Interview with the Legend King Ellie Matt
Caribbean Vybes, the people of St. Kitts and Nevis, and adoring fans worldwide
proudly pay tribute to the inductee of the International Soca Awards Hall of Fame
the one and only King Ellie Matt
Sing the chorus: E L L I E M A double T……. E L L I E M A double T
Below is a summary of his achievements and interview which was printed in Caribbean Vybes Magazine.
This is not A.I. generated. This represents time taken to present the information so please be courteous and do not engage in copyright infringement. Credit the source Caribbean Vybes. Thank you.
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A bit early we confess, but as is the tradition, the middle of last year, Caribbean Vybes made its New Year’s Resolution. The top item on our list was to interview King Ellie Matt for our 25th Independence Magazine Issue. In the summer of 2007, before our selection, we had brainstormed to find a legend who is heaven sent; someone who possesses a talent extraordinaire. We wished to feature an individual who exemplifies the beauty of Queen City Nevis, make you taste the sweetness of Sugar City St. Kitts and whose gifting transcends intercontinental borders. We needed to interview a sweet, sugary, lovable, charming, and enchanting national of Sugar City citizenry and we came up with no other than the King of Kings, the maestro, King Ellie Matt.
Born under the Aquarius sign, Elston Nero, also known as King Ellie Matt is an accomplished Musical arranger, Composer, Band Leader and Calypsonian. He has led his band to three successful brassorama titles at home and abroad and played in Trinidad Carnival for 10 consecutive years. He has travelled throughout the entire Caribbean region, North America, and far away destinations such as Europe and Japan. Places such as Antigua, St Martin, the British and US Virgin islands, Toronto, New York City and Aruba were very much frequented by Ellie Matt and the GI Brass. The band was awarded many trophies for best visiting band in Vancouver, Trinidad and the USVI.
Ellie Matt and the G I’s Brass has provided backup music for “The Mighty Sparrow”, “Calypso Rose”, “Shadow”, “Arrow”, “King Short Shirt”, “Swallow”, “King Obstinate”, “David Rudder”, “Lord Nelson” , the late “Lord Kitchener and countless notable performers. Unfortunately they are all too numerous to cite but if you can think of any Caribbean music legends, most likely King Ellie Matt has provided back up music one time or the other.
He was employed by the London Arts Council as Music Director for a West Indian based play called “Glory” and has conducted brass and steel bands in Stockholm Sweden. He has toured 10 cities in Sweden as band leader with the “Mighty Sparrow” and later “Lord Nelson”, “All Arrounder” and “Lady Wonder”.
Producer of over 20 albums and CDs and an array of hit songs, King Ellie Matt has been honoured with many achievements including the most recent- being inducted into the Hall of Fame. When Caribbean Vybes was informed about his induction into the Hall of Fame we were extremely excited! This achievement was confirmation that we made a perfect choice by featuring the King.
Join me in giving a hearty round of applause and a standing ovation to a citizen of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, a man with such a rare talent, the one and only, the King of Kings, the invincible King Ellie Matt.
—————Interview—————
CV: Where were you born?
King E M: George Street, Newtown
CV: How were you introduced to music? Did you attend classes?
King E M: I taught myself to play the keyboard and bass guitar. My eldest brother, Joseph Esdaille known as Boy-Blue taught me to play the steel pan. They would sneak me out the window and put me to stand on a crate so I could reach to play the drums. I was tutored on the guitar by the Bertie brothers and Sammy Watts.
CV: What school did you attend?
King E M: I attended Newtown Pasture School, Boys School and then the Grammar School
CV: What kind of child were you?
King E M: I was a mixed youth; quiet with strange folks and strong and bold with my ‘peeps’. I was always trying to be around music of any kind; big drum, string-band, steel band or brass band. I just had to be present to hear them practice. My Mom was a Christian and was constantly trying to keep me indoors and out of the band yards and band houses. I was a real musical youth and I knew I was good. I was very conceited…. (or so they say).
CV: Tell us about Ellie Matt and the G. I’s Brass
King E M: We started in 1969 as “Group Impressions” which later became GI Brass to which Ellie Matt was prepositioned. We started in Newtown on Roxborough Street in a clubhouse called “Pioneers Club”. My brother Calvin was the band leader until he left to further his studies. I was already writing and arranging all the music so when he left I was the natural successor. We went through quite a bit of musicians until we came up with the right mix of talent, dedication and determination.
