UpFront Megatainment, which is known to have worked with some of the best in the music industry including Mariah Carey, Usher, T-Payne and Akon, has also given its commitment to ensure the success of Mr Walters, who goes by the stage name Travie Rozae.

The historic signing was done at the Moorings Conference Room and saw a number of persons sharing the proud moment with Walters and Follow The Movement (FTM) including Premier Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, Minister for Education and Culture Hon. Myron V. Walwyn, Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Mark H. Vanterpool, Sixth District Representative Hon. Alvera Maduro-Caines, At-Large Representative Hon. Archibald C. Christian and representatives of the BVI Tourist Board.

Mr Walters also said he was thankful for all the support that has been given to him and related the excitement that came over him when he heard that he was going to be signed. “I was jumping up and down, I couldn’t keep still.”

Speaking to Virgin Islands News Online after the signing, Mr Walters admitted that there were anxious moments for him as it was almost a year since he was promised a record deal.

Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) of UpFront Megatainment, Devyne Stephens, spoke of how Mr Ray Daniels of R.A.Y.D.A.R. Entertainment had convinced him to visit the Virgin Islands and that he was surprised when he saw Travis perform. “So when I got there I didn’t know what to expect and when I saw Travis I looked at Ray and I said wow, boy we got something.”

At this point he spoke about having the honour to work with a 14-year-old at the time named ‘Usher’ and that when he first saw Usher he observed he had that charisma and sense of style to take over a room with his presence. He noted that he has seen the same capability in Travis. “He has a similar style and his tone of voice stands out among other artistes. Those two things right there, he is destined to be different which is something the music business has been waiting on.”

Mr Stephens said it is now time for the team that has been assembled to help Mr Walters get to the next level but noted it was not an easy task but one that entailed hard work and everyone’s support.

“Tonight is just the beginning of a new era in your life where you accept the challenge to take on every artiste in the world. There is only one slot that we want to be in and that is the number one slot,” Mr Stephens told Mr Walters.

Earlier, Premier Smith told Mr Walters that the Virgin Islands is proud of him and wishes him well and that he hopes he will always remember where he came from. He also said the chances of Mr Walters being successful on the international scene would also be good for tourism in the Virgin Islands.

“On the international arena the screams will get louder as your fan base increases but I encourage you to stay focussed and to carry the hopes and dreams of this Territory with you,” said Premier Smith while added that whenever he needed a break from the music business he just has to remember that the peace and solace of his homeland are always there for him.

The Premier also told Mr Walters that the music industry will take him many places but that he must always take the Virgin Islands with him. “Be good to it and be good to yourself.”

Commendation was also given to President of Follow The Movement (FTM), Craig Lake and FTM for their continued efforts to “open doors” for young people.

Hon. Walwyn remarked that the success of Walters would be the success for all Virgin Islanders and “Travis today we are indeed very proud of your accomplishments.”

The Minister thanked Mr Lake for giving the young artistes the exposure and for ultimately helping persons to appreciate the work and talent of the local musicians.

Mr Daniels reiterated that he handpicked Mr Walters for his superstar moulding programme because he felt Mr Walters understood what it took to be an artiste. “And I knew that with the right push he could be there.” Mr Daniel also thanked Mr Stephens for “stepping up” and signing Mr Walters.

“This is big for the island because this never happens. Everyone who knows would tell you this never happens for an artiste so once it happens you still have to continue to support.”  Mr Daniels said support could be given by buying Walters’ music. He noted that a new single would be released in a couple of months.

BET Executive, Kelly Griffin also shared a few words including that he knew Mr Stephens for many years. “They do more on accident than more people do on purpose. That’s how anointed they are to what they do. It is a true privilege for not only me to be here but for all the great leaders here to be involved with such great men and Travis with the R.A.Y.D.A.R. opportunity...we truly are going to make this for Travis,” Mr Griffin promised.

