‘This Island Is Mine’ official music video debuts today

Having won the Ragga Soca Monarch title during Vincy Mas 2015 with ‘This Island Is Mine’, Gamal ‘Skinny Fabulous’ Doyle is looking to further capture the hearts of Vincentians at home and abroad with the release of a music video for his hugely popular song.

At a private launch held last Monday at Flowt Beach Bar, Ratho Mill, guests were the first members of the public to view the music video — which was officially released today, October 23.{{more}}

Addressing the audience, Doyle said that he had penned the song two years ago while travelling abroad, at a time when wherever he went, persons would assume – much to his annoyance – that he was Trinidadian.

“People automatically assume that when you have something good, if you have something that is quality, they assume well that has to be… Jamaican or Trini,” he explained.

“I am proudly a member of this Vincentian society, and I stand by this flag anywhere I go – I am a walking banner for St Vincent… I love it!”

The music video, which was produced by Rasheid Sutherland (Boss Raw) and Cauldric Fraser (Sparks Aerial Solutions), features the soca star in various picturesque locations across St Vincent and the Grenadines, interacting with people from all walks of life.

Alex Barnwell, who co-produced the song, also spoke at the launch, explaining that the video was filmed in ‘4K’ resolution, which is the “latest standard in film and video quality.”

“We did that because the kind of scenery that we have here in St Vincent, it cannot be captured any other way. From the waterfalls to the Grenadines, to the mountains to the terrain,” explained Barnwell.

“When it comes to the arts and culture in St Vincent and the Grenadines, I have to say that this moment makes me very proud… It is not very often that we get the opportunity to have our art in St Vincent displayed to this capacity.”

He also lauded Doyle for his tireless efforts in representing SVG to the best of his capability while performing on the regional and international stage.

“[Doyle’s overseas performances] doesn’t have any props; it’s minus the fireworks, but it’s full of charisma and it’s full of everything that’s Vincentian, and everything that comes out of living on an island like this and growing up in a place like this.”

Additionally, Doyle – originally from Chateaubelair – spoke about his humble beginnings, and insisted that the success he has achieved thus far is the result of hard work and determination, which can be achieved by anyone, no matter where they are from.

“Everything we need to accomplish as a nation, as a people, as citizens of this lovely country is right here in St Vincent. We don’t need to go and look outside of these shores,” he insisted.

“I’m a product of my environment, I’m a product of this little dot!”

Barnwell echoed this sentiment, and appealed to the private and corporate sectors to assist local creatives with developing their talent whenever possible.

“Help out arts in St Vincent and the Grenadines – it needs assistance, it needs a lot of assistance,” he implored.

“If you know a young artiste, if you know somebody that wants to sing, somebody that wants to play an instrument, please assist them in doing such.”

Barnwell also encouraged persons to get involved in teaching and enabling young persons in school to develop their talents as well.

“Let’s pass it on and let’s keep it going!”

Chief executive officer of the SVG Tourism Authority Glen Beache praised all involved in producing the video for doing an “exceptional” job, and enthused that Doyle always does a “tremendous job” at representing SVG on the regional and international stage.

“There is no doubt in my mind that when you see this video… everybody will be very impressed…. It is something that the Tourism Authority will definitely be using.”

Beache further revealed that the Tourism Authority will be hosting a social media competition later this year, in which participants will have to name certain locations that feature in the music video for the chance to win ‘staycation’ prizes at hotels and resorts across SVG.

“Don’t think it’s going to be easy, because there are certain places that I have not gotten yet,” he joked.

The production of the music video for ‘This Island Is Mine’ was funded mainly by the artiste, and partly funded by the SVG Tourism Authority and LIME. (JSV)