Contra band, which was formed in 2012, will be one of the bands in action at Tortola Pier Park on Saturday April 16, 2016. Photo: Provided

OMG is one of the fast up and coming bands in the Virgin Islands. Photo: Provided/File

VIBE was formed in 2014 by different musicians who were previously part of other bands in the past. Photo: VINO/File

Eight times Road March champions Showtime Band is confirmed for the event at the Tortola Pier Park on April 16, 2016. Photo: VINO/File

Jouvert fans and band lovers will now get an early opportunity to hear some of the bands in action ahead of Emancipation Festival 2016 and to also see how they themselves are shaping up with their dance moves. Photo: Provided

Jouvert fans and band lovers will now get an early opportunity to hear some of these bands in action and to also see how they themselves are shaping up with their dance moves.

The event, slated for Saturday April 16, 2016 from 4pm to 12am at the Tortola Pier Park, is themed "Bands 2 Mek Dem Dance" and is being staged by Myett's Chill Zone, along with Five Star Promotions.

“Festival is soon approaching and the bands are already launching their new songs for 2016. The bands confirmed for this event are VIBE, Showtime, OMG, and Contra Band which are all locally based bands. This event is not the normal club jam, it will be in nice up area with great ambience and the general public is invited to hear all the bands perform. Our sponsor Johnnie Walker has created a ‘walking the road to festival 2016’ concept and we have catch up with all the band leaders to inform us on their band journey,” according to a statement from Five Star Promotions.

About the bands- OMG

One of the bands confirmed for this event is the exciting OMG LIVE.

The name came from one of the lead singers Mr Dante 'Pascal' Wattley  as something catchy but still with a meaning, which is Our Music Group (OMG).

“The band was formed by me in late 2014 from a former band which I was a part of named Caution band. I added new members who are seasoned musicians, who also have the same goals as me. The band started in late 2014, October to be exact and this year will be 2 years the band has been around,” Mr Wattley said.

The band has 6 members:  Jevaughn "JJ" Parson -lead singer, Dante 'Pascal' Wattley -lead singer, Khadin Fahie- lead singer, Marcus Mark aka Yungblood- keyboards, arranger and producer, Khari Fahie -bass guitarist , Ricky E. Conner- Rhythm Producer and Manager.

The band so far has been building  a solid fan base and has released a single and 2 live recordings via Sound Cloud.

“Our expectations for festival for the band are to complete our first album and be able to display our creativity musically at various events during the festival season. Our new songs so far are Addicted, That Body and Wine Pose, which is scheduled to be released next week. By June we expect the entire album to be completed.”

Contra Band

Contra Band formed in 2012.

Due to circumstances of losing members to bigger and already established bands, Reynaldo Smith and Nathaniel 'Nats' Malonet were forced to start all over with a new team. The band now has 8 members, including the young Thea Cooke.

Contra Band sees itself as a band yet to make its mark but is pleased that it has been getting the attention of many in a short space of time with its three singles and only 2 live performances since returning to music.

For 2016, Contra Band's expectations are to be heard all over the VI and abroad so that it can establish itself amongst the elite bands in the territory.

VIBE

VIBE was formed in 2014 by different musicians that were previously apart of other bands in the past.

They are 9 members currently in the band: Raul "Jougo" Sprauve – Vocals; Renrick "Mac Daddy" Massac – Vocals; Tiejie Henley – Vocals; LeeSean "Smudge" Smith - Programmer/Coordinator; Kerry Nichols - Key boards; Glenn Lamothe – Guitar; Zolan Brown - Bass Guitar; Ramon Sprauve - Sound Engineer; Roger Frank – Manager.

VIBE has successfully competed and won 2 Road March titles with the song "Bubble" in 2014 and the song "Hand Clap" in 2015.

VIBE’s expectations for 2016 are to put out great music and performances that are enjoyed and appreciated by all.

The band released two songs from its upcoming album titled "LIVE". The first of the 2 songs released was "Eye contact" which is a song that takes one through the thoughts of when you make eye contact with a special someone. The second song is called "Fans" and was created with its supporters in mind.

VIBE believes the band showcase is a great idea and will act as a prelude for what is to be expect from all the bands for festival 2016. “Our expectations for festival 2016 is that everyone will prepare and put their best effort forward so that everyone can have a very safe and enjoyable festival 2016.”

Showtime Band

Showtime Band has become a household name, having won the Road March title a record 8 times. The band was formed by Ottley Hodge who went around and sourced young men within the territory to join.

The band has around since 1998, some 18 years: Eustace ‘Boss’ Freeman- Lead vocals; Capable Caonnonier- vocals; Alton Bertie- Keyboards, Leston Davis- Keyboards; Tremaine Daley- Bass guitar; Shayvon Smith- Drums; Sean Woods- Rhythm box; Kensley Samuel- Manager; Ottley Hodge- Owner; Deshawn Scattliffe- Management

Apart from their Road March title collection, Showtime Band also received the ISA International Music Award for album of the year.

Showtime said it is looking forward to making this year one of the best season for the band. It has released 2 songs for 2016, 00:45 seconds and Synergy, with others to be released shortly.