Popular Fungi band the Razor Blades last evening April 30, 2014 launched their first album entitled ‘Break ah Leg’ featuring a collection of nine tunes with backing from telecommunications company Digicel VI. Photo: VINO

The launching took place at the Fantasy Bar and Restaurant in Duff’s Bottom last evening April 30, 2014. Photo: VINO

Some of the more popular tunes from the Razor Blades include 'Love on a Mountain', 'Assphalt' and 'Break ah Leg'. Photo: VINO

The Razor Blades band is known for their modern take on traditional Fungi music. Photo: VINO

Kevin C. Smith, Digicel VI's Commercial and Operations Manager said that the company recognized the Razor Blades as a true up and coming band that is preserving the music of the forefathers and taking it to the next level. Here he is enjoying the music. Photo: VINO

Kevin C. Smith aka OJ, Commercial and Operations Manager of Digicel VI, right, was on spot to make the presentation to the Razor Blades Band members. Photo: Provided

Lead singer Mr Kayron N. Todman told this news site that they have been knocking on the doors of several businesses, both large and small, for sponsorship and was very elated at the response they received from Digicel. Photo: VINO

Digicel says they recognize and celebrate that extraordinary that is all around, and music has the extraordinary talent of bringing people together. Photo: Provided

The launching took place at the Fantasy Bar and Restaurant in Duff’s Bottom.

On hand to wish the band well was Third District Representative Hon Julian Fraser RA who told the members of the band to keep pushing and never give up. “You have more fans than you know. You may not see or hear us,” he said, shortly before the band struck up the music to play tunes featured on the new album.

Speaking on behalf of Digicel VI, Kevin C. Smith, the company’s Commercial and Operations Manager said that the company recognized the Razor Blades as a true up and coming band that is preserving the music of the forefathers and taking it to the next level.

“We had the Lashing Dogs (band) which was immensely popular not only regionally but internationally and we are hoping that the Razor Blades could do the same thing,” he said, adding that the company felt that the band was "extraordinary" and hence deserving of the backing.

Mr Smith said that Digicel is committed to giving the band exposure wherever the company’s markets may be. Later in the evening as the crowd began to build up, persons were moving to tunes such as 'Love on a Mountain', 'Assphalt' and other selections which to the delight of the crowd were laced with double entendres and innuendoes.

See previous story posted on April 9, 2014:

Razor Blades carrying Digicel’s tag

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The Razor Blades fungi band are Digicel’s newest brand ambassadors as the telecommunications company is supporting the band with their album launch this April as well as other activities during the year.

This is a forward stride for the band’s hard work over its five year of existence as they, a group of young men, strive to keep the VI culture alive through its Fungi Music. Their first step towards this effort was their putting together a nine song album titled ‘break ah leg’ which they intend to release later this month.

Razor Blades’ lead singer Mr Kayron N. Todman told this news site that they have been knocking on the doors of several businesses, both large and small, for sponsorship and was very elated at the response they received from Digicel.

“Much of the younger generation in the BVI tends to view fungi music as the elderly style of music, but it is the essence of BVI culture, the mixture of African and European sounds blending together to tell a story,” said Kevin C. Smith aka OJ, Commercial and Operations Manager of Digicel VI. He went on to say, “It’s refreshing to see the Razor Blades make Fungi music more appealing to younger generations, and Digicel is extremely proud to be able to work with the Razor Blades and celebrate the growth of Fungi music in the BVI.”

The Razor Blades Fungi band has been together since 2009 and is now 11 members strong. They are due to release their first album, which is yet to be named, later this month. “We’re excited to be working with Digicel as their brand ambassadors. Digicel is a community minded organization and so are the Razor Blades, now the two will be working together,” commented Kayron N. Todman.

Fungi music is the national music of the Virgin Islands and is filled with oral history and social commentary. The Razor Blades are adding a young and vibrant sound to Fungi music and yet they still have time to be involved in community projects. When they are not preforming at major festivals and events in the BVI the band enjoy giving back to schools and assisting students with disabilities. The fresh, friendly and engaging members of the Razor Blades fit perfectly with the Digicel image, the company stated.

“Digicel recognizes and celebrates [the] extraordinary that is all around us, and music has the extraordinary talent of bringing people together,” commented Smith.