It is ‘Skarpyon’, not Buju Banton

Although he mentions his name in the introduction to his latest hit song, entitled “Wine In”, many Vincentians do not recognize that the voice on the track is Ragga Soca artiste Shernelle Skarpyon Williams.{{more}}

Using a voice very much unlike the usual mellow tone that he has serenaded the ladies with over the years, the reigning Ragga Soca Monarch is now being mistaken for renowned Dancehall artiste Buju Banton on his new track.

The artiste revealed to SEARCHLIGHT on Wednesday that he has always been fascinated by Buju’s voice, hence the reason for recording a track of his own, while sounding like his idol.

“When I was growing up from primary school level, during the same time he (Buju) had not too long come on the scene. I was fascinated by the artiste’s voice.

“I used to do a lot of imitation and many persons know that when I was younger, I used to sound like him…”

However, as Skarpyon matured and decided to venture into the music industry as a professional, he adopted his own style, which has been embraced by many, locally, regionally and internationally.

“I admired Buju’s voice, but I didn’t want to sound like him,” he added.

“Wine In” was produced by Kamal Archibald of Sound Domain Studio and, according to Skarpyon, it was not originally intended to be recorded in that format.

According to the “Lookin Fine” artiste, the idea of changing up his voice crossed his mind on several occasions during his career, which began in 2004.

“I had the idea all the time and this year I just keep asking myself, should I do it, should I do it, not?

“I eventually did it when I went to the studio…”

Skarpyon said he threw out the idea to his Archibald, but the producer was unsure whether or not Skarpyon should record the track. Nevertheless, the two went ahead and “a masterpiece” was created.

Skarpyon said that the reception from the public has been overwhelming since the release of the song less than two weeks ago.

“This song was scheduled to be released later on in the season, but I was waiting on another track that I think will also mash up the place and went ahead recording this one (Wine In) which has been well received,” the singer and songwriter said.

For this year’s carnival, the two time Ragga Soca Monarch promises to deliver another year of top quality and entertaining music for his fans.

Other materials are in the pipeline to be released, and in coming days, persons can look forward to tracks such as “Soca Connect” (power soca) and “Hammer and Conks” (ragga soca).

“Fun Fair”, another of Skarpyon’s songs for the 2012 carnival season is already on the airwaves as well. The song also has a video, the artiste informed.

With a number of tracks still to be released, Skarpyon, however, said that to date, he is still unsure whether he will be using “Wine In” to defend his Ragga Soca title this year.(AA)