Levi Loblack
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Levi Loblack, born in Roseau Dominica, and is the son of May Loblack & Emmanuel Christopher Loblack - Trade Unionist and founder of Dominica’s Labor Party.
He is a singer, songwriter, producer, comedian, master of ceremonies, & actor, also known by the stage name “Super L.”.
His musical career began when as a young boy he was encouraged to sing and perform with Dominica’s Souffle Moutine Chorale. In 1978 he auditioned for and won the role of Judas Iscariot in the Dominican rendition of Jesus Christ Superstar a musical presented by The People’s Action Theatre.
Right off the success of Jesus Christ Superstar, he was asked to join the Dominican Swinging Stars as their lead vocalist. It was during his time with the band that he arranged and composed the band’s most well known #1 song Grotto Brule. However, after performing with the Swinging Stars for more than 3 years, he decided to venture out onto his own, and in 1984 began a successful Calypso career where he was not only a Calypsonian but also the Master of Ceremonies at numerous Calypso Queen Competitions. In 1985 he became a Road March King with his hit song “The Body Slam”, and in 1988 his song “Good Citizens” was named song of the year. In that same year he won the prestigious title - Best Male Vocalist Of The Year at Dominica’s Fame Awards. He was the first person to organize, with the Board of Education, the Junior Calypso & Junior Queen shows that were held amongst the various high schools. Another first, he recorded a live production with The Juradel Jing Ping Band, and was instrumental in the formation of Dominican music groups Black Roots International, Style, WCK & Jewels Combo. He has worked with many artists including Arrow, The Mighty Sparrow, Dominica’s RSB Band, and has also toured, recorded and performed with Dominica’s Lady of Song – Ophelia Marie. He was actively involved in local Dominican community projects and even lent his talents to serenade the Queen contestants during Calypso Queen competitions. He worked side by side with Dominica’s Red Cross & Girl Guides organizations, and assisted on many occasions, the local government in their promotion of culture at various cultural galas. Right after Hurricane David struck in 1979 Levi was chosen to tour the Caribbean with a group of artists under the name of Cassword in a collaborated effort to raise funds for Dominica during its recovery period. He also toured to Grenada with the cultural group Black Awareness, along with the late Honourable Prime Minister Roosevelt Douglas as part of the Morris Bishop Cultural Exchange Program. After moving to Canada Levi’s goal remained the same - promoting Dominica’s culture. He performed with Toronto’s music group Instant Jam, who were highlighted weekly on the popular West Indian television program Bacchanal. Later on he formed his own group High Tension and his present band Levitasyon (formerly Levitation). Both bands have been instrumental in heightening awareness of Dominica’s musical heritage. As the leader of the group Lévitasyon he has guided the group to achieving numerous #1 songs, and 2 full length CDs. To date Lévitasyon is the only French-Creole music group to have ever been nominated in the Canadian Urban Music Awards.
Levi’s work with Levitasyon has produced a highly respected group who have performed with international Creole music groups Carimi & T-Vice, as well as performed at Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival. Other recognitions have since followed: • Recognition by the Dominican Government’s National Cultural Council for outstanding contribution to cultural development in the field of Entertainment. • Certificate of Appreciation from Our Lady of Good counsel Caribbean Catholic Church and Centre. • Certificate of Recognition from the Creole Cultural Federation, Toronto • Legends of Cadence-Lypso The Renaissence D.B.S & Dompro recognition for his contribution to Cadence-Lypso • Knowledge Book store Community Award for Lévitasyon’s continued effort in promoting Creole music in Canada and the World • Lévitasyon Certificate of Appreciation from Brampton’s Caribbean Pavillion Levi will always proudly promote Dominica’s Arts & Entertainment - Lévitasyon’s 3rd Creole music CD is scheduled for release in April of 2007, the goal continues.