Di Blueprint
Kingston, Saint Andrew, Jamaica
Music
Press
The launch took place at Puls8 on Saturday with Di Blueprint Band kicking off the night's proceedings with two of their hottest singles, Baby Boo and I Can't Breathe, while patrons flocked to the front row of the runway to catch a preview of the latest trends from some of the region's hottest designers. - Davina Henry, The Gleaner
Published: Saturday | March 30, 2013
Davina Henry, Staff Reporter
Though not yet a seasoned band, and although it has no charting hits, the Di Blueprint band certainly delivered an energetic set and impressed the audience at the Behind The Screen series at Usain Bolt's Tracks & Records on Tuesday night.
Having risen to fame in 2011 when they walked away as winners of the Global Battle Of the Bands competition, Di Blueprint continues to make its mark on the Jamaican music industry.
It was an intimate affair as the former Edna Manley students used their vocal prowess to secure new fans.
The group, which consists of Vern on keyboard, Kedron on drums, Alex on bass and lead vocals, and Elly B on guitar and lead vocals, did not seem daunted by the less-than-capacity audience.
In a set that featured signature songs like You're Love, My Angel, and Welcome to my Heart, Di Blueprint serenaded the enthusiastic ladies with tunes from its growing catalogue.
There is no denying the sheer muscle of the band's core instrumentals. The almost rock-star mentality the members brought to their performance certainly worked in their favour.
OLDIES MUSIC
Pausing to interact with the audience throughout its almost two-hour-long set, Di Blueprint also gave fans a taste of some 'good ol' music', reeling off hits including Desmond Dekker's Intensify, Gregory Isaac's Night Nurse, and Black Uhuru's Guess Who's Coming To Dinner (Natty Dreadlocks).
"Nuh herb smoker nuh deh ya?" Alex inquired before launching into Collie Buddz's Come Around.
Fingers passing themselves off as guns greeted the band and they had to 'pull up di tune' for the eager audience.
The performance then took on a more sombre tone as band members paid tribute to a deceased member.
"One of our keyboard players passed on and not a lot of persons knew about it. We dedicate our career and everything to him. We just a salute all the fallen," Alex said.
Not wanting to end the night on a sad note, the band turned up the sexual energy at Usain Bolt's Tracks & Records.
By now, the atmosphere had changed, and the high was maintained with renditions of Maroon 5's Sunday Morning, T Pain's Bartender, Kartel's Slow Motion, and Busy Signal's Come Over.
The night climaxed with a stellar performance of the band's single, Baby Boo, which had the audience screaming for more. - Davina Henry, The Gleaner
Finally, there was the excellent news that Di Blue Print Band, who are members of JaRIA, won the Global Battle of the Bands competition in London last Sunday night. I wish to heartily congratulate them. This is the second year in succession that a Jamaican band has taken this title. You may recall that Dubtonic Kru was also victorious, using the exposure to launch a successful series of concert tours across Europe and North America.
Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Reggae-s-good-tidings#ixzz2NP6tVoCr - Charles Campbell, Jamaica Observer
In 2010, Dubtonic Kru secured the top spot in the competition and two years later Di Blueprint Band has done the same. In December, the band bested Wandlust from Cyprus, Xinfu District from Norway, Heston Drop from Australia, Stinkin Ways from The Bahamas and Manfellows from Romania to win the international title. - Sadeke Brooks, Jamaica Gleaner
In 2010, Dubtonic Kru secured the top spot in the competition and two years later Di Blueprint Band has done the same. In December, the band bested Wandlust from Cyprus, Xinfu District from Norway, Heston Drop from Australia, Stinkin Ways from The Bahamas and Manfellows from Romania to win the international title. - Sadeke Brooks, Jamaica Gleaner
Di Blueprint Band is the best new band in the world. Last week, the youngsters competed in the Global Battle of the Bands in London and showed their acumen by taking home an important title, creating history in the process.
Jamaica is now the first country to have won the Global Battle of the Bands twice in a row.
That title didn't come without trials as the young band blew adapters when they were doing soundchecks, a crisis that would mean they had no guitar effects or harmonies.
