General Grant goes back to basics

THE fact that General Grant is currently riding a wave of success with his latest song “I’m Sure,” proves that no matter what you do, you must stick to the basics. That’s exactly what General Grant did and with a great deal of success now he confesses, “I staying right there.” The 40-year-old Laventille resident who started his musical career very early in life explained the motivation behind his recent music saying, “Right now I’m doing what I do for God. Actually I recorded ‘I’m Sure’ on Good Friday and good things are happening in my life.”

It’s no secret that Trinbagonians consider much of the local music to be seasonal or worse yet, disposable. That said, let’s go back in time  to 1992 when a group of young, vibrant and talented performers came together to form the Kisskidee Caravan. The Caravan took over the airwaves with  music which was distinct and independent of the seasonal “lyric-deficient” soca. Leading the Caravan’s musical assault was General Grant who created an anthem of sorts with the hit “Shot-call.” Slide back to the present and you are bound to be consumed by the sound of the recently released “I’m Sure.” On the heavily-requested song, Grant exhibits more refined vocals, a more melodious sound and a more positive message, however, it’s simply a case of increased maturity. You can say that it’s the same Grant, new day, as the General is now heavily decorated with a wealth of experience.

Grant laughed at the “same Grant new day” statement then replied, “Basically now I’m coming in like a type of elder or veteran with more experience than a lot of the younger artistes and I will try to help them in any way I can. “I have returned to old school (basics) because I find we thing fading, the music is only for TT. I am looking at taking the TT product to Jamaica, London, Miami and beyond. We can put ourselves in a position for global recognition.” Grant feels it is once again his responsibility to take the music out there, “If I don’t do it nobody will,” he intoned. He is also concerned about the state of the local industry and lack of support for young artistes.

“I’m not seeing enough support for the local artistes. That support needs to be not only financial but also we need marketing and proper management for the young artistes. What really happened to Kisskidee Caravan will happen to everything else until people are willing to not only spend money but offer support in other ways. People need to fight to keep local music alive,” he stressed. Considered a lyrical master back in the Kiskidee days, he puts much more meaning to his songs and expressed concern about the lyrical content of our music.

“TT music needs to step up lyrically. Writers need to do a little more homework, and give us music with messages for when people are facing hard times. Party music must be replaced with message music. If not we will stay at this level. “ ‘I’m Sure’ and the next tune ‘So Far’ are conscious tunes to help the people. Through that, people in Europe are taking notice.” His first CD in 1993 boasted popular tracks such as “Call Me,” “Pure Hate,” and “My Chunkulunks,” following which he did extensive tours. Back then Grant signed with the North American-based Chrysalis Records and captivated crowds in North America, London and France. The versatile performer even made an appearance on the BET channel. Grant feels that people need to fight to keep local music alive.

“We need infrastructure, when Amar brothers set up Caribbean Sound Basin it was easier for artistes but they didn’t get support for their efforts either, so now it’s very hard being a local artiste who can’t afford studio time, a promoter or a manager. “Consider that in the US a music video costs something like $150,000 and the production of the music costs about the same. We can’t do it alone if our music is to go international.” The “General” wants to thank all the radio DJs for keeping the music alive and he is looking forward to the release of  “So Far.”