Born on August 20th 1976, Nayee was always the mighty Leo who possessed and cherished the music kingdom which he knew from birth. His father was the great pan Maestro Allan Jno Baptiste and ever since Nayee was a little boy, he was involved in the music scene. He and his brothers Lenny and Neville could all play musical instruments and their mother Joan was one of their biggest supporters. Nayee was in the lead at an early age. His father recognized his talents and began to assist him in sharpening his skills. His vocals, keyboard, producing and writing skills were surpassed any at his age. Nayee’s father and mentor passed away in 2007 but he says even from the grave, his father continues to motivate and strengthen him every day.
Some of the musical experiences which Nayee has gone through has shaped his style and approach to the type of music that he delivers. He has worked with various bands including the popular Efex and Swinging Stars band through his contributions as a keyboardist. He also worked on a cruise ship with a quartet called the Motion band for three years as the keyboardist.
One of the most popular contributions which Nayee has been known to make to Dominican music is the years which he spent with the pioneers of Bouyon music, the WCK band. He started with the band in 2000 doing backup keyboards, backup vocals and lead vocals. Nayee’s talent as a singer was overwhelming and by the following year, Nayee was a full time lead vocalist. Nayee is also an outstanding writer; he wrote and produced all of the songs that he performed. Two of the other lead singers in the band were Wayne “Skinny Banton” Robinson who was popular across the region for his raw style and delivery, Clint “HD” Henderson, son of cadence legend Gordon Henderson and Dennison “Dice” Joseph who is a six time winner of the National Calypso crown. Mention of the WCK band is forthcoming and unavoidable in Nayee’s career since this was the band he spent most of his time and energy producing and writing for many years.
In 2004 and 2007 respectively, Nayee formed a duo outside of the WCK Band with member Skinny Banton. The two released two albums called “Bring It” in 2004 and “Solid” in 2007. During 2005 & 2006, Nayee also continued to work with the WCK Band however left again in 2007 to produce some music on his own. During late 2007 and 2008, Nayee worked with the young and upbeat Triple Kay band. In late 2008, Clint HD, Dice, Skinny and Nayee decided to form an entertaining band called Ck4lyfe. Ck4lyfe was detained due to legal issues which the WCK Band waived before them. During an event in Laplain during mid-2009, Nayee was called unexpectedly to provide his services for the WCK Band, he would later continue as part of their front line. With hit after hit during the carnival and independence celebrations, Nayee was the backbone of the WCK band until his resignation in late 2012 when he decided to embark on his solo career.
Nayee has made great strides in moving bouyon music towards the mainstream. His collaborations with his former WCK Band members in addition to songs which he did solo have always been outstanding and highly favored. Nayee has also done collaborations with Wayne “Benji” Benjamin of the Tripple Kay Band, Claudette “CP” Peters from Antigua, Terencia “TC” Coward from Barbados and Showtime of the Rebels HD band in St. Eustatia.
He has awed audiences everywhere with his melodic songs, positive lyrics and majestic command of the music. He has performed in prestigious venues all over the world which includes stops at the Nottinghill carnival in London, Labour day parade and more in New York, the Miami Carnival and countless concerts in Miami and at numerous venues around the Caribbean.
In carnival 2012 Nayee released the hit singles ‘Same Way and Carnival Culture” with the WCK Band which trail blazed him into being one of the most diverse and outstanding artists in Dominica. He mixed the cultural with the traditional music of Dominica allowing revelers of all ages to enjoy the message brought forth in each song. It is fit to say that all songs that Nayee has written for himself, bands and other individuals have been captivating and instant hits.
Since being solo, Nayee has continued to entertain his loyal fans around the Caribbean, U.S mainland and London with some of his new music. During 2013, amongst four other song releases, Nayee released his first video single “Darling” which reach number one on Tempo’s Cross Caribbean Countdown one week after its debut. During 2013, Nayee was hired to perform as a solo artist at two of Dominica’s biggest events.
Nayee’s lyrics and rhythm seem to capture the effervescence of carnival’s climatic street parade and inspirational evocations. His drive to produce quality music is an exhaustive musical pursuit which he diligently pursues. Over the past 18 years, the single constant in Nayee’s ever-changing, stellar career, has been his trailblazing approach to Dominica’s indigenous bouyon music. Through his various fusions which include everything from composing reggae and soca music and collaborating with internationally renowned soca artists, this diverse artist has worked tirelessly to establish bouyon energetic offshoot as a viable entity that can make an impact beyond Dominica’s music industry and carnival celebrations. Whilst Nayee’s diversified partnerships have helped broaden bouyon’s appeal, he is also a talented soca and reggae writer and producer.
From his embarkation as a solo artist, Nayee began to shape a foundation in which young artists can get managerial assistance and advice. The team namely Fire Nation Entertainment, does management for artists as well as events to help showcase the talents of the artist.
“I have been trying to revolutionize bouyon music, trying to improve its quality. It is very difficult to bring bouyon to the international market and stay grounded at home but, we have created a genre of music that we believe is satisfying to all markets and can play on the radio with other popular songs. Being an ambassador to Dominica’s music is a dream I have always had and something I look forward to achieving.”
Nayee keep treading your arrange great music I will always support you place God first and everything will fall in place.
It’s sad when people can read but cannot comprehend. No where in the article was it stated that Nayee wants a position in the ministry. An individual does not have to have a position in the ministry to be an ambassador for their country and its culture. The word is often used for persons who are known, without national appointment, to represent certain professions and activities such as sports and music.
I am not a Dominican but I have a friend who is. Prior to hearing about Nayee I have never heard about Bouyon music even though I am from the Caribbean. So I think Nayee is doing a great job as an ambassador for Dominican music on the international scene. I can only wish him much success as he master his craft.
Everyone is entitled to their opinions but the negative comments seem unfair. I think all Dominicans should support him and wish him well instead of critizing without merit. If you don’t support your own people you can’t complain when others don’t. Best of luck Nayee! I love your music and style.
You dont know better so i will excuse you: but i have listened to nayee and ive seen him in action and you cant make out his words, not even the ones on a video; he needs more practice and he is not ready for international scene;
Nayee, Dominicans can be negative. I never see one part in this article which says you want a position in “ministry”. Most of the negative comments here most likely came from people who may not have even read the entire article. Hats off to you young man. Keep your head up.
whapn nayee want an offical document saying he is a dominican music ambassador? stupes… to me alll local musical artists are ambassadors of local Dominican music, whether they like it or want to be one or not, this is why bands like triple kay need to watch what they produce, because its not only dominicans hearing their crap..once its out its out…especially with technology making it available worldwide. So yea nayee… forget wanting to be an ambassador, you already are…jus keep making good music for all to enjoy. Jah bless.
Exactly! The man never said he wanted a position in ministry. He already is. I guess the title got some people confused.
Start wherever you are and start small. -Rita Baily
Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible. -Saint Francis of Assisi
The secret to living the life of your dreams is to start living the life of your dreams today, in every little way you possibly can. -Mike Dooley
Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. -Martin Luther King, Jr.
Good luck my brother, I wish you all the best. Let the negativity make you stronger. No one is perfect but with God by your side, anything is possible.
Nayee cant be an embassodor for Dominica’s music; Nayee’s songs most of then you cant make out what is being said unless you have caption or if you have listened to the song more than three times; his songs not original is either the beat has been used somewhere before or the words some of it has already been used by some band; He can try for the position next year and in the meantime work on being versatile; look at Dice for example he can sing calypso yes and he can sing a kweyol songs doh matter what the note is; you have to be able to be versatile if you want to be an ambassador of music; you have to be able to go to the United States or England for example and sing and instead of people being in jeans and t shirt jumping and sweating they can sit in a nice setting and enjoy the music of Dominica and can relate to what is being sung. Nayee am Dominican, i have listened to you over the years take these criticisms as a way of improving yourself so you can reach the top.
How can you say his lyrics have been used by someone else? do you even know what you are talking about. Everybody knows Nayee writes his own music. The man clearly stated his goals and he seems to be working on it. Good luck to him.
To my knowledge and correct me if i am wrong… Nayee writes ALL of his music. It is not lyrics from someone else. If you say they are, name atleast 3 songs that are lyrics to someone else. You people try to be negative in the most horrible way.
Rome was not built in a day Nayee. Let them talk. Keep doing what you doing. I loved the article. Those who keep saying that our artists will not go any where, tell them to stop supporting Little Wayne and Beyonce. Little Wayne and Beyonce people supported them, so we need to support our own. May God bless you on your journey.