That soundcheck was to have been early on the day of the competition and now the band had to go get adapters and go back to do a soundcheck. An entire day preparing with no sleep awaited them. Blueprint still won.
Upside to the setback
There was an upside to the setback because it meant Blueprint got the chance to take a look at the competition.
It is not certain how much help that last look would have been but at the end of a long day, Jamaica's representatives at the Global Battle of the Bands bested Wandlust from Cyprus, Xinfu District from Norway, Heston Drop from Australia, Stinkin Ways from The Bahamas and Manfellows from Romania, an international melting pot signifying five of the best six bands in the world.
Interestingly, Jamaica's second victory marks the second year since Sereste Small, national director of the Global Battle of the Bands, Jamaica, reintroduced the country's leg of the competition.
The win was also important in another way, as the band had recently lost keyboardist and member, Rameich. The group, comprising Alex, Elton, Kedron, and Vern, dedicated the award to their fallen member.
A blog on the competition's website pointed out that the members were in tears after accepting the award. - Jamaica Gleaner
The Blue Print Band, consisting of past and present Edna Manley students, were also booked to perform. One of the most anticipated acts for the night, patrons erupted in cheers as the lead singer burst on to the stage. Babyboo, their anthem, went over well with the ladies as the lead singer ventured into the audience and serenaded a few of the female patrons. - Garfene Grandison, Jamaica Gleaner
"Upcoming roots reggae band Blue Print was next, and they also gave a good representation of themselves, singing favourites such as Bob Marley's Concrete Jungle and originals like You Are My Baby Boo. Blue Print also invited upcoming reggae artiste Demitries, and he sang One Race One People. He also got a good reception from the audience. " - Mel Cooke, Jamaica Gleaner
"Upcoming roots reggae band Blue Print was next, and they also gave a good representation of themselves, singing favourites such as Bob Marley's Concrete Jungle and originals like You Are My Baby Boo. Blue Print also invited upcoming reggae artiste Demitries, and he sang One Race One People. He also got a good reception from the audience. " - Mel Cooke, Jamaica Gleaner
In the meantime, the local Global Battle of the Bands franchise holder is working with winner of the Jamaican leg, Di Blueprint, as they prepare to head for Romania later this month to compete against bands from 16 countries.
Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Sereste-Small-calls-it-quits_11686345#ixzz1xnzSW597 - Nekiesha Reid, Jamaica Observer
In the meantime, the local Global Battle of the Bands franchise holder is working with winner of the Jamaican leg, Di Blueprint, as they prepare to head for Romania later this month to compete against bands from 16 countries.
Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Sereste-Small-calls-it-quits_11686345#ixzz1xnzSW597 - Nekiesha Reid, Jamaica Observer
Following her performance, up-and-coming roots reggae band Di Blueprint took over and piloted the event to its closure.
Unique performance
The band gave a unique performance, using voice syntheses along with their natural vocals, a feature which is very uncommon in live performances locally.
The band performed songs such as I Can't Breathe and Baby Boo.
The ladies could be seen singing along with the band through their entire set. - Curtis Campbell, Jamaica Gleaner
Di Blueprint Band, winner of the 2011 Jamaica Global Battle of the Bands competition, is about to set off to wage musical warfare in the United Kingdom. The band held its farewell concert on Friday night, November 23, to fans who lustily showed their support as the band heads off to London to compete in the GBOB finals 2012, on December 9. - Tanya Batson Savage, Susumba.com
On Sunday night, Di Blue Print won the finals held at The Scala in London, beating 13 bands from various countries including England, Cyprus, Finland, Lebanon, Norway, The Bahamas, and Australia.
Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Di-Blue-Print-for-victory_13186428#ixzz2EndQxHRJ - Richard Johnson, Jamaica Observer
Di Blueprint Band from Jamaica are the new World Champions of the 2011-2012 GBOB – The Global Battle of the Bands. This makes history for the country as it becomes the first to ever win the GBOB World Championships two times in a row. Last year, Reggae artists Dubtonic Kru brought home the trophy with a unanimous decision from all judges.
