The Bahamas is full of many talented artist who are representing for the 242 with the music they produce, and who in time will break the international barriers and take the Bahamas to the next level in the music Industry. One of these artists is R&B crooner Sammy Poitier – better known as Sammi Star. I have known Sammi for almost 10 years, allot of those years it was only by name, as his fame as a great producer preceded him. As I became a lot more involved in the Entertainment Industry here on the Island I was given a few opportunities to meet him and became more familiar with his talent and his impact on the local music scene. With a template that fits the mold of many of the most revered international artist, Sammi Star is a triple threat, a talented keyboard player, a singer/songwriter and owner of his own production company Starboy Inc. With this new age in the Bahamian music industry reaching its pinnacle I thought it fit to interview Sammi Start since he has had experience in the game in more areas and been at it longer than most. Sammi and me sat down for a one on one on his career, life and what the future holds for him and the Bahamian Industry.
LIFE OF A STARR
So Sammi, tell the people a little about you? (general, age, origin )
I was born here in Nassau, Bahamas lived here for like 8 years…..then moved to Andros until I graduated high school ….then moved back to Nassau for COB, went to the US (North Carolina) for college then came back here in 2006….I’m in my twenty’s
When did the music start for you ?
The music started for me when as a toddler, I heard my dad play different types of music in the house all day and night…he’s a musician, singer/songwriter as well, very talented, so I guess I was born with it in the blood…I love music
Who was one of the first artist you worked with as a producer?
The First artist I worked with, as a producer was a group named Judgment (no longer together). Those dudes were hot in the late 90’s here in the Bahamas. I produced their first big hit and along with the Funk Epidemic Squad, became known as one of the hottest young producers..
Tell me about the first time you heard some of your work on the radio?
The first time I heard my work on the radio was when I produced a big hit called “Is it True” (Sorry for Making Me Feel this way) for a group called EDJ (Julien Thompson was in that group). It was a monster hit here in Nassau, that’s when J.J. was on 100 Jamz.
So when was the Starr in Sammi Starr Born?
Believe it or not, the Starr on the end of Sammi, is a brand new thing, I’ve always wanted to be a star ever since I knew what it was all about, but the “Starr” actually just came about in like 2007, when I moved back home and started recording new material to be released as a solo artist, people called me Starrboy as a producer, and everyone knows my name is Sammi, so I was like, what would be catchy…. someone messed around and called me Sammi Starr one day and I was like “S S”, wow cool, and I just kept it, and as you can see, it’s a cool name….really catchy
Did you always want to be a solo act …. ?
Actually, no…. I was a member of the trio Pure & Natural, and we had a good run in the whole music thing, we were like the tightest boy band ever, I thought we were going to be the next big thing for a long time. But then when that didn’t work out, I had to keep going, I couldn’t be without Music at all!
Are you loving the success of your latest tracks ( e.g. Good To Know You Etc. )
I mean of course, I didn’t even know it was going to blow the way it did, it was just an attempt at putting R&B on a reggae track since reggae is so hot here in the Bahamas… it has made me a household name, something I am forever grateful to fans for. It has opened so many doors for me to meet so many people in music, business and just good people (fans) in general…I wouldn’t trade it for the world??And are you working with any artist production/writing wise at the moment? ?As a matter of Fact yes. The very artists that you’re thinking would make a good ‘collabo’ with me, I’m probably working with them right now (laughs) you’ll see… ‘shhhhh’
So Tell me about Starrboy Inc ?
Starrboy Inc. is the company that I came up with to sustain me as a producer. I love making tracks, writing and arranging songs, and managing and developing new talent. So I felt it was a good idea to create a legit company to put all of this together.
What can the people expect from Sammi Starr in the near future?
Well, Sammi Starr is in the gym, underground, underneath the house, creating a new look, a hot new sound, preparing to take a place as one of the Caribbean’s most successful and hottest artists…. just keep supporting me…I need it..
So Sammi any Shout outs?
And give some encouragement to the young and upcoming artist …?Shout out to all of my fans……I love you’ll so much, till my music is always for you’ll and about you’ll l….Shout outs to all the Bahamian artists doing it BIG and supporting each other……Shout out to the crazy producers out there, you’ll know who you are…….and listen, if you’re going to do music, if you feel it in your bones, go ahead and give it a shot…..just keep practicing, writing, all of that helps you to become a more mature artist, just stay focused and it WILL happen….Sammi Starr sey dat!….GANGSTA!!!