Dazzle Magazine would like to share with you the journey of Kwency McKeever Kumalo Griffith, more commonly known as Pringles aka Superman HD. This outspoken, charismatic and jovial radio announcer/MC/artiste who has warmed his way into the hearts of many, is indisputably a hard and diligent worker. Pringles can only attribute his success to a desire to excel, to his courage and unwavering perseverance; initially a young boy who was not ‘born with a golden spoon’ but who paved his way to the top by simply never giving up and always searching for better. Dazzle shares with you the story of his evolution.
Dazzle: Where were you born?
Superman HD: I was born in Marchand, raised in the Bagatelle community. I lived there for most of my life, until I was about 25 years-old.
Dazzle: How did the name Superman HD come about?
Superman HD: Superman is a personal thing. I have been going through a lot of issues, health and otherwise-related. However, every time I am meant to be down, I keep getting back up. There are lots of things I am not meant to be doing but despite my limitations, nothing is holding me down. So in my mind I must be Superman.
Dazzle: What is your kryptonite?
Superman HD: My kryptonite would have to be my children.
Dazzle: How did you get the nickname Pringles?
Superman HD: The name ‘Pringles’ is a kixx-off. It started back in school. Someone jokingly asked: “Why all the ladies after you so?” and I replied I am like a tin of Pringles, once you pop you can’t stop.
Dazzle: What would you say is your profession?
Superman HD: I am a radio announcer, which is my day job. That is my Monday to Saturday, 6:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M job. The artiste/MC thing is just something I enjoy doing. I love radio.
Dazzle: What was your original career plan?
Superman HD: Growing up I wanted to be a lawyer. I wanted to be the best criminal justice lawyer in the world but I couldn’t afford it. We were very poor; I am not one of those born with a golden spoon. I have had to work for every single thing I have had. I have been working since the age of ten, during the summer at Dilly’s and Lera’s Supermarket, also carrying bags for people. I know what it is like to get down on my knees and pray, say thank you God for the day and the cup of water I am about to drink because that is all I had.
Dazzle: When did you get the opportunity to become a radio announcer?
Superman HD: I started off MC-ing from school. I have worked in a lot of industries and worn many hats over time. However, I was really fed-up of the hotel industry, working nightshifts and so I resigned. One day I got a call from a friend of mine, Mindy Jordan. She explained that there was an opening for sales at The Wave radio station. I really wanted to do that on-air thing. I figured if I can MC and if I could reach people, I would be good at the radio thing. So I started off as a salesman at The Wave and every now and then though, I popped into the studio with Mike Rogers. The people started liking me. An opportunity came up at the station and the person really responsible for fighting and getting me on air was Pilgrim Louisy. With his assistance I was able to learn production and how to mix and master tracks. Though I had the experience as a DJ he helped to push for me to do what I am doing right now.
Dazzle: What was your first song?
Superman HD: Mad Again. I had this phrase on the radio; mad again. Q-pid approached me and said ‘Pringles, you have that phrase mad again, let’s make a song with that.’ We did freestyle at one of the shows at the Cultural Centre and the crowd really liked it. So that song was recorded and it jumpstarted my singing career.
Dazzle: How do you overcome stage fright?
Superman HD: I get nervous every time before I go onstage. I have a lil’ ritual where I find a quiet corner, jump up a few times and pray. I feed off the audience all the time.
Dazzle: What makes you different as an artiste?
Superman HD: I am never prepared. My performances are not scripted. I make do with whatever I have and feed off the people’s energy.
Dazzle: ‘Return to Bacchanal’ was different. Tell us about it?
Superman HD; ‘Return of Bacchanal’, I sat at home and figured I have a song that I am really fond of and I wanted it to say something. I wanted it to relate to every part of the world. I wanted the song to fly, meaning I wanted it to leave St. Lucia. I called Boo Hinkson and asked him to come play a guitar on a song. I had been trying to write that song for three months but once Boo started playing, I wrote that entire song that night. I called the guys from the police band and told them I want that dragging brass to create that effect. I saw the entire performance when writing that song.
Dazzle: How did the duo Superman HD and Mr Killer come about?
Superman HD: Kurty is responsible for that; he is my main producer right now. He introduced me to Killer and our vibe just meshed. I always say it was a match made in heaven.
Dazzle: Where do you get your inspiration from?
Superman HD: The people; I always want to see how far my people will go, I want to see people enjoying themselves.
Dazzle: How do you come up with the concepts for your songs?
Superman HD: In the air, inspiration is all around. Anything, things people would say and do and things I would see.
Dazzle: How many years have you been competing?
Superman HD: Four years.
Dazzle: What happened during your Groovy Monarch 2012 performance and how did this motivate you to capture the Power Soca Monarch title?
Superman HD: Our every intention was to make a mark in the Power and Groovy Soca Monarch competitions. The only explanation I got was ‘I am sorry, we just got our lines crossed.’ Nothing was really ready for Power Soca. I did not get what I wanted. The band learnt the song the night of the show but I was determined to compete, so I told my team let’s do it, we will win. The fire from Thursday pushed me on.
Dazzle: How did it feel winning the Power Soca Monarch title?
Superman HD: It was this sense of feeling that, yes I did it! It was a personal achievement.
Dazzle: Apart from singing, what else do you do?
Superman HD: I have a few small businesses on the side. My dream is not to sing, it is not to be on radio. I really want to be called Dr. Griffith. My dream is to be a psychologist, so I am pursuing my first degree in psychology with ABE. I want to go on to get my Ph.D in psychology. I probably won’t get paid here for that field but I want to be able to give back. I can visit the prisons and provide assistance there. I want to be able to give back and so, as part of their Big Brother Programme at the Boy’s Training Centre, we recently adopted a boy.
Dazzle: What is your highest career achievement?
Superman HD: Doing what is in my heart, so I would say what I am doing now.
Dazzle: What advice would you give upcoming artistes?
Superman HD: It is a business. Do not make it a game. Yes, you may love it but it is an expensive love, so do not go out there just because you want the next song on the radio. You are the product, so package yourself as you would like to see something on the shelf you would like to buy. Be a professional. If you are in it for the money and you expect to get money now, leave it alone now! The more you work, the greater your chances and the better you get. You will reap the benefits later. You have to be ready and willing to give back because unless you give back you will not make it. Sometimes the best thing is to get a good recommendation when you work for free rather than someone say ‘yeah, he is good but expensive’
