Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

This Week We Feature Young Professional Kamau A. Georges

Georges is saxophonist, songwriter, music producer, educator.
His love for the saxophone began at age 10.
His love for the saxophone began at age 10.
Kamau (right), popular Rapper Rick Ros (middle) and Clinton Sparks at summer in Boston.
Kamau (right), popular Rapper Rick Ros (middle) and Clinton Sparks at summer in Boston.
Kamau and Dalan performing at Miss BVI 2011.
Kamau and Dalan performing at Miss BVI 2011.
By ANEKA EDWARDS

Benjamin Franklin once said an investment in knowledge always pays the best interest and this wise saying is the personification of Kamau Georges, this week’s young professional.

At 31, this multi-talented saxophonist, songwriter, music producer, educator is a Virgin Islander by birth, whose passion for self-development has propelled him to strive for excellence.

And nowadays Georges, who splits his time between the United States and the Virgin Islands, has rubbed shoulders with some of the US’s chart toppers and has produced songs for the likes of Lady Gaga, Ludacris, Rick Ross, Sean Kingston, Leighton Meester, among others.

Giving an insight into his life, Georges told Virgin Islands News Online that his mother encouraged him to take piano classes as a child but his passion for music stemmed from the tender age of 10, when his sister Noni Georges brought home a saxophone and placed it in his hands and later when she introduced him to his most influential mentor Arthur Selwood, who is now the Principal of Discipline at the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS).

So in a quest to hone his skills, Georges joined the then BVI High School music programme that allowed him free reign of playing all the different ensembles. But not surprising, he loved the Jazz ensemble, and according him that music programme made him become a more disciplined individual.

The musician said during that period Selwood made a huge impact on him adding, “I personally believe that the High School programme is one of excellence, high standard and values.”

After he graduated from High School in 1996, George took up an Assistant Teacher position at the High School where of course he taught music for one year as a band director before heading off to Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA.

There he studied Jazz and Education but mastered the art of music production and earned a Bachelors in Music Production & Engineering. Upon completing his degree, Georges, whose mantra is to give back to the community, returned to his homeland in September 2001 where he taught for four years at the High School.

Reminiscing on his tenure, the High School Alumni said his students were able to produce a remixed album of the school’s anthem.

“Those were good memories, having students tap into their creative side...it was also exhilarating knowing that I contributed to the development of the jazz programme,” Georges said with pride.

But to the dismay of his students, Georges returned to Boston in September 2005 where he hooked up with Clinton Sparks, a multi-platinum producer/songwriter for Lady Gaga, Akon, Pitbull, Ludacris, Rick Ross, Tyrese, T-Pain, The Game and The Notorious B.I.G. Sparks is also E! Entertainment’s music correspondent and DJ/host of the #1 rated worldwide terrestrial and syndicated/Sirius XM Satellite radio show, Smash Time Radio.

In partnership with Sparks, Georges has able to blossom and one of his latest work was lending his talent, as a producer, to “Bloody Mary” for Lady Gaga. And according to the Virgin Islander, it is one of her songs on “Born This Way”, which is nominated for a Grammy for Album of the Year.

“Though I did not meet her, it was a privilege to be associated with such an influential music icon,” Georges said with a smile.

He will be attending his first ever Grammy Awards Ceremony on February 12, 2012.

Apart from producing hits, Georges has a knack for song writing and credits, Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, R. Kelly & 90’s Hip Hop as his inspiration when he pens lyrics.

He has also written award winning and chart topping local songs for local songstress Ouida, whom Georges refers to as the “West Indian Celine Dion” and says, “Be on the lookout for her soon to be released new music and amazing new sound.”

Though his work is hectic, the talented saxophonist takes time out to make amazing music with his pal Dalan Vanterpool. “He is just an awesome person. We have a good time coming up with outrageous and entertaining show content together! We’re also very excited about doing a monthly Jazz club event to cater to the adults who are longing for some place to go and have a good time but don’t want to go to the same night club that their grown children go to.”

The chemistry between the duo is evident, and they have performed at several hyped events in the Virgin Islands including HLSCC Concert Series and Jazz On The Hill.

As for the jazzy side of his music, this savvy young man, Georges also has plans to release a Jazz album dubbed “Kamau Sutra Vol.1” later this year or early 2013 in the Virgin Islands. He envisioned for his official launch it will be a spectacular affair where patrons will be blown away.

“I believe Jazz is the heart of music, it soothes the soul,” the 31 year-old added.

