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This Week We Feature Young Professional Kamau A. Georges

January 20th, 2012 | RSS 2.0 | Email This Article Email This Article |
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kamau goerges

Georges is saxophonist, songwriter, music producer, educator.

By ANEKA EDWARDS

Benjamin Franklin once said an investment in knowledge always pays the best interest and this wise saying is the personification of Kamau Georges, this week’s young professional.

At 31, this multi-talented saxophonist, songwriter, music producer, educator is a Virgin Islander by birth, whose passion for self-development has propelled him to strive for excellence.

And nowadays Georges, who splits his time between the United States and the Virgin Islands, has rubbed shoulders with some of the US’s chart toppers and has produced songs for the likes of Lady Gaga, Ludacris, Rick Ross, Sean Kingston, Leighton Meester, among others.

Giving an insight into his life, Georges told Virgin Islands News Online that his mother encouraged him to take piano classes as a child but his passion for music stemmed from the tender age of 10, when his sister Noni Georges brought home a saxophone and placed it in his hands and later when she introduced him to his most influential mentor Arthur Selwood, who is now the Principal of Discipline at the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS).

So in a quest to hone his skills, Georges joined the then BVI High School music programme that allowed him free reign of playing all the different ensembles. But not surprising, he loved the Jazz ensemble, and according him that music programme made him become a more disciplined individual.

The musician said during that period Selwood made a huge impact on him adding, “I personally believe that the High School programme is one of excellence, high standard and values.”

After he graduated from High School in 1996, George took up an Assistant Teacher position at the High School where of course he taught music for one year as a band director before heading off to Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA.

His love for the saxophone began at age 10.

There he studied Jazz and Education but mastered the art of music production and earned a Bachelors in Music Production & Engineering. Upon completing his degree, Georges, whose mantra is to give back to the community, returned to his homeland in September 2001 where he taught for four years at the High School.

Reminiscing on his tenure, the High School Alumni said his students were able to produce a remixed album of the school’s anthem.

“Those were good memories, having students tap into their creative side…it was also exhilarating knowing that I contributed to the development of the jazz programme,” Georges said with pride.

But to the dismay of his students, Georges returned to Boston in September 2005 where he hooked up with Clinton Sparks, a multi-platinum producer/songwriter for Lady Gaga, Akon, Pitbull, Ludacris, Rick Ross, Tyrese, T-Pain, The Game and The Notorious B.I.G. Sparks is also E! Entertainment’s music correspondent and DJ/host of the #1 rated worldwide terrestrial and syndicated/Sirius XM Satellite radio show, Smash Time Radio.

In partnership with Sparks, Georges has able to blossom and one of his latest work was lending his talent, as a producer, to “Bloody Mary” for Lady Gaga. And according to the Virgin Islander, it is one of her songs on “Born This Way”, which is nominated for a Grammy for Album of the Year.

“Though I did not meet her, it was a privilege to be associated with such an influential music icon,” Georges said with a smile.

He will be attending his first ever Grammy Awards Ceremony on February 12, 2012.
Apart from producing hits, Georges has a knack for song writing and credits, Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, R. Kelly & 90’s Hip Hop as his inspiration when he pens lyrics.

He has also written award winning and chart topping local songs for local songstress Ouida, whom Georges refers to as the “West Indian Celine Dion” and says, “Be on the lookout for her soon to be released new music and amazing new sound.”

Though his work is hectic, the talented saxophonist takes time out to make amazing music with his pal Dalan Vanterpool. “He is just an awesome person. We have a good time coming up with outrageous and entertaining show content together! We’re also very excited about doing a monthly Jazz club event to cater to the adults who are longing for some place to go and have a good time but don’t want to go to the same night club that their grown children go to.”

The chemistry between the duo is evident, and they have performed at several hyped events in the Virgin Islands including HLSCC Concert Series and Jazz On The Hill.

Kamau (right), popular Rapper Rick Ros (middle) and Clinton Sparks at summer in Boston.

