FROM LOOP NEWS—T
(From left) ATF band members Stephen Lee, Herbie Harris and Wyndon Webb.S
Jamaicans who travel overseas are usually armed with several items which are indigenous to the island’s culture and cuisine, and customs officials in foreign airports have grown accustomed to them having boiled ackee included in their luggage.
So much so it may seem strange when a Jamaican arrives overseas and has nothing to declare.
This scenario has been captured in song in a new reggae single going the rounds which is causing wide grins and bringing back memories to Jamaicans at home and abroad.
Entitled ‘Yardie’, the single is the first song released by the ATF Band – a talented group of accomplished musicians who have been silently carving out their own niche on the Jamaican entertainment scene. The song has already entered the Foundation Radio Network Top 30 Music Chart, and The South Florida Top 25 Chart.
ATF stands for ‘After The Fact’ and comprises keyboard player Herbie Harris – who has toured extensively with Maxi Priest, Sly and Robbie and Third World, drummer Stephen Lee formerly of KOTCH, Bassist Wyndon ‘Ace’ Webb – formerly of Big Mountain and is sometimes accompanied by lead guitarist, Courtland ‘Gizzmo’ White.
The single ‘Yardie’ was conceptualized by Harris and speaks to a Jamaican who travels abroad and was questioned by immigration officials, the police and media personalities as to the reason why he arrived empty-handed, without heavy luggage, ackee or even female accompaniment.
As the punchline in the song says:
How you fi come from Jamaica and don’t walk with two dozen ackee?
“The song came about when a longtime memory came to mind, so I added a twist of humor,” Harris said.
Although Harris takes the role of lead vocalist on this single, all the band members perform vocal duties according to the range a particular song requires. A Courtney Panton-produced video for ‘Yardie’ was released on January 8 and is already receiving heavy rotation and views on the YouTube platform.
The ATF Band was formed in September 2015 and began playing on Friday Nights at the Andy Livingston-owned Sweet Calabash Restaurant in Kingston. As their popularity grew, the band began providing backing duties for popular artistes.
But realizing their potential to be hit-makers, the ATF Band now has plans to continue producing their own music and claim their place in the annals of Jamaica’s entertainment fraternity.
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