Band members Alex, Elton, Kedron, and Vern were in tears as they accepted the award, having gone through several tremendous challenges to get to the World Final, including the recent death of their former keyboardist Rameish to whom they dedicated the award to. Her Excellency Aloun Assamba, Ambassador of Jamaica, together with GBOB JA National Director Seretse Small and Di Blueprint Band’s Mentor Ibo Cooper, joined the band onstage during this emotional moment.
During his speech, Elton lead singer and guitarist of Di Blueprint Band, thanked the other bands and the audience for the “spirit of unity” that was in the place.
The Top Six Bands at the GBOB World Final
Judges reportedly had a difficult time choosing the Top Bands at the World Final this year. The panel of three judges includes Producers Fredrick Hult and Kee Marcelo, world-renown songwriters having in their belt an array of hit songs written for various artists around the world; Third Judge Duncan Reid is an exceptional musician from the UK.
Di Blueprint (1st) won the crowd with their catchy songs and choruses. Playing a unique R n’ B/Reggae set list, the band had people dancing from start of their performance, to finish. A clear trademark of the band would be their vocal harmonies. Their well-structured performance and technical skill also distinguished them as trained music students.
Manfellow from Romania (2nd) are excellent musicians and songwriters. Their strong and well-versed songs simply captured the audience although out their performance. Their unique sound and catchy melodies easily set them apart from other bands playing alternative rock.
Stinkin Wayz from the Bahamas (3rd) were the ‘igniting’ performance of the night. Drawing from influences of Caribbean Rake N’ Scrape and the crazy wiles of Eddie Van Halen in guitar, the band simply gave the most ‘magnetic’ performance that night as they whipped up the crowd from front till back in a dance frenzy.
Heston Drop from Australia (4th) and Xinfu District from Norway (5th) were both exceptional songwriters and perfectionists in their playing. Heston Drop had a very professional sound reminiscent of the styles of Kings of Leon. Xinfu District knows well how to put a hook and build up emotion in a song, a trait which every great songwriter has.
Wanderlust from Cyprus (6th) brought in an interesting twist of funk; their sound was unique as they were the only band which had a lead female vocalist and a trumpeter during the competition.
Legends in their Own Right
Regardless of who made it to Top 6, there was a massive amount of talent amongst all World Finalists whose performance and music stirred (even shocked) the crowd that night. Their song and live video during the GBOB World Final will be watched by countless audiences around the world as GBOB releases its official TV documentary of the event.
Citagazi, a death metal band from Scotland, seemingly had the most controversial performance of the night as the lead singer of the band practically let loose a ‘hulk’ onstage (and offstage), kicking off his performance by growling whilst grabbing the collar of the nearest person in the audience while he stood on the metal barricades below the stage. Then he jumped into the crowd and performed almost half of the song in the midst of them. He was all over the places, even the top of the highest stack of amps onstage.
Heavy Soul and Metasoma were the bands with the most fans during the World Final. Heavy Soul delivered distortion driven music with great effect, according to GBOB JA National Director. Metasoma from England resembled the styles of infamous band System of a Down. Lost Society from Finland played speed metal, and Beyond the Labyrinth in Belgium played classic rock and were famous for their interesting antics, including wearing a kilt onstage. Trip from Greece, The Vintage Caravan from Iceland, and Passive Standouts from Lebanon performed different variations of classic indie alternative rock.
Guest Performer Tokyo Taboo, a female-fronted rock band led by Scarlletta, was given the privilege to perform during the World Final as being the 2010 GBOB England Champions. Scarlletta, female rock vocalist, definitely owned the stage with a very energetic performance. They played 3 songs before the Judges announced the Finalists.
Congratulations
Once again, congratulations to all the National Champions. Thank you for making this a successful World Final.One thing we want to say: keep pressing on. No one is a star overnight; it takes a lot of hard work and humility. We hope you keep in touch, and keep an open eye - GBOB Worldwide
Di Blueprint Band from Jamaica are the new World Champions of the 2011-2012 GBOB – The Global Battle of the Bands. This makes history for the country as it becomes the first to ever win the GBOB World Championships two times in a row. Last year, Reggae artists Dubtonic Kru brought home the trophy with a unanimous decision from all judges.
