue to support Doyle in any way possible, and was looking forward to greater things from him in the future.

Beache said that it was important to support Doyle and by extension St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the International Soca Monarch show in Trinidad and Tobago, and that the ministry intends to sponsor some part of the show surrounding Doyle’s performance.

“Now is Skinny’s time. I think that in terms of on the soca scene, Skinny is seen as the best up and coming artiste and I think right now he is at a point where every artiste wants to work with him, judging from his upcoming album.”

The minister said that management group Pyramid Entertainment Management Inc. had done a fabulous job in getting him on board as quickly as they did.

Representing Pyramid, CEO Santia Bradshaw acknowledged that her most recent artiste had made a name for himself in the Caribbean as well as internationally and is putting his country on the map.

“He is perhaps one of the finest artistes on our roster,” Bradshaw said.

“Skinny’s success is the success of all Vincentians.”

Bradshaw indicated that the video, though filmed in Jamaica, preserved some element of the Vincentian culture, without departing from its story line.

She thanked the Ministry of Tourism and Tourism Authority for its part in the production and promotion of the video and urged all Vincentians to continue supporting Doyle in his musical venture.

Pyramid also manages Timeka Marshall, Peter Ram, Lil Rick and Biggie Irie among others.

The video itself surrounds a young lady on her way home from work, who wanders into an abandoned building where she is surrounded by ‘beasts’. With some prompting from these beasts, the young lady finally lets go her very own soca beast.

The video also shows Doyle singing and dancing with a number of young women in the national colors of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and carnival costumes.

The video is also intended to be a promotional tool for Doyle’s participation in the 2010 edition of the International Soca Monarch scheduled for Trinidad and Tobago.

It was directed by renowned Jamaican director Jay Will.

At Tuesday’s launch, Product Development Officer of the National Lotteries Authority Anthony Dennie handed a cheque valued at US$5000 to Doyle to assist with his preparation and participation in the competition.

Doyle placed fifth in the event last year.

He indicated that his performance for this year’s event will be ‘more grand’ than what was seen here last carnival.

His self titled album is expected to be released in the next three weeks and will feature collaborations with Machel Montano, Patrice Roberts and Mavado. (JJ)