KWI - Petar 

TRUE VINE RECORDS PRESENTS
FOLK BAND
KWI
[Translation ENG: RAW]
BRIEF HISTORY
Saint Lucian folk music is based around the fiddle, quarto, banjo, guitar, chak-chak and congas (Lapo Kabwit). These instruments are the essence of our musical heritage; they evoke the melodies and rhythms of our African ancestors.
Our great grands of old in their leisure time after long hard labor, played music and danced to free themselves from their pains. The musicians played, chanted, dancers danced, singers sang filling the air with vibrant and soulful colors; they brought life to inanimate objects and personified various creatures.
They gave names to the various dancing styles and musical pieces one of which is the Jwe. Jwé (Play) is a more informal form of Lucian folk music, and is performed at dances, wakes and other social events; performers improvise comedic and often biting or lyrics. A jwé performance is considered good if the audience participates enthusiastically by clapping, responding to the leader and singing and dancing.
Panning out of history and into present times we look at one of few communities where folk music has remained in its undiluted state and still very potent. The birthplace of the great Rameau Poleon who has passed on his musical DNA to his generations; who themselves have united into Avot Sevis [translation ENG: At Your Service] performing at various events and small venues around the island. Wanting to strengthen a somewhat suffering tradition, a few members decided to create another section solely emphasizing on the rhythm section. Hence, KWI came to life.
ABOUT KWI
Other countries and cultures embrace their rich musical history, its now time that we do the same; if done a second later, our coming generations will never know themselves.
Kwi seeks to give the true rendering of Saint Lucia’s folk music using strictly percussive instruments. KWI is a stripped version of the sensational folk band Avot Sevis with strictly Lapo Kabwit, chak-chak and Ti-Bois in the call and response style.
Like the infamous AVOT SEVIS, KWI was molded from the same enthusiasm and bottomless love for keeping culture and tradition alive. KWI focuses on maintaining their raw image and musical style.
Established in 2015, KWI has made their reputation at several wakes and small appearances at bars and parties.
It is only fitting to mention the names of these great men who have been and will always be icons of culture:
• Gilson Simeon b.k.a Gilo - Lead Vocal/Composer
• Slyvester Flood b.k.a Wassy -Drummer (Lapo Kabwit)
• Anthony O’Brian Leriche b.k.a Koyo - Ti Bois
• Embert Mathurin b.k.a Jah Good - Chak-Chak
• Virgil Burke a.k.a Gobeck - Drummer (Lapo Kabwit)
True Vine Records is proud to present to you.
KWI