And so it was several years ago… back in the ole Ryerson days… that de IBz was officially borne.

But in all fairness, de IBz Story was actually developing long before that… in a far off island in the Caribbean.

"To understand who you are today, you need to know where you came from"

In a land at the Southern most end of the Caribbean archipelago, 2 fellas were indoctrinated into the culture, heritage and history of a nation in turmoil. Economically Trinidad/Tobago was in a recession, politically it would be torn apart by a coup… but as usual culturally it remained blessed!!

Immigrating to the cold harsh reality of Canada, was a brave and taxing move. To better one's lifestyle at the cost of one's culture is a decision never taken lightly.

So from the moment we respectively stepped foot on Canadian soil, was the exact moment that de IBz journey began… the search for one's true culture!!

That search/journey finally culminated (or as some would say "commenced") in a small up-town bar on Yonge & Eglinton called SPARKS on a warm September night. Manifested in the form of the purest of all Trinidadian cultural exports - a FETE - de IBz finally rediscovered their true roots.

In doing so, we have taken thousands of uprooted Trinis and Caribbean people alike, as well as many Canadians, on an eight year fete-coaster, supplying displaced West Indians with the best avenue to wuk out frustrations… live their culture… find love… and simply have fun… by feting de IBz way!!

So we've feted all over Toronto, and how many of you have been there from day one?? Do you remember…

Sparks
The LEX
Ploughman
Farmstead
Caribbean Sundance
Toronto Colony Hotel
St. Peter and Paul's
Vanity Lounge
Mirage/Power
Gulf Village Bar
Shangri-La/Beaumont
The Other Room

And in 2001

Fortress North
Enterprise 2000…

We partied with all the top DJs and performers…

De Outlaws
Dr.Jay
PlayHouse
DJ RIYAD
Brother J
D'Bandit
E-man
D'Enforcas
CHINESE LAUNDRY Sound System
SiGnAL to NoIsE
RADIOACTIVE SOUND SYSTEM
Neu Janarashun
TREASON
Rupie
Bunji Garlin…

So what's in store for 2001/2002… just more of the same madness as before. As we move forward we always try to top the previous year's fetes. So after having big name DJs and soca artists, it's now time for IBz to step into bigger and better soca-shoes for the upcoming year…

A new website, a new attitude but same ole IBz!!

So look out for the BIG IBz fetes planned coming soon… this time around nobody can STOP WE… and as always we are committed to the people who support us.

The search that commenced way back then, in yesteryear, is still bearing fruit today and until we've run the full course… the journey will continue well into tomorrow!!

 ( bryce@islandboyz.com )