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| Sunday, 26 December 2004 |
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Doggy Nation Raps In by Rohan Canagasabey
This band of four young guys comprise Dunstan 'Revolver', who is the main lyrics writer and bandleader; Rajee 'Crystal', who identifies himself as a freestyle rapper; while Prabu J. 'Crum' contributes with lyrics in both Tamil and English. The quartet is rounded off with Ruban 'Mr Intro' who is the vocalist. The band members, now in their early twenties have been friends since the age of sixteen. Their shared interest in creating hip-hop and rap music in an original way drew them towards forming Doggy Nation. They identified gangster and hardcore US musicians such as Snoop Dog, Dog Pound, Dr. Dre, 2 Pac and Amman Shakur as their initial influences, to the extent of also leading them to change their dress code and behaviour accordingly. Doggy Nation revealed that their music centres on interrelated themes, such as War, Peace, Youth, Reality of Life, and God . Explaining further, Rajee 'Crystal' said, "war is a reality which we have faced here in Sri Lanka and is still being faced in other parts of the world; peace is what we all long for, while the theme of youth is about how the youth of Sri Lanka and elsewhere are the future". "The other two themes are about accepting the reality of life and god's importance in our endeavours and spiritual life", added lyricist Prabu J. 'Crum'. Doggy Nation certainly appears to have found an audience and the beginning of industry recognition in Colombo for their music. But there was a long way from being school friends in Colombo with a shared interest, to becoming recognised as professional hip-hop and rap musicians. Commenting on this, bandleader Dunstan "Revolver' said; "We knew we had talent, but we were also aware that we needed direction and assistance to transform our original ideas into music of a meaningful and professional standard. And we were fortunate that Charith 'Dirty Grey' of Outcropped introduced us to Mr Milan Fernando, who initially helped us to compose our music at his studio in Panadura, for which we are all very grateful". Doggy Nation are grateful for the recent opportunities to perform, given to them by 'Fil Toddy' of 6th Lane. They also feel that thanks are due to DJ Lahiru and music composer Gimantha in reaching the professional stage, as well as Kumara for directing and producing their video. "Not forgetting are part-time band members, Sharni, Sonali and Sulaxshana, parents, brothers and sisters and various others who helped us to get to this point" added vocalist Ruban 'Mr Intro'. As for what's next for Doggy Nation; "we would like to continue performing at every opportunity we have. Though releasing an album is what we are really aiming for, but we need sponsorship for that" said bandleader Dunstan 'Revolver'. Until then, hip-hop and rap fans should "look for our first video on Sirasa and Shakti TV, which is awaiting editing at present" said vocalist Ruban 'Mr Intro'. The next live performance Doggy Nation will be at an ACBT event in Colombo, in the near future. The date was originally scheduled earlier this week but is at present expected to be finalised for a date in January 2005. So there is a chance for hip-hop and rap fans to dance to the unique and original sounds of Doggy Nation, fusing eastern and western instruments, in the near future. |
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Doggy Nation recently burst
onto the public stage in Sri Lanka with their hip-hop and rap tunes.
Mixing ancient and traditional Eastern instruments with US inspired tunes,
Doggy Nation performed at Sirasa TV's Reloaded event on November 21 with
the more well-known 6th Lane. So who is Doggy Nation, you may ask?
