Who is Ti Orkest ?

BAND INTERVIEW

by Mike Ponin

- Ti Orkest Band -

“Everyone who encounters Ti Orkest is guaranteed to have a little piece of Dominica 🇩🇲”

Ti Orkest, which means little orchestra in our own native tongue of Creole, is a Caribbean Band for Creole/Island/Caribbean Music lovers.

The band comprises of seven members: Creig Henry (band manager and sound engineer), Dexter Ulysses (bass guitarist), Carlos Williams (male vocalist), Bernett Serrant, and Gerrant Guiste (Keyboardists), Shalina Samuel and Melinda Ulysses (female vocalists).

Once Upon A Time… Ti Orkest was born!

Ti Orkest was established in December of 2010 following multiple dialogues among family members, friends and co-workers, on starting a group that would impact people’s lives. We as aspiring musicians felt passionate in making a difference in our society and the world by extension.

“Time shaped the band into this wonderful group”

We did not start with all the present members today, but time shaped the band into this wonderful group if individuals that we currently present. Since the inception however, this common interest has been one of the major factors fueling our inspiration and dedication to the set cause.

Tradition plays a significant role in our way of life though some of it is being lost to outside influence, but it most definitely lives on in the music.

Since our music originated from the drums of our African ancestors, we have a strong desire to bring out what was planted within us, and this rings true throughout the region. On the other hand, we share a keen interest in the evolution of various styles of music and fusion of different cultures. Musicians and singers are naturally creative people, and so we see connections that can be made.

Influences

We are strongly influenced by many group Just to name a few: Gramacks, Midnight Groovers, Belles Combo, and others in that realm, as well as bands like The Wailers and Steele Pulse, and artists like Stevie Wonder, James Brown and Aretha Franklin. It’s amazing to see where inspiration can come from.

Cadence Lypso

- Gordon Henderson -

Cadence Lypso is one of the genres that we are mostly known for locally. It not only forms a big part of our repertoire, but we currently hold the Title as the two time reigning champions of the NCCU Cadence Lypso show of 2015–2016, and 2016–2017, aLocal annual competition aimed at promoting the style of music. Cadence Music started in the early 1970’s by a popular group from Dominica (Exile One) lead by Gordon Henderson, which paved the way for many other artists like Ophelia Marie and Jeff Joe. As the genre became popular in the Caribbean region and the rest of the world, Its influence also made a significant impact on the creation of other styles of music like Zouk and Soca.

UNDERCOVER WINE

Undercover Wine is one of our latest released singles, and the only one with a video. With this song, we wanted to test the waters to determine the next step.

“Groovy Soca fused with Bouyon and Cadence”

The video features the natural beauty of Dominica where the video was shot before the island was completely ravaged by Hurricane Maria in September 2017.

The song was written and composed by our members Melinda Ulysses, Bernett Serrant and Dexter Ulysses. It was mixed, mastered and published by Dreamtracks in Martinique.

“We have a strong desire in transmitting our own unique style to the world.”

Mel’s growing success as a solo artist has benefited the group tremendously.

It has brought awareness from the French Antilles and beyond.

- Mel -

While there is always going to be room for improvement, because as the band grows, so will the level of operation, to us right now, what’s missing for the band to go further is effective marketing and promotion of the band’s music in the right niche market.

Our main objective is being an irreplaceable, refreshing and powerful icon at the forefront of the music industry.

- Ti Orkest Band -

We would like to thank everyone who has and continued to show us support through out the years. In spite of the challenges that Dominica is facing, and the life challenges that we face individually as members leading lives of our own, we remain focused on our goals in spreading love and joy to the world.

Facebook | Instagram | Youtube

“We would like also to commend KRIBBEAN on all his efforts in promoting Caribbean Culture so effectively. Kudos!”

It’s where we learned about many festivals around the Caribbean and the world.

More than a place.. a way of living !