Describing himself as a self-motivator, this week’s young professional admitted that the plight of young men in the VI is a major concern. His advice to them is to choose a career wisely and lay the foundation that would eventually make them great.

“I have a little book entitled “The Process” on how to develop your talent and I am hoping during the Summer to host a few 4-5 day long “Guaranteed to Succeed” empowerment seminars in the Virgin Islands targeting the youth in 3 groups, classes 4 & 5, Forms 4 & 5 and College Level,” he divulged.

Currently, Georges is working on Sparks’ album, which will be released soon. When he’s not working he spends quality time with his family and added “without their love and tireless support I would have not been able to accomplish half of what I have so I am eternally grateful.”

19 Responses to “This Week We Feature Young Professional Kamau A. Georges”

  • Go Kamau (20/01/2012, 08:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Go Kamau go. You have made us proud. A lot of success is the discipline of your dear parents and sister.
  • Confucius (20/01/2012, 09:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Kamau is a true BVI GEM! He is a young man who, from the time he was very young, was always a pleasure to be around. He is funny, witty, kind hearted, multi-talented and generally a wonderful person. He always took everything he did seriously and strived to achieve as much as he was able. The marvelous thing about Kamau is that he always had fun learning! I feel blessed to know him. He's a very special person. I wish him every success in whatever he pursues.
  • Jog (20/01/2012, 09:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good job!
  • YEAH (20/01/2012, 10:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good Job Kamau. I have been a fan of your music since you were in high school. Best of luck dear friend.
  • cousin (20/01/2012, 11:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Deserved success! I know you have much more to give the world! Keep it up!
  • Pimp (20/01/2012, 11:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Big ups, I wanna know which Rick Ross song that.
    • Kamau (20/01/2012, 13:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Thanks for the big ups! I produced these Rick Ross songs Off the ashes to ashes mixtape Ft Aaliyah & Ne-yo (also produced the cinematic intro for the mixtape ft Diddy) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMraryS9Dqc Ludacris ft Bun B & Ross - Down In Tha Durty off the DTP album http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSCeR9v3hWk&ob=av2e This song is an Un-Realesed Leak http://currenthiphop.com/RickRoss/songs/OneLife/nfpulz
  • Proud (20/01/2012, 11:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Excellent example of perseverance and dedication.
  • Kamau (20/01/2012, 13:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    THANKS GUYS!!!! Your comments fill me with gratitude for all the love, support and inspiration my BVI family has given me over the years! Now I have a BIG obligation to give back all that love and inspiration to the community and i'm so excited and FIRED UP TO DO IT!!! Let's all develop our full potential and take it to the top together!
  • yellow (20/01/2012, 15:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    one of the best YP pieces ever..go mighty man of Alph phi Alph...000000000000009
    • big dady friday (20/01/2012, 17:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      DO YOU MEAN 00000000000006?????? KEEP THE GOOD WORK UP Kamau
  • Randy Georges (20/01/2012, 15:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Awesome-mazing job Kamau!! You have truly shown us all that no matter where you come from, you can achieve success! You have made the BVI proud. Keep up the good work. I am honored to have you as one of my closest colleagues. Steve Harvey said, "if you produce better boys, you'll produce better men." Kamau is a prime example of this. Let's all take a page from Kamau's book: Inspire. Be inspired. Make a difference! May God continue to bless and keep you along life's journey.
  • Native Boy (21/01/2012, 08:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is deep!!!!! all over young BV Islanders are doing big things and making an impact both locally, regionally and internationally. I am proud of you Kamau
  • Leticia (21/01/2012, 12:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    You are indeed an inspiration. Kudos....Proud of my BVI brothers
  • Village Girl (22/01/2012, 00:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Vino we continue to look forward to these young professional write ups, where you highlight the good works of young BVislanders. Keep them up. And of course another great pick with Mr. Georges. This youth got talent and seems to be big in the states…god bless this young man!
  • teacher john (22/01/2012, 01:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Kamau you also have great parents..they must be proud.
  • Kimbo (22/01/2012, 11:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Outstanding Kamau. Keep up the good work my dude
  • Celia R. Georges (22/01/2012, 15:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dear Kamau: I'm not at all surprised at your accomplishments! Contiue to blaze your own trail. I know that you're not one to follow where the path may lead; but you'll go instead where there is no path. Blessings and Peace! Celia R. Georges, your kindred Seeker.


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.