Band members Alex, Elton, Kedron, and Vern were in tears as they accepted the award, having gone through several tremendous challenges to get to the World Final, including the recent death of their former keyboardist Rameish to whom they dedicated the award to. Her Excellency Aloun Assamba, Ambassador of Jamaica, together with GBOB JA National Director Seretse Small and Di Blueprint Band’s Mentor Ibo Cooper, joined the band onstage during this emotional moment.
During his speech, Elton lead singer and guitarist of Di Blueprint Band, thanked the other bands and the audience for the “spirit of unity” that was in the place.
The Top Six Bands at the GBOB World Final
Judges reportedly had a difficult time choosing the Top Bands at the World Final this year. The panel of three judges includes Producers Fredrick Hult and Kee Marcelo, world-renown songwriters having in their belt an array of hit songs written for various artists around the world; Third Judge Duncan Reid is an exceptional musician from the UK.
Di Blueprint (1st) won the crowd with their catchy songs and choruses. Playing a unique R n’ B/Reggae set list, the band had people dancing from start of their performance, to finish. A clear trademark of the band would be their vocal harmonies. Their well-structured performance and technical skill also distinguished them as trained music students.
Manfellow from Romania (2nd) are excellent musicians and songwriters. Their strong and well-versed songs simply captured the audience although out their performance. Their unique sound and catchy melodies easily set them apart from other bands playing alternative rock.
Stinkin Wayz from the Bahamas (3rd) were the ‘igniting’ performance of the night. Drawing from influences of Caribbean Rake N’ Scrape and the crazy wiles of Eddie Van Halen in guitar, the band simply gave the most ‘magnetic’ performance that night as they whipped up the crowd from front till back in a dance frenzy.
Heston Drop from Australia (4th) and Xinfu District from Norway (5th) were both exceptional songwriters and perfectionists in their playing. Heston Drop had a very professional sound reminiscent of the styles of Kings of Leon. Xinfu District knows well how to put a hook and build up emotion in a song, a trait which every great songwriter has.
Wanderlust from Cyprus (6th) brought in an interesting twist of funk; their sound was unique as they were the only band which had a lead female vocalist and a trumpeter during the competition.
Legends in their Own Right
Regardless of who made it to Top 6, there was a massive amount of talent amongst all World Finalists whose performance and music stirred (even shocked) the crowd that night. Their song and live video during the GBOB World Final will be watched by countless audiences around the world as GBOB releases its official TV documentary of the event.
Citagazi, a death metal band from Scotland, seemingly had the most controversial performance of the night as the lead singer of the band practically let loose a ‘hulk’ onstage (and offstage), kicking off his performance by growling whilst grabbing the collar of the nearest person in the audience while he stood on the metal barricades below the stage. Then he jumped into the crowd and performed almost half of the song in the midst of them. He was all over the places, even the top of the highest stack of amps onstage.
Heavy Soul and Metasoma were the bands with the most fans during the World Final. Heavy Soul delivered distortion driven music with great effect, according to GBOB JA National Director. Metasoma from England resembled the styles of infamous band System of a Down. Lost Society from Finland played speed metal, and Beyond the Labyrinth in Belgium played classic rock and were famous for their interesting antics, including wearing a kilt onstage. Trip from Greece, The Vintage Caravan from Iceland, and Passive Standouts from Lebanon performed different variations of classic indie alternative rock.
Guest Performer Tokyo Taboo, a female-fronted rock band led by Scarlletta, was given the privilege to perform during the World Final as being the 2010 GBOB England Champions. Scarlletta, female rock vocalist, definitely owned the stage with a very energetic performance. They played 3 songs before the Judges announced the Finalists.
Congratulations
Once again, congratulations to all the National Champions. Thank you for making this a successful World Final.One thing we want to say: keep pressing on. No one is a star overnight; it takes a lot of hard work and humility. We hope you keep in touch, and keep an open eye - GBOB Worldwide
THE Mystic Revealers band returns to the stage on Saturday with an appearance at a fundraising show at Hope Botanical Gardens in St Andrew.
The event is being staged by the Plant a Life Foundation, an environmental group.
