Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Left: Da'Ville.   Right: To-Isis entertains at the Mother's Day Brunch at The Jamaica Pegasus on Sunday, May 14. - Andrew Smith/Photography Editor

Cat fights, snide comments, low-blow hits are all associated with a group going down hill. However, many members still opt for it as a means of growing in the business.

Bob Marley and the Wailers, Mighty Diamonds all started together from a tender age, while some parted ways and others stayed, they proved that in many ways the 'group' vibe works. Former ARP member Da'Ville has long since launched his solo career yet still looks back at his youthful group days as influential to his career.

At sixteen years old, Da'Ville joined ARP because at the time groups were very popular. "Mi just did love music so much, the group vibe was in with Boyz II Men a run di place. So when the opportunity came along me do it. Mi learn a lot from the other individuals wha mi use now."

Although having gone solo, Da'Ville claims it was not an intentional act, group life was successful but the situation called for a change. One group that has weathered many storms for the past 10 years is To-Isis. Formed by a group of talented 18-year-olds, To-Isis member Robert Willams claims that being in a group for such a long time and from so young has taught him many things. One of the more important aspects is compromise: "We have learnt to compromise, everyone has different personalities. Onstage its a different energy, we lean on each other for support," Willams stated.

Attractions

The attractions of groups are evident with One Third taking the crown of 2006 Rising Stars. As Willams claims, one of the attractions may be the attention gained by having multiple persons performing onstage. He says, "We get more attention as a group, we do choreographed movements, that's what draws people."

Starting as a fresh act in the entertainment business is a hard journey, it seems to make more sense to not go the road alone. Da'Ville claims that solo life has been a hard journey but the hardships have made him appreciate what he has now. However, he remains grateful to all those lessons about the business he learnt from his ARP days. "Of course it helps me, it mek mi know 'bout di business. Dem mek mi know the difference between singing in harmony to singing in unison. To make a song work and a group work it takes a lot of attention and patience."

Willams also testifies to the growth that can be achieved in a group. He says "Back in the days we all did R&B, now we're more into dancehall, cultural stuff."