Amani and rural musicians to launch band
SIMBA AMANI will start a new chapter in his already colourful music career at the Mayaro Resource Centre on July 13, with the launch of The Live Experience, an 18-member band comprising both young and experienced arrangers, instrumentalists and vocalists, who like him, all hail from remote rural areas.
Amani, born Kurtly Ravello in Cushe Village–a small community in Rio Claro–has already established his name as a solo performer of a roots-reggae-type genre. The fact that he and the other band members come from countryside villages like Moruga and Mayaro, is in itself of special significance.
"There are some challenges (growing up in the countryside)," Amani said, speaking to Newsday on the launch of the band. "...Not just in regard to infrastructural underdevelopment, but also a scarcity of opportunities to harness home-grown talent within the community itself and to be recognised on a wider scope."
"More often (than not), one has to leave the countryside for town in order to further pursuits and to gain access to the necessary resources that it takes to become established." He said, among his objectives, is to exhibit the talents of people from the countryside, without having to leave the rural communities.
"The idea is to provide youths with an opportunity to develop and enhance their talent and skills through music, establish themselves as professionals and to hold firm to the values and culture of country folks. (We are) on a mission to shed some light on the wealth of talent that exists within his community," said Amani.
Amani, elaborating on the band's talented membership, said it is not restricted to a particular genre of music, but offers a mesh of brass, pan, customary instruments, and at least eight "beautiful voices."
The band members range from 17-40 years and include several experienced arrangers and music teachers.
By Andrew Gioannetti
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday Newspapers
