Sorrel Boyz Breaking Music Rules

Posted: 16th Aug 2010

Published By: Trinidad & Tobago Guardian, Photo copyright of Trinidad & Tobago Guardian.

A moment of fun centred around the question “You wah some sorrel ah wah,” a year ago. Today it has pushed a few young people into the limelight. In 2009 Kevon “Larynx Merit” Griffith, 24, Jevon “Diesel” Griffith, 25, and Kerron “Total” Edwards, 25, created a Youtube music video that created a buzz all over T&T. Suitably named the Sorrel Boyz they have prompted young people to ask that same question just for fun.

The song provokes laughter throughout the video which was rapidly shared on Facebook, a popular social networking site. From then on, these young men have been gaining attention. In May 2010, they had their second release with Ugly Gyul, a parody to Vybz Kartel’s Clarks. The group was also able to secure a performance spot in Bunji Garlin’s Earthstrong of a Lyricist and have also been carded for performances in many events within the next month. They have just released a new single titled She Naughty, and there is certainly more to come.

The Sunday Guardian caught up with these young men and posed a few questions to them.

Q: Was the sorrel video really something spontaneous? Did you expect to get this much attention from the video?
A: The sorrel video was originally posted to our Facebook profiles mainly to give our friends a laugh. After, however, we did make it into an actual song. The video was spontaneous, it was just a moment of fun that happened to grope the public’s attention.

What has been the response of the two songs?
We have had a hearty response from the public. It appears that people appreciate our unique approach to entertainment. The sorrel video was in no way intended to be what it turned out to be.

How would you describe the genre of music of the Sorrel Boyz?
Caribbean and experimental...we don’t believe in boxing ourselves into any one genre, breaking rules is a part of our strategies.

What’s next? Are there plans to collaborate with anyone, and if so, with who?
We are currently working on new material that will be exposed in a timely manner. Collaborations are inevitable but thus far there are no set plans on with whom and when just yet.

How is your music different from other young musicians?
There are no restraints or barriers in what we release to the public. We are not afraid to take risks to see what gets the thumbs up or the thumbs up up (no typographical error).

What do you expect to accomplish?
We expect to create a name for ourselves that would be well respected amongst the Caribbean community and eventually the world wide arena. We also wish to see our dream come to life which is, having everything done independently, by this we mean having a fully co-ordinated team(GLOBAL SIEGE) that is, in itself an independent entity.

Are there any plans to write and sing inspiring and positive songs for young people, in terms of leading them down the right path?
Yes, definitely. We are heavily interested in our nations progress. We have a heart and we do care about the welfare of our listening audience.

Did you all enter any talent competitions at a younger age?
Larnyx Merit: What started my trod in the musical realm was a school carnival competition I entered and was crowned victorious. after that I entered many competitions .. such as Sound Stage, Party Flava, Trini Idols, Junior School Soca Monarch, etcetera.
Total and Diesel only began performing this year.