d'Vybz Band The d'Vybz Band is a Caribbean sensation that could very well transform the musical landscape and help take soca to more acceptable levels internationally. With its sweet musical sound that blends soca, calypso dancehall and hip-hop, this eight member powerful combination of Kittitian musicians, released its 2008 CD, "Life", in December 2007, just in time for the annual St. Kitts & Nevis carnival celebrations. The band has provided a fresh, matured and professional approach to soca, trying to create a product that would appeal to traditional lovers of calypso and even the hardcore reggae and hip- hop fans. This latest recording has nine, (9), hard-hitting tracks. Since its debut album, "No Turning Back", in 2007, the music of d'Vybz has been making great waves throughout the Caribbean, North America and Europe. The style of music is one that clearly demonstrates versatility, through a blend of vocal renditions and musical arrangements. It is a fantastic compilation of soca music. D'Vybz's creative style shows maturity and appeals to audiences of all nationalities. The 2008 CD takes soca to another level. It is a wonderful product with a style that is different, but yet, pleasing to all. This dynamic group was founded by three close friends. After serving for many years as the core of the once regionally acclaimed Nu Vybes, Steve "Steba" Dublin, Carl "Ozzy" Osborne and Chad "Sucky" Benjamin, ventured out in November,2006 to establish d’Vybz Band. Though the band strives to be a Caribbean power-house, its ultimate goal is to become an international phenomenon. The other musicians who were drafted include the dynamic performer, Jacinth "Shakki" Smithen, as Lead Vocalist. Shakki was the undisputed 2003 Soca Monarch of St. Kitts & Nevis. She brings remarkable experience and excitement to the group with her sensational presentations. Shakki has been compared to some of the Caribbean’s top female soca divas. Anyone listening to her and seeing her perform live on stage would agree that she is in the top league of the Caribbean soca dynasty. Shakki's vocal abilities allow her to thrill audiences with any genre of music. Also incorporated into the act was the talented young drummer, Emris "Jay" Forbes, who can rival any other in the Caribbean for the spot as "drum major" Completing the line-up are keyboardists Gavin Charles and Mervyn "Inches" Maynard and the dynamic Co-Lead Vocalist, Mark, "Mr. Quice" Willett. The band is managed by Mr. Val Henry, who helped spearhead the international break-through for the original Nu Vybes. He is assisted by a team of professionals including, Shanwa Broadbelt, Wallis Wilkin, Trevor Gill, Karen Hazel and Osdel Hanley. It is this group, supported by the tremendous talents of the accomplished performers and musicians that will certainly help to take Caribbean music to higher levels. 2007 d’ VYBZ BAND: Musicians: Steve "Steba" Dublin: Keyboards, Programming and Vocals Carl "Ozzy" Osborne: Guitar Chad "Sucky" Benjamin: Bass Jacinth "Shakki" Smithen : Vocals Emris "Jay" Forbes: Drums Gavin Charles: Keyboards, Programming Mervin "Inches" Maynard: Keyboards, Programming Mark "Mr. Quice" Willett: Vocals Management Team: Val Henry: Manager Shanwa Broadbelt: Finance Director Wallis "Wally" Wilkin: Road Manager Trevor Gill: Marketing Manager Karen Hazel: Administrative Assistant Osdel "Scottie" Hanley: Member