To-Isis - "One Jamaica"
TO-ISIS - "WASHBELLY"
Powered by eSnips.com..To Everything Beautiful
(I’m a member of TO-ISIS)TO-ISIS was formed within the Cathi Levy Players in 1996. The seven members of TO-ISIS were all major players in this company. The Cathi Levy Players a performing arts school and company in Kingston, Jamaica gave these young men their basic training and experience and honed their performance skills. Throughout the years of competition and performance in the company these seven gentlemen formed a strong bond of friendship and eventually started a group calling themselves the Southside Seven, a name which was short lived because of political reasons. Group member Robert Williams then came up with the name ISIS. We knew that it referred to a goddess but we didnt want to be represented like that. With advice from Miss Levy the word TO was added to ISIS resulting in the name TO-ISIS. She suggested that since ISIS represented the ideal woman, mother and wife, we should sing to those beautiful things about women and life on a whole. The story of ISIS and OSIRIS was enshrined in Egyptian mythology.
TO-ISIS became a semi- professional outfit in late 1996-1997 And rapidly gained popularity among their peers, performing at nightspots and school barbecues. In May of 1997, TO-ISIS entered the Tastee talent competition in which they were placed second. By September of 1997, they left Cathi Levy Players to pursue their goal to be among Jamaicas top vocal groups and make a living doing so. TO-ISIS returned to the Tastee Talent Contest as special guest artists the following year.
As we know by now TO-ISIS means to everything beautiful and on February 14th 2003, this awe inspiring entertainment unit delivered one of the most sensational performances seen from a local act in recent times, on one of the most beautiful days of the year. This event was entitled Back At One which featured international recording superstar, Mr. Brian McKnight. This performance was just a peek into the artistry contained in the bodies, minds and voices of these 6 talented young men. Their performance was called superbly professional and unbelievable.
Giving Back
TO-ISIS has, in 2002 adopted The National Childrens Home as their charity. On September 14th the birthday of Renardo Lewis (a member of the group), an intimate party and performance was held by TO-ISIS in the auditorium of the National Childrens Home. On Christmas Day of the same year, TO-ISIS held a Christmas treat for the children on the grounds of the childrens home. We have many more plans in the works for these places of protection and love. The way I see it is, if nobody had helped us when we needed it, we wouldnt be where we are today, so when we are in a position to help we are more than happy to do so. States Richard Morgan. The only reason we mention anything at all about this is simply because, young people are always being well broadcasted when they are responsible for anything negative. So our positive contributions to society should be equally broadcasted. Says Renardo Lewis.
TO-ISIS is very interested in education and doing their part in making sure that students understand the importance of a good education. The group gives talks at inner city schools on their career day functions, organise concerts and most importantly keep their music clean. TO-ISIS in 2005 joined in the fight against AIDS by selling arm bands and donating the proceeds to the Jamaica Aids Support Hospice, To-Isis and their management team, Timeless records also staged a walk-a-thon which raised over $30,000 Jamaican dollars for JAS. TO-ISIS intends to keep helping for as long as and as much as they can those who are in need.
Recording
TO-ISIS embarked on their recording career with the release of their debut single Ghetto Pain, in 2003 and its accompanying music video. This song was written by Duane Stephenson, produced by Mr. Dean Fraser and arranged by Mr. Ewan Simpson the groups musical director at the time. The follow up single and video for Heavens will rise up, premiered on Entertainment Report on TVJ on Friday January 16, 2004. This song was written by Duane Stephenson, Renardo Lewis, Robert Morgan and Ewan Simpson, produced and arranged by the same team as Ghetto Pain.
In 2005 TO-ISIS signed on to be the official face of the Juici Patties 25th Anniversary celebrations, also writing the theme song for their One Jamaica campaign. The impact of the work that To-Isis, has been doing has not gone unnoticed with several heavy hitters on the Jamaican music scene expressing an interest in working with the group.
TO-ISIS's most recent recordings include:
- Rub-a-dub for Stone Love Muzik (9-5 Rhythm)
- Wine for Stone Love Muzik
- Please Stay featuring Turbulence for Timeless Records
- Bounce Back for Timeless Records (Bounce Back Rhythm)
- Save Me for Alozade records (Bingy Trod Rhythm)
- Thank you for Hollywood Music (Connecticut)
TO-ISIS has also worked with Clive Hunt, Grub Cooper, Dean Fraser, Computer Paul and Cool Face to name a few.
To-Isis has Performed at:
- Godfathers Night Club (now known as The Asylum)
- Club Confetti Cactus Night Club (now closed down)
- Priscillas Night Club
- Spectrum
- Jamaicas Youth in Concert
- Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest 2004
- The Tastee Talent Contest (1998 & 2002)
- Heineken Startimes Stars of Tomorrow segment
- Heineken Startimes Magnificent 7
- Heineken Startime Best of the best
- Ernie Smiths thirtieth anniversary celebration
- Ms. Jamaica U.S.A Pageant 1998 @ The Carib New York
- The West Indies Day Parade 2000 in New York
- Disneys Epcot in Orlando ..o Jan.1, 2001
- Tommy Hilfiger New York
- P.Diddys Justins in New York
- Actor Malik Yobas Soul Café (New York)
- Opening Ceremony for The World Junior Games 2002 (Jamaica)
- National Youth Conference
- Opening for Brian Mcknight Feb.14 2003 Back at One (Jamaica)
- The National Childrens Home
- Richie Stephens Unity Splash Jan.1, 2004 (Jamaica)
- The Lions Den in New York
- Rebel Salute 2004
- Western Consciousness 2004
- The Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival 2004 & 2005
- The White House Seafood Festival (Jamaica)
- The Launch of the 2004 Olympics on CVM TV (Jamaica)
- Harbour Fest
- The Prime Ministers Gala
- The Ms. Jamaica Independence Pageant
- Opening for Third World at the National Indoor Sports Complex
- Livity Splash West Kingston Jamboree
- Culture Heatwave
- East Fest
BOOKING FOR TO-ISIS
EMAIL: [email protected]
TEL: (1876) 389-3839
(1876) 832-0989