| Even
as Second Imij shared stages with acts like Boys
To Men, REO Speedwagon, Maxi Priest, Freddie Jackson,
Aswad, MC Hammer and C&C Music Factory, the
group also established itself as a formidable component
of the Trinidad Carnival soundtrack, it’s
legacy including unforgettable soca hits “Jump
on the Count of Four”, “Na Na”
and “Golo”, the song that earned it
worldwide recognition.
The
band toured extensively in the Caribbean region
and became the mainstay of Jamaica’s Oakridge
Carnival and a staple music supplier at the country’s
annual Wet Fete. Internationally, Second Imij maintained
an annual presence at Reggae Sunsplash, Sweden’s
Water Festival, New York’s Apollo Theatre,
The Ritz and was a fixture at Pirates Week in Grand
Cayman. Second Imij was also resident band for Gil
Figaro’s annual Sunshine Awards for calypso
and pan.
The
temptation to rekindle that sound and the effervescence
of the group haunted band leader Joey Ng Wai. He
eventually succumbed, albeit setting on a somewhat
different direction, a move influenced in no small
way by the accrual of some fine, fresh talent coupled
with the need to maintain that dynamism for what
Second Imij was famous. The result is Imij &
Co., a seven member group dedicated to the celebration
of indigenous music, but at no sacrifice to the
band’s versatility.
Since
it’s inception in March 2001, the band had
played the Gamut of top-drawer night clubs in North
and South Trinidad, the Angostura Regatta in Tobago
(2001-2003) and won the Best Party Band on the road
at Antigua’s Carnival.
In
the band’s four years of existence, Imij &
Co. has performed with international acts such as
Enrique Iglesias, Usher, Glen Washington, Junior
Kelly, Barrington Levy, C&C Music Factory, Rupee
& Dot Com, Ray of Light, UB40 and Nina Sky;
testimony to Imij & Co.’s versatility.
They also won the “Best Playing Band Award”
at the Miami Carnival and performed at the prestigious
Billboard Live Club in South Beach Miami.
During
2003-2004 the band was on the road again doing shows
in Jamaica, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Miami and
Canada.
In
2004 the band made history as the image of Imij
& Co. appeared on the Coca-Cola label. It was
the first time a band from the Caribbean was featured
on the Coca-Cola label.
The
band consists of manager George Ng Wai, vocalists
Michelle Xavier, Hilton Dalzell Jr. and Russell
Cadogan, band leader and guitarist Joey Ng Wai,
bassist Stephan Brijlal and drummer Roger Campbell.
Welcome
then to Imij & Co., not just another manifestation
of the tradition we have come to know and love but
a fresh dimension to the musical force from which
it is derived. The music has spoken for itself in
clear tones, articulating the aspirations of the
band members, all of whom are committed to making
an intervention that will do more than merely promise
to make a difference.
www.imijandco.com
Contact
Info:
Manager: Jason Singh
Phone: 647.998.6042 | Web: www.socabookings.com
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