CV: In your travels, what countries do you have the fondest memories of and why?
King E M: England, Sweden, Denmark, Vancouver and San Francisco. These places are very different. Sweden was like a fairy tale, especially when the snow is all over the place, and the folks there are very open and welcoming. Copenhagen had an all white soca/calypso band that knew of Sparrow and had seen my band in Trinidad and Tobago.
The scenery in Vancouver and San Francisco is just out of sight. When I played in Los Angeles I got a fore day morning tour of the city. I can go on and on, but those places afore mentioned were extra fun.
CV: Did you ever know in your heart that one day you would be musical genius?
King E M: (Laughs) I always knew I was extra. Genius? That’s people’s view. You can be the judge of my talents but for me I know I am very good.
CV: You won 11 Kaiso Monarch including 1 buy-local Crown, and 7 Road March titles in your native land of St. Kitts. That’s amazing! You won all those crowns yet you are so composed.
King E M: You have to keep it real.
CV: There are so many upcoming artistes whose pride is sky high. For someone with so many achievements what keeps you grounded and so humble?
King E M: I have met so many great musicians and singers and when we meet we are just cool. I know where I come from and I am very proud of Newtown. I am determined to be the best I can be and always remember the people who fail. Talent and ability from the ghetto in our small country can make some people big-up themselves. As for me, I am just happy when my music makes other people happy.
CV: Tell u about the buy local competition
King EM: It used to be a very popular side show. Compositions had to focus on anything local. King Sweeney was the champ. He won that crown a few times and challenged me so I responded.
CV: How did you do?
King E M: I won. I promised to enter all competitions that year and that I will win them all. I did so. Don’t mess with the best
CV: Where are you favourite liming spots in Sugar City?
King E M: I am not a limer. I am a TV man and a girls’ company man.
CV: What kind of women has King Ellie Matt jamming sweet, sweet music?
King E M: Special women with a difference who can stimulate my intellectual dogma and keep me satisfied.
CV: What are your favourite foods?
King E M: Bread and cheese, cook up, macaroni pie, shrimps, sweet potato, plantain and
chicken wings.
CV: Where does your inspiration come from?
King E M: I am always inspired by the music I hear….the songs I hear. Being kind of soft on people with problems kind of guy, I am inclined toward songs of upliftment when I see people suffering. I have to sing against politicians who stray from their promises.
People…situations and things-my inspiration comes from all that, but my deepest source of inspiration comes from above.
CV: What does music mean to you?
King E M: Music is life… my life. I have lived a life that has been controlled by music. I love to listen to it. Love to play it and I love to work with music.
CV: In arranging music, do you hear a melody and then write the words, do you write songs and then get the melody or is it both?
King E M: I can go both ways. I was born with the entire package, I can hear it or create it. Melody or lyrics…it just depends on the mood. Music is a constant in my daily sojourn. It’s always in my head… and body. Ready to dance, prance, swing and sing……anytime….always on my mind.
CV: What encouraging words you have for others?
King E M: Whatever you do, believe in yourself and trust your angels. Add plenty passion and honesty and avoid people and situations that make you mad.
CV: How does it feel to be inducted into the International Soca Awards Hall of Fame?
King E M: Sure feels good to know that, for I was ridiculed and chastised for turning professional and leaving my Government job. I stood by ME. God believed. I believed. I feel vindicated. I feel GREAT.
CV: For someone who has penned such profound lyrics on a range of topics including a love for our Federation, as we celebrate our 25th Anniversary Independence, what words would you like to impart to your fellow citizens?
King E M: St. Kitts and Nevis belongs to ‘we the people’. Let us always stick together in our love and devotion towards keeping our ‘Country Above Self’.
CV: Is there anything else you wish to say?
King E M: I want to thank all who was there with me through my musical journey. There are too many names to mention. I believe in St. Kitts and Nevis…I love my people and I love making music for my people. I am a Newtown man first and always. That’s where I was born and grew up. Thanks for the love and strong support from my roots…Thanks All!
Interview first published in the magazine below. Picture on the cover owned by Caribbean Vybes. Do not use without permission. Contact us for more info at: info@caribbeanvybes.com
CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS