Local musicians take ‘BoBo’ to a new level

(CNS): Against a backdrop of complaints that there is not enough exposure for locally written and produced music, two Caymanian musicians are about to test that theory with the release of a track that they believe will be irresistible to the local community. And they might just be right. Their new single, "Not today BoBo" has an exceptionally good chance of stealing the hearts, minds and more importantly the ears of Cayman as the song combines a great melody with a 'G' rated rap and one of Cayman's best known catch phrases, which they are convinced will make local DJs sit up and take note.

When Randy Chollette and Kingsley Donalds teamed up with the Zig-Zag Tribe in West Bay, they produced a song that, once it gets the air play it deserves, could change the whole picture of true local music. A combination of rap, hip-hop and country music, the single is a uniquely Caymanian piece of work.

"Not today BoBo" is not just reminiscent of the phrase that was immortalized by Charles Ebanks, Edward Azan and Ray MacGuire after they heroically foiled a robbery at a local liquor store, but once again, at a time of rising crime, social unrest and many challenges for Caymanians, Chollette, who is responsible for the lyrics, points to the upbeat and positive message the song delivers.

"I wanted it to reflect the local culture so the older generation could understand what I am saying, but at the same time it is fresh and interesting so I think young people will appreciate it. While it is about us, I think everyone living and even visiting here will enjoy it. People listen to the same old, same old but this is about our own reality," said Chollette, who is known locally much more for his art work rather than his hidden skills as a musician.

Donalds, who is Chollette’s cousin, is a seasoned musician and singer–songwriter and responsible for writing the music, said that Caymanians don't always appreciate their own expressive personalities and comic perception.

"This rap has nothing about 'ho's' or guns. It’s about our culture and it reflects the things that Caymanians will understand but visitors and others will find engaging and entertaining,” he said. "We are talking to our people about what’s going on here, what we feel and the things we have to contend with. But at the same time it’s about looking for the good stuff that all of humankind can relate to."

The song, which opens with an unforgettable hook, starts in earnest with Munsie’s boat in the sound and goes off on its own Caymanian journey, which is funny, poignant and relevant, but also incredibly catchy. The hook is easy to relate to and Chollette's rap is certainly family entertainment.

It was conceived in one of the most Caymanian environments possible — around a fire during a traditional Easter camp in Breakers this year. Eventually, however, it made its way to a studio in West Bay, where it matured into a well-polished and produced track with the help of Marlon Miller, Patrick Lopez, Matthew Lewis and Aundre Ebanks.

Chollette said that it simply grew and grew but once he and Donalds got into the studio they knew they had something.

"While it began life around the camp fire, the lyrics seemed to grow organically. We knew we had a message and in the end a great song," he said. "All we want is for people to hear it and we hope the radio stations will play it."

Chollette said this song was refreshing and expressive of their own culture and, "It’s just good music that don't sound like nothing else."

Donalds said that he was convinced that once people, especially Caymanians, hear this song they are going to embrace it.

"It’s interesting still,” he said laughing, "and Randy's lyrics are incredible. I think the song speaks to people here. It’s a good song. I feel so and I am proud to have worked on it. I know we have captured a mood. It’s the real deal," he added.

Given that local music always seems to take a back seat to everything from everywhere else, there is something different about 'Not today BoBo'. There is no doubt that the music, lyrics and production are all exceptionally good and the song can stand on that alone, but above all the song is most definitely 'Caymankind', which may see it finding a place in local musical history.

Listen to the song at soundcloud.com.