Alas, our ‘stars’ need to work more, talk less and stop being fooled with the mics on a truck and sunglasses. With no or little work they are only deluding themselves about success.
It’s sad how for so many years lots of guys have been leaching on the work of Cornell and the original WCK to ‘make themselves known’. Triple K seems to be active but is simply not interested in quality and proper lyrics. One can’t help but feel fed up with sponsoring WCMF with tax dollars so that we create an international platform for certain local bands that simply have not developed over the years, fail to produce any album in the last 8 years and only put carnival beats and obscene rhymes to other people’s songs.
I work at a supermarket packing shelves and no one packs shelves for me. If I want to improve my job situation, I am responsible for marketing and developing myself by upgrading my skills and honing my talents. Relying on the fact that I packed shelves at X supermarket for 15 years is not much help to me, what value have I added to myself becomes the crucial question.
So Nayee no doubt that you are talented and all the best, but time to work and produce. Produce, produce, produce.
Why do you people come on DNO and pretend to be who you are not. You not packing shelves. You sitting in an office reading this and posting it in perfect grammar. If you have a point to make, please do. and stop talking about packing shelves. And who leans on the original WCK work to be known? You just said triple kay making such and such music. All Dominican bands and artists play old school WCK, if they wasn’t, it would be another problem. Respect WCK and respect the work of other bands and artist. It maybe crap to you but once upon a time, what you listened to or did was crap to your elders. Respect people because if triple kay or Nayee was such crap they would not be invited to perform overseas.
@nope:
Every heard of “analogy”? Well, that’s what the commenter “As it is” was using when he talks about packing shelves. Relax, and understand different writing styles before you start shooting your mouth off. And by the way, Nayee’s music is not crap, but he has to put a lot more effort into his craft if he is to achieve his full potential . That is the honest truth. I want the best for him, and sometimes the best you can do for a man is to tell him that he can do much better.
even if you missed the “analogy” point… you are right when you say they do come here and pretend and you are also right about people respecting the work of individuals. Nayee can produce produce and master his craft but the people need to support support support their own music. Dominicans too like to see people work hard and still put them down. they rather put up who that already there. shame on us.
@As it is:
I agree with you. Your analogy of packing shelves is very appropriate. I hope Nayee can see this as constructive criticism as he strives for the next level.
Absolutely a great idea to have a position like this. Music is a great marketing tool for ones country. Dominicans have always been multi talented in playing all genres of music however if the government fails to recognize the value of investing in their own musical talents as a means to further promote Dominica and its culture, no different from our tourism industry etc. then thats an issue. Machel was correct in saying that dominicans need to make the trip to Trinidad as it is the soca hub of the world. This will help with cross marketing the artists and styles of music. living in foreign- to average listener bouyon n soca is the same thing- soca gets more play because bouyon artists are not well known.
Best we give Nayee a position in Ministry as music ambassador to help the up and coming artist. As for his music career it has come to an end. And his accomplishments were exaggerated in that article. When WCK was at its peak in the region and worldwide rah was the lead singer. Nayee and the rest didn’t produce enough quality material to take the band to the next level or give him a solid solo career.
That is some artists when they go overseas sleeping at people home because they cannot afford hotel as is little venue for little money they playing in.
I disagree with the part where you said he and the others did not produce quality enough to take it to the next level. There is a lot of music that are on the next level and should not be there so when you look at the real world, you must consider who is doing the pushing. Are you? Obviously not. Support your own.
I completely support this. Wish him a ton of luck to help bring Dominican music to the world. Maybe one day people will recognize our music like they recognize Jamaican music!
Nice job Nayee, Sky is the limit. Big-Up Bouyon music.
That’s entrepreneurship. The Gov’t should look into how they can assist these artists in promotion & boost to get Bouyon in the fore-front; and not miss the boat again like previous administrations. Seriously!
no hard feelings, but you sound great with WCK but with Tripple K, naaaaaaaa. Go back to wck boy. Or make your own band, cause Tripple K cant play your music
Nayee in triple Kay nah? I doe know dah. But is not a few from triple kay dah doz back him up nuh? All you Dominicans doz just say what all you want. The man not in Triple kay. And i find the musicians that back him up do good work. You say that because you want him back with WCK we. Me too, plenty of us do. But do what you have to ok, i like your music. Big up.
Nayee proud of u boy u go boy da dat da day