Bajan group tops UK charts

BY KEVIN JACKSON Observer Writer

Monday, February 06, 2012

BARBADIAN group Cover Drive topped the British pop singles chart last week with their song, Twilight, the follow up to the quartet’s debut single Lick Ya Down which hit number nine on the same chart last summer.

Cover Drive consists of lead vocalist Amanda Reifer, T-Ray Armstrong (rapper and drummer), Barry ‘Bar Man’ Hill (keyboardist and guitarist) and bass player Jamar Harding. Their ages range from 18 to 22.

In an interview with the Observer last week, Reifer explained how the group was formed. “Our manager, Kerrie Armstrong, formed the band two years ago. We were all pursuing music individually and getting nowhere, so we agreed to listen to her and form a band.”

Twilight’s success is not limited to Britain. Over in Ireland, the track debuted at number 40. Armstrong is excited about Cover Drive’s chart-topping achievement.

“We remain so overwhelmed about the band’s success so far! We really cannot fully process it as yet,” he said.

The group’s debut album Bajan Style is expected to be released by Polydor Records in April. According to Harding, “It contains lots of feel-good, Caribbean pop music.”

The members list ska/punk group No Doubt and the Black Eyed Peas among their biggest influences. They also credit the success of fellow Bajan Rihanna for opening the doors for other Caribbean acts.

“Rihanna has made it possible for the international music industry to take Bajan artistes seriously,” Reifer said.

In an e-mail statement, Polydor Records said the next Cover Drive single will be Sparks.

Cover Drive joins a list of Caribbean acts who have achieved success on the British singles chart. Jamaicans Desmond Dekker and the Aces, Dave Barker and Ansell Collins, Ken Boothe, Althea and Donna, Boris Gardiner, Shaggy, Sean Paul, and most recently, Cecile, have charted.

Rihanna and Shontelle (Impossible and T Shirt) have also achieved some level of success in Britain.