Louie Culture, Rootz Underground, and Di Blue Print band, and Nomaddz are also scheduled to perform at the show which starts at 9:00 pm. - JAMAICA OBSERVER
THE Mystic Revealers band returns to the stage on Saturday with an appearance at a fundraising show at Hope Botanical Gardens in St Andrew.
The event is being staged by the Plant a Life Foundation, an environmental group.
Louie Culture, Rootz Underground, and Di Blue Print band, and Nomaddz are also scheduled to perform at the show which starts at 9:00 pm. - JAMAICA OBSERVER
Earlier in the programme, local pioneer of dub poetry Oku Onoura gave yet again another satisfying performance as well as Jah Mason, the Blue Print and Kurfew bands, and the reggae vocalist/deejay duo Bruossai from out of France.
Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/VIDEO--Another-great-night-of-reggae-in-the-park_10803448#ixzz1v4NBSZoz - JAMAICA OBSERVER
Earlier in the programme, local pioneer of dub poetry Oku Onoura gave yet again another satisfying performance as well as Jah Mason, the Blue Print and Kurfew bands, and the reggae vocalist/deejay duo Bruossai from out of France.
Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/VIDEO--Another-great-night-of-reggae-in-the-park_10803448#ixzz1v4NBSZoz - JAMAICA OBSERVER
"JaRIA received notice from Bunny Wailer that he will not be anle to perform on Reggae Wednesdays as he previously indicated. JaRIA apologizes profusely to the public for any inconveniences this very late cancellation may have caused and encourage patrons to still come out and enjoy wonderful performances from Mutabaruka, Oko Onuora, History Man, Simone C Simpson, Jah Mason, Roots Radics, Blue Print Band and Broussai Band out of France," the release stated.
Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Bunny-Wailer-s-cancels-Reggae-Wednesdays-appearance--#ixzz1v4M6Y0AF - JAMAICA OBSERVER
"JaRIA received notice from Bunny Wailer that he will not be anle to perform on Reggae Wednesdays as he previously indicated. JaRIA apologizes profusely to the public for any inconveniences this very late cancellation may have caused and encourage patrons to still come out and enjoy wonderful performances from Mutabaruka, Oko Onuora, History Man, Simone C Simpson, Jah Mason, Roots Radics, Blue Print Band and Broussai Band out of France," the release stated.
Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Bunny-Wailer-s-cancels-Reggae-Wednesdays-appearance--#ixzz1v4M6Y0AF - JAMAICA OBSERVER
"Patrons will be allowed into the auditorium at 7 p.m. and showtime is 8 p.m. Artistes confirmed to perform include Tanya Stephens, Tessanne Chin, Dubtonic Kru, Di Blue Print and six credible local poets. There will also be an after party, which is expected to start at 11:30 p.m, featuring Smoke of Renaissance sound system." - JAMAICA GLEANER
"So for this year's Bands Incorporated, an annual late November/early December concert put on by Dubtonic, the line-up is Dubtonic, Rootz Underground, C-Sharp, Raging Fyah, Blu Grass in the Sky and Blueprint. On December 26 No-Maddz' sole guest for their annual Boxing Day Concert was C-Sharp." - JAMAICA GLEANER
"So for this year's Bands Incorporated, an annual late November/early December concert put on by Dubtonic, the line-up is Dubtonic, Rootz Underground, C-Sharp, Raging Fyah, Blu Grass in the Sky and Blueprint. On December 26 No-Maddz' sole guest for their annual Boxing Day Concert was C-Sharp." - JAMAICA GLEANER
"This year's Global Battle of the Band entrants have similar hopes for victory and commercial success and so far the line-up of bands looks impressive with several successful young bands entering along with bands who have previously entered. Entering for the first time is the Katt5 Band and Di Blueprint. Coming back into the fray is Maurice Gordon's "Mojahrock," who the judges, in 2010, picked their second choice to Dubtonic Kru. Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Bands-battle-to-defend-Ja-title_10353875#ixzz1gIYwqjV1" - JAMAICA OBSERVER
The show will also feature special guest appearances by friends of the band, including Tony Rebel, Tarrus Riley, Sherieta Lewis, Michael Sean-Harris, Abebe Payne, Raquel Jones and the Blueprint band.
Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/C-Sharp-live-at-Jamaica-College-tonight_10353864#ixzz1v4HLYt7z - JAMAICA OBSERVER
The show will also feature special guest appearances by friends of the band, including Tony Rebel, Tarrus Riley, Sherieta Lewis, Michael Sean-Harris, Abebe Payne, Raquel Jones and the Blueprint band.
Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/C-Sharp-live-at-Jamaica-College-tonight_10353864#ixzz1v4HLYt7z - JAMAICA OBSERVER
Five bands — Rootz Underground, Raging Fyah, Blu Grass In The Sky, Blue Print and Dubtonic Kru — are scheduled to perform. The Dubtonic Kru is also involved in the organisation of the event.
Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Bands-Inc-for-Saturday_10220695#ixzz1v4FT1zZl - JAMAICA OBSERVER
Five bands — Rootz Underground, Raging Fyah, Blu Grass In The Sky, Blue Print and Dubtonic Kru — are scheduled to perform. The Dubtonic Kru is also involved in the organisation of the event.
Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Bands-Inc-for-Saturday_10220695#ixzz1v4FT1zZl - JAMAICA OBSERVER
Reggae Gone Global aptly describes the musical offerings of February 16, with its emphasis on dub, dub poetry and Rockers. This promises to be a truly splendid night, epitomising the best of Jamaican musical fare, with Sly Dunbar & Lloyd Parkes leading a band, Junior Reid, Big Youth, Cocoa Tea, Fab Five Band, Dub Tonic Crew, Uprising Roots, Pentateuch, and Blueprint, already confirmed.
Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Reggae-Month-2011_8323309#ixzz1v4ExxYHJ - JAMAICA OBSERVER
Discography
My Angel - released on iTunes, August 1, 2013
Photos
Bio
Di Blueprint
The Best New Band in the World
Di Blueprint is a Kingston, Jamaica based Pop, R&B, Reggae Band with the title, The Best New Band in the World for 2011 2012 having won the Global Battle of the Bands World Finals out of a global field of Three Thousand (3,000) bands.
Di Blueprint was formed by Kedron Kennedy and Vern Hill who met as students at the Edna Manley College School of Music under the mentorship of Reggae Icon, Ibo Cooper (formerly of the band, Third World).
The band has gone through a few membership changes and even seen the passing of Rameish Folks their beloved second keyboardist but the present complement consists of Kedron Kennedy (drums), Vern Hill (Keyboards/vocals), Elton Brown (guitar/vocals) and Alex Gallimore (Bass, vocals).
In 2011 Di Blueprint entered and won the Jamaica Global Battle of the Bands Competition against a field of 16 local bands. They entered as a band with six member including Rameish Folkes on keyboards and Ron Ho-Choy as their lead singer.
In June 2012 Rameish died of complications due to a sudden sickness and in November 2012 Ron the lead singer left the band.
Though devastated by the loss of Rameish the band went on to win the Global Battle of the Bands finals on December 9, 2012 at the London Scala out of a total field of 3,000 bands from around the world.
Now having the title of being the "Best New Band in the World" Di Blueprint is preparing themselves to record their first studio album in Jamaica and studios abroad through the development package given to them as the prize for winning the Global Battle of the Bands World finals.
Since the beginning of 2013 they have been featured performers on Rebel Salute, Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival , , Reggae Month, Arts in the Park, The Prime Minister Youth Awards and the Jamaica's Independence Grand Gala.
Musically the band has started to explore the musical world of EDM (Electronic Dance Music) as a vehicle for their brand of International Pop and plans are in place for a major experience at the end of November featuring the band fusing their Pop, R&B & Reggae sounds with the best traditions of EDM.
They will travel in February 2014 to Bangkok, Thailand as the defending champions at the Global Battle of the Bands World Finals and plans are in place for an Asian tour immediately following their World Finals appearance.
These four musical brothers have their eyes on a Grammy, world touring and reaching their fans globally with live performances of the highest quality and song writing that is aimed primarily at the ladies while sticking to the Blueprint of joyful excellence in music.
Di Blueprint is the True print.
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