As for the jazzy side of his music, this savvy young man, Georges also has plans to release a Jazz album dubbed “Kamau Sutra Vol.1” later this year or early 2013 in the Virgin Islands. He envisioned for his official launch it will be a spectacular affair where patrons will be blown away.

“I believe Jazz is the heart of music, it soothes the soul,” the 31 year-old added.

Describing himself as a self-motivator, this week’s young professional admitted that the plight of young men in the VI is a major concern. His advice to them is to choose a career wisely and lay the foundation that would eventually make them great.

“I have a little book entitled “The Process” on how to develop your talent and I am hoping during the Summer to host a few 4-5 day long “Guaranteed to Succeed” empowerment seminars in the Virgin Islands targeting the youth in 3 groups, classes 4 & 5, Forms 4 & 5 and College Level,” he divulged.

Currently, Georges is working on Sparks’ album, which will be released soon. When he’s not working he spends quality time with his family and added “without their love and tireless support I would have not been able to accomplish half of what I have so I am eternally grateful.”

Kamau and Dalan performing at Miss BVI 2011.

19 Responses to “This Week We Feature Young Professional Kamau A. Georges”

  1. Go Kamau says:

    Go Kamau go. You have made us proud. A lot of success is the discipline of your dear parents and sister.

  2. Confucius says:

    Kamau is a true BVI GEM! He is a young man who, from the time he was very young, was always a pleasure to be around. He is funny, witty, kind hearted, multi-talented and generally a wonderful person. He always took everything he did seriously and strived to achieve as much as he was able. The marvelous thing about Kamau is that he always had fun learning! I feel blessed to know him. He’s a very special person.

    I wish him every success in whatever he pursues.

  3. Jog says:

    Good job!

  4. YEAH says:

    Good Job Kamau. I have been a fan of your music since you were in high school. Best of luck dear friend.

  5. cousin says:

    Deserved success! I know you have much more to give the world! Keep it up!

  6. Pimp says:

    Big ups, I wanna know which Rick Ross song that.

  7. Proud says:

    Excellent example of perseverance and dedication.

  8. Kamau says:

    THANKS GUYS!!!! Your comments fill me with gratitude for all the love, support and inspiration my BVI family has given me over the years! Now I have a BIG obligation to give back all that love and inspiration to the community and i’m so excited and FIRED UP TO DO IT!!! Let’s all develop our full potential and take it to the top together!

  9. yellow says:

    one of the best YP pieces ever..go mighty man of Alph phi Alph…000000000000009

  10. Randy Georges says:

    Awesome-mazing job Kamau!!

    You have truly shown us all that no matter where you come from, you can achieve success! You have made the BVI proud. Keep up the good work. I am honored to have you as one of my closest colleagues.

    Steve Harvey said, “if you produce better boys, you’ll produce better men.” Kamau is a prime example of this.

    Let’s all take a page from Kamau’s book: Inspire. Be inspired. Make a difference!

    May God continue to bless and keep you along life’s journey.

  11. Native Boy says:

    This is deep!!!!! all over young BV Islanders are doing big things and making an impact both locally, regionally and internationally. I am proud of you Kamau

  12. Leticia says:

    You are indeed an inspiration. Kudos….Proud of my BVI brothers

  13. Village Girl says:

    Vino we continue to look forward to these young professional write ups, where you highlight the good works of young BVislanders. Keep them up. And of course another great pick with Mr. Georges. This youth got talent and seems to be big in the states…god bless this young man!

  14. teacher john says:

    Kamau you also have great parents..they must be proud.

  15. Kimbo says:

    Outstanding Kamau. Keep up the good work my dude

  16. Celia R. Georges says:

    Dear Kamau:
    I’m not at all surprised at your accomplishments!
    Contiue to blaze your own trail. I know that you’re not one
    to follow where the path may lead; but you’ll go instead
    where there is no path. Blessings and Peace!
    Celia R. Georges, your kindred Seeker.

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