Born in Jamaica and raised in the bountiful West Indian boroughs of New York City, it should be no surprise that brothers Marcus and Paul Gavin were weaned on the Big Apple’s cosmopolitan music scene.
Known as the Platinum Kids, they are among the hottest sound system selectors in the tri-state area.
For almost 20 years, the siblings have played some of the biggest parties and events in that region and beyond, including Best of The Best concert in Miami and the Love and Harmony Cruise. They return to their happy hunting ground on May 11 for the B-Day Bash New York Edition at Amazura club in Queens.
According to Marcus, their following reflects the eclectic sounds they appreciate.
“We play music for our audience, at any given event we may have a diverse crowd,” he said. “For example, we play at college events which require a mixture of hip hop dancehall and some soca,” he said.
Marcus, older of the brothers, notes that while the Platinum Kids fan base is a potpourri of races, it comprises mainly persons of Caribbean descent between the ages of 23 and 35. They also attract a considerable Asian crowd “who love Caribbean culture.”
The Platinum Kids were born in Manchester, a rural farming parish in central Jamaica that has produced musicians like legendary guitarist Ernie Ranglin and artists such as Luciano. Moving to New York in their youth, they found a massive Jamaican populace that was big into dancehall culture, but the duo also developed an appreciation for soca from the Eastern Caribbean and hip hop which dominated airwaves and block parties.
In recent years, they have expanded their brand as radio Disc Jocks on Irie Jam Radio and show promoters. The B-Day Bash New York Edition is headlined by Aidonia and Shenseea.
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