Bands and Artists...............

El a Kru

With dreams of living a life of music and being a positive reflection on the nation and the people, the "L. A. CREW" (Little Antigua Crew) was formed in 1990. Since its inception, the band has managed through enormous sacrifice, dedication and hard work to become one of Antigua and Barbuda's most popular and sought after musical entities.

For the first year and a half of its existence, the band confined itself mostly to the hotel circuit in an attempt to fine-tune the elements. During this period the focus was also on writing and producing their own music. "Playing covers is always nice, but we always felt that we could do so much more if we created our way. . . carve our niche, so to speak, on the music of the Caribbean". So in 1992 the band launched its first album, and it would be safe to say that Antigua and Barbuda has not been the same since.

The band continued to perfect their live stage performances earning them opening and guest appearances over the years for the likes of WYCLEF JEAN, SHAGGY, XTATIC, THE WAILERS, BANKIE BANKS, ARROW, KROSFYAH, DAVID RUDDER, THIRD WORLD, BARRINGTON LEVY, BUJU BANTON, RONNIE MCINTOSH, IWER GEORGE, SQUARE ONE, BYRON LEE AND THE DRAGONAIRES, and a host of others.

After three full recordings and several years behind them as a group, the band felt that it was now time for them to really stamp their identity on not only Antigua, but also the entire region and beyond. The group decided that they would depart from their rigid, yet lucrative, local performance schedule and re-commit themselves to their recordings.

With a three year plan in effect (beginning in 1998) and a new "twist and twirl" spelling to their name EL-A-KRU, the Kru launched their next album in June 1998. With a performance unlike any other in their recent past the KRU did their live release at the famous RIBBIT night club. Thousands of people gathered to witness what some hailed as the "dawn of a new day in Caribbean music".

In the words of Karen Walwyn, entertainment columnist for the Daily Observer, "EL-A-KRU'S LETHAL is making incredible waves on the Antigua Carnival scene this year... Antiguan audiences are definitely putting in their vote for EL-A-KRU this season too, with their continued patronage of their concerts, all of which have been incredibly successful thus far". She continued, "...comparing this album with the others out there for Carnival '98, this is easily the best of the lotÉ. It won'tt surprise me if they are judged album of the year".

The album was sold out within days. The song "Lethal Batty", though initially controversial, became the most popular song for the year. Not only in Antigua, but all throughout the Caribbean, New York, Miami, Canada, and England. It became quite clear that the KRU had arrived.

The greatest milestone in the career of the band would arrive as 1999 began. For the first time the EL-A-KRU was officially invited to be a part of Trinidad & Tobago's Carnival celebrations. Over a period of 28 days the group performed in 15 shows and was the band on the road, alongside David Rudder and Charlies Roots, for the internationally acclaimed Peter Minshall's Mas Troupe, "The Lost Tribe" 1999. Many observers were astonished that any group could accomplish such a feat on their first journey to the Soca Mecca. Especially rewarding was the fact that Byke, the band's vocalist, was a finalist in the 1999 Soca Monarch Competition.

After a string of successful tours and performances, it was time once again for the group to produce their 1999 album. A new plan was put in motion. . . a mission of faith began. The new album was appropriately named, "DESTINATION 2000". Upon release, the album was immediately recognized as the most complete and mature work of the band to date. It turned out instant hits "Call Me", "Wining", and "Splash". The album now featured for the first time their new female vocalist Tanzania "Tizzy" Sebastian. From their launch to the last note played for Carnival 1999 the Kru entertained and mesmerized their audiences with an infectious charisma unparalleled in the region.

Immediately after carnival in Antigua, the band embarked upon what would turn out to be their most challenging and demanding tour to date. For the first time the group had to deal with being away from their little island paradise for ten weeks. It began in South Florida at Club Casablanca, on to New York for Labour Day, Orlando, and back to Miami for its Carnival. It ended with a memorable performance by the KRU on the road for Showcase International. Everyone was mesmerized with the kind of energy the band put out on the road that had everyone talking for months. They were even awarded with a plaque for their professionalism by Showcase International, who for the first time amongst the overall winners for the parade.

The official launch of the El A Kru 2000 Carnival Album "911 Emergency" took place at one of Antigua's Premier night spots - Lashings. Lights, camera, smoke, fireworks, costumes, music and a spectacular performance started off the first of a series of memorable Carnival performances. One of the challenges that face a good performing band is to top their last good performance. But apparently this does not apply to the KRU, because from their launch to the annual Cavalier/DSC promotions carnival party to the Queen of Carnival show, J'ouvert to Last Lap the band just kept blowing everyone away.

It is fitting that Carnival officially ended with the El A Kru accepting the trophy for "Sweetest Band on the Road" for J'ouvert and Last lap. Before thousands of their adoring fans the final chapter was written on the Carnival at the annual "Beach Bash". As if to emphasize their victory the Band excelled in both sound and performance. With new songs like "Posse", "Stamping Up", "Man to Lie" and "Freedom Song" mixed with a number of past hits like "Helicopter", "Lethal Batty" and "Call Me", Ffryes Beach came alive. Rags, shirts, tree branches, hands waving, and even a brand new sensation called the "sandstorm posse". It was truly a magnificent performance.

It is a foregone conclusion that this album will launch EL-A-KRU to new heights. The band will reach new territories and cross new borders, as they continue in their quest to become one of the CARIBBEAN'S BEST.