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KI opens show for John Legend in Guyana

KI & JMC 3Veni, acclaimed by many as the Caribbean’s premier crossover band, kicked off the New Year alongside international recording artistes John Legend and Beres Hammond at the Guyana National Stadium, last Saturday.

The band, fronted by Chutney Soca Monarch KI, was ecstatic to have performed on such a big event after a ten-day family vacation in Toronto, Canada. 3Veni also performed for West Indian cricketer Ramnaresh Sarwan at his recent wedding in Guyana. KI’s singing sidekicks, Nishard M and Neval Chatelal are overwhelmed by the magnificent reception to their Carnival 2014 releases.

Thus far, 3Veni has released KI’s Runaway, remixed with Olatunji; Professor Feter, on the Bad Influence Riddim, featuring KI, Nadia Batson and Lyrikal; and Lolita, with vocals by KI and Neval Chatelal. Nishard M is also the voice on the chutney soca single Mammy Say.

In a recent interview, KI said: “Look out for more as we’ve only just begun releasing songs for the season, and there are a lot more to come, including one of the first ever Chutney Soca Riddims (CurryQue Riddim) produced by MillBeatz Ent.

The handsome young singer added that 3Veni also intends releasing No Conduct, produced by he and Rishi Mahato of Maha Productions; Tremble It, on the CurryQue Riddim; Chip, produced and written by Rich Persad, KI’s younger brother; and, Carnival Symptoms, produced by Precision Productions and London Future.

KI said the band will be representing T&T “on a different scale this year.” In September 2013, the aggregation did a 14-day cultural exchange to China for the ninth annual China Folk Art Music Festival.

Veerendra Persad, KI’s father, 3Veni founder and keyboardist, expressed gratitude to all who have supported the band through the years. He said he is looking forward to the hectic Carnival season and being on the road with Trini Revellers.

The band will also be on the road for J’Ouvert, providing music for First Trace. The band is one of the few that still play live music for masquerade bands on Carnival days.