Exile is one of Cayman’s busiest and most recognizable acts, with regular concerts in Cayman showcasing Caribbean sounds to locals and admiring tourists.
The eagle-eyed in our midst can also spot familiar faces – little wonder, as Exile is another project by the members of established local outfit Bona Fide. Weekender asked the band’s singer, Isadora Ferrao Powell, for more info.
How, when and why did Exile get together?
The idea for Exile was born from the need to identify more clearly our Caribbean music. Bona Fide had a reputation for playing everything and anything, but we wanted to showcase the Caribbean genres more and it was Rennard’s idea for the band name.
What styles do you do?
Strictly Caribbean, reggae, calypso, soca, ska and Caribbean folk music.
Who are the members and what do they all play?
Rennard (drums), Edward (lead male vocals and keyboard), Mark (bass guitar), Fred (guitar), Isadora (female lead vocals and backing vocals), Adrian (sound engineer) and from time to time we include Yannick (saxophone) for some variety. We also move to two keyboard players and two guitarists for bigger events, but essentially we stick to being fully live and strictly Caribbean.
Where can we see you regularly?
The Exile (Trio) performs every Monday at the Reef Resort in East End as well as select Saturdays at the Silver Palm Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. In the high season we also performed as a quartet every Wednesday at Bar Jack at the Ritz-Carlton and, God willing, we will be there again in the new season.
Who are your musical heroes/influences?
Bob Marley, Beres Hammond, Pluto Shervington, Harry Belafonte, Lord Kitchener, Kevin Lyttle, Rupee, Alison Hinds, Aunt Julia Hydes, Lucky Dube and Etana.
What have been your favorite moments to date?
I think one of our favorite moments to date was when we performed for Pirates Week 2013. We have a video on YouTube that captures some aspects of what fun we had.
Any releases imminent?
We have not recorded anything for Exile yet (which is a shame as we have some good reggaes and socas to share!). Anyone want to sponsor us to record?
This is a quintessentially Caribbean sound – how does that affect people?
You have to be a most unusual person not to be captivated by calypso music in particular, and once we have people moving to the beat they only want more and can end up following us from venue to venue.
Finally, who’s the best dancer in the band, and the worst?
Rennard is the best dancer and I may well be the worst (but I put that down to having terrible balance!).
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