This Week We Feature Young Professional Kamau A. Georges
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.”
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