Entertainment

Echoes 'big up' original voices

By FABIAN LEDGISTER, Staff Reporter

Twin of Twins - ian allen

SOME CALL IT genius, others call it plagiarism, but the success of vocal mimicking in dancehall music cannot be denied. Character impersonations can be heard in regular rotation from selectors and disc jockeys, mimicking dancehall artistes, media personalities, and even fictional movie characters.

Though some critics view the trend as a cheap gimmick void of originality, the overwhelming response from the public to these voice impersonating artistes cannot be denied.

Dancehall artistes Twin of Twins have transcended their famous voice impersonation skits of famous personalities such as Mutabaruka and Ian Boyne into actual hit recordings. The comedic audio skits recorded by Paul 'Two Locks' Gaynor and Patrick 'Curly Locks' Gaynor, has now made the brothers synonymous with impersonations in dancehall music today. Initially regarded as a clever means of personal amusement, the twins were unaware that they were honing a skill that would propel them to stardom.

"We jus idle an record it back ina 93', and we bredrin 'Psycho' gu len out di tape," reflected Two Locks.

Garnering an immense response from the recordings, the brothers strategically decided to put out the now infamous 'Reneto Adams interview' on their 2001 promotional CD. After releasing a series of instalments to these hilarious skits, the twins transcended the mimics to actual musical recordings.

Impersonation

'I need Vagina,' a sped up vocal impersonation of media personality Ian Boyne, was released in 2004 by the twins. The smash hit could be heard at most parties and clubs, but more importantly, revealed that there was a definite market for these comedic impersonations in dancehall music.

Meanwhile, Craig 'Leftside' Parkes, an established producer and selector, having a similar talent of vocal mimicking, entered the impersonation scene with Passa Ting an impersonation of dancehall artistes Sizzla, Bounty Killer, Capleton, Predator, and Baby Cham. Released in May 2004, the single was well received, leading the now prominent dancehall artiste to release Dr. Evil in December of that year. Using the voice of the nemesis in the blockbuster Austin Powers movies, Parkes had successfully infiltrated the dancehall scene with another vocal impersonation hit, and went on to release No S.T.D's and recently Marijuana, using the same character mimic.

"Is jus a fun ting...I've been imitating my father (Lloyd Parkes) since I was 9," Leftside told THE STAR.

Reflecting the sentiments of dancehall artistes Twin of Twins, Leftside regards his vocal mimics as a jovial act for the amusement of his fans, and has no intention to actively pursue the skill in his musical career. The breakout success of the smash hit Tuck In Yu Belly, by Leftside and Esco is testament that this artiste/producer/selector cannot be labelled as a mere vocal impersonator.

Killer's conscience

"Voice impersonation kick down doors for us, suh wi giving the people what they want," stated Paul Gaynor of Twin of Twins.

Besides their vocal mimicking, the Twins have released Evil Got Yu, with Bounty Killer, where they masquerade as Killer's conscience, and Somebody Dead, under the Reggaesentials label. The twins are also due to release Brain Damage, under the Kingston 13 label, affirming that their musical prowess extends beyond that of their infamous talent to mimic voices.

As for the victims of this new dancehall trend, most seem to take the mockery in stride. Even the 'warlord' 'Bounty Killa' aka Rodney Price, known for his sometimes abrasive disposition had no hang-ups on being imitated.

"Im excited and honoured to know that after 13-14 years in the dancehall, yu still have di yout dem a imitate yu," Bounty told THE STAR.

The warlord however, while quite satisfied with imitations from his friends Leftside and Twin of Twins, was adamantly disgruntled on what he referred to as 'impersonation without due credit' from his former clash rival, Merciless.

"Notn' nu wrong wit impersonation...even me did impersonate voices like Shabba, Ninja, an Buju, as a young artiste," the Killa admitted, referring to his breakout hit 'Coppershot,' and 90's hit single 'Cellular Phone.'

"Is when yuh tell lie seh a you (Merciless) originate tings like 'lawd a mercy' and 'YEA-YEAH' that yuh pass yuh place...everybody know him trying to soun like me" stated Bounty Killa.

After making clear differentiation between 'imitation' and 'impersonation,' Price reiterated the sentiments of most subjects of vocal imitation. They simply take it for what it is: flattery, with a comedic twist.