DJ Twenty: Working on the remedy

His name is Gregory Small, from the rural village of Rose Bank. He will be more easily identified as ‘DJ Twenty.’ He has been on the cultural front for the past seven years, but 2005 will be a memorable one for he and his family. With Aileen Joyette, known in the entertainment circles as Sexy Sugarz he has formed a union, in life as well as on the musical circle.

Sexy Sugarz won the Soca Queen title in the build up to last July’s carnival festivity. {{more}}

That set the trend for DJ Twenty’s smooth rolling. He broke loose in dramatic fashion. With Sexy Sugarz, he produced an album entitled ‘Let loose and break away.’

DJ Twenty secured his first Road March title this year with ‘Googa,’ a great example of artistry which uses humour to analyse our Caribbean circumstances.

The number was recorded in collaboration with Cornelius ‘Poorsah’ Williams.

Poorsah has developed a trend in the Road March industry with five previous successes. From ‘Go right up in dey,’ 1983, ‘Mouth in me moma,’ 88, to his hattrick from 2001 with ‘Hairy Bank,’ ‘Chook it up,’ and ‘Sling shot,’ Poorsah has proven his influence on the road.

Poorsah missed out on the Beaver trick last year, swept away by Bomani’s ‘I am Soca.’

This year’s Poorsah’s high-pitched melodic input, with DJ Twenty and his entourage complemented the traditional factors, which maintained the intensity, variety and originality of the song.

Googa was an early favourite and cemented itself as the festival heightened.

Twenty placed second in the Soca Monarch clash this year, with ‘Soca Bush doctor.’ Another song ‘Blind lady’, enjoyed widespread popularity.

DJ Twenty had been in the soca shadows for over six years before coming to prominence. He was a foundation member of the Roses Crew when Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper stamped his authority of the Soca arena. Fireman won a hattrick of Soca titles from his entry in 1999.

“I never used to take the stage. I used to keep back myself,” DJ Twenty said.

Twenty should be in New York for Labour Day celebrations. But he is not taking his eyes off local events. He plans to enter the 2005 Ragga Soca competition. DJ Twenty won that Ragga Soca title in 2003 with the song called ‘Abortion.’

He recently returned from the British Virgin Islands where he featured in the Tortola carnival. He along with Luta, Fireman Hooper, Sexy Sugarz and DJ Taurus entertained patrons.

“We really promote SVG,” Twenty pointed out.

He has produced a number of hits like: ‘Never miss the water’ ‘Way yo ah look for,’ ‘Doh tie yo man,’ ‘Gouti,’ ‘This little flag,’ and ‘Hokey Pokey.’

But this year is his high point. There is no end of village support for Twenty. Two of his colleagues Carl ‘Chain Saw’ Alexander and Rohan ‘Puss’ Stapleton are also expected to make the New York trip.

DJ Twenty is son of Joseph and Vilna Sam. He has one brother and nine sisters.

Twenty has carved out his reputation in the music industry. A farmer in his community, got his early exposure to music while singing in church.

“A lot of melodies come from church,” DJ Twenty admitted.

He is pleased with his strides this year, having taken the Road March tiltle. The accomplsihment has landed a number of contracts nationwide, including some on the polictical platform. But he reflects on the initiative he had to embark on in completing his recordings this year.

“I spend me own money without any sponsor,” DJ Twenty pointed out. He is happy with the collection of trophies which have increased many fold this year. But he pointed out that he spent $10,000 to do his recordings.