Although getting much of the praises, Mr Lake was quick to point out that the success of FTM was due to a group effort. He also said he would have never imagined success coming so quickly and reflected on how he came into contact with Mr Daniels and how they both began to communicate about finding a way to expose the young talent in the Virgin Islands.

In expressing appreciating to all supportors of FTM, Mr Lake called out a few names, including Mrs Lorna Smith and Mrs Luce Hodge-Smith. “Please stay in touch, follow the movement.” 

See previous article posted on February 21, 2013

Rotary recognises 'Guru of youth' Craig Lake aka Push Pop

- Mr Lake hailed for efforts in getting Travis Walters an international record label contract

One of the persons behind the success of Follow the Movement (FTM) and the soon to be signed international record label for Travis Walters aka Travie Rozae, has been getting much kudos for his efforts.

This afternoon, February 21, 2013 the Rotary Club of Tortola recognized President of FTM Mr Craig Lake aka DJ Push Pop, who was described as the "Guru of youth" and one of the most charismatic persons in attracting young people.

Mr Craig Lake, Mr Devyne Stephens and Mr Kelly G. Griffin of Atlanta based Upfront Megatainment Record Label and Mr. Raymond Daniels of R.A.Y.D.A.R. Entertainment, along with the young artiste Travis Walters, were all guests at the Rotary’s luncheon meeting at the Moorings.

“The best thing about push pop is about his ability to search talent,” noted Past President of the Rotary Club of Tortola, Mrs Lorna Smith.

See previous article posted on February 21, 2013

Travis Walters signs contract with intl. record label today Feb. 21

- FTM makes history 

The long awaited time has come for local singing sensation Travis Walters aka Travie Rozae to make official his record deal promised to him in March 2012 has finally arrived and the signing of the contract will be done today February 21, 2013.

Yesterday, February 20, 2013 Follow The Movement, which is credited with giving Mr Walters the exposure to international record labes, welcomed Mr Devyne Stephens, Mr Kelly G. Griffin and Mr Raymond Daniels of Atlanta. They are here to sign the first and a major contract with FTM.

"We knew this was going to happen but we never expected that it was going to come this early, we never thought we'll make this big mark so early," said President of FTM Craig Lake aka Push Pop in an exclusive interview with Virgin Island News On Line.

He said that when FTM started approximately six years ago they didn't see it making such an accomplishment this early but in his estimation, maybe another five years down the line.

However, the rising star Travis Walters made an indelible impression on the Upfront Megatainment Record Label with his talent and discipline, and committment to the music industry during the six months when he was selected by R.A.Y.D.A.R, an international Entertainment Management Company for a programme that had the potential of turning the youth into a star.

He first made his mark at the Zrod top 7 at 7 Count Down, which was sponsored by FTM.

The R.A.Y.D.A.R programme paved the way for the young artist to be exposed to major record labels in the USA. On that platform he was also able to promote the Virgin Islands.

Today, less than five years later, Travis Walters aka ‘Travie Rozae’ will officially be signing his music contract with Atlanta based Upfront Megatainment Record Label an event that will take place this evening, February 21, 2013 and will be witnessed by the Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. The Honourable D. Orlando Smith and Minister for Education and Culture, Hon. Myron V. Walwyn, among other senior officials of the Territory.

This historic event will take place at the Moorings Conference Room at 6:30 P.M.

Attending the signing ceremony will be the Chief Executive Officer [CEO] of UpFront Megatainment, DeVyne Stephens; CEO of RAYDAR, Ray Daniels and BET Executive, Kelly Griffin.

Mr. Lake told Virgin Islands News Online that FTM was happy that it was and remains committed to the cause noting that though it might not be seen as a 'shirt and tie' profession, it's one that promotes the arts through music, which called for extensive commitment, sacrifice and dedication. "If you want to make it in the music industry, do not look at the finished product on TV," Mr Craig commented.

"It the first of its kind for the BVI and we are more than proud that its happening through FTM," he added as he reiterated FTM's commitment towards promoting the Virgin Islands at the highest level.