Divine JUNO nod for Toronto “Nu-Funk” ensemble

by Nadine Silverthorne

For a band best known for their incredible live performances, a JUNO nomination is a powerful tool.

Kaybe, male vocalist in the band God Made Me Funky (GMMF) says the JUNO Awards provide an avenue for spreading their unique sound across Canada, and hopefully across the globe. “More people will come out, see the energy and the good time that we have out there,” said an enthusiastic Kaybe.

GMMF recently received their first JUNO nomination: R&B/Soul Recording of the Year for their second album “We Can All Be Free.” Rapper PHATT al could barely contain his delight. “We’re watching all the other nominees. They’re all people that we know and have seen great success happen to. To be honoured by being placed in the same category as these guys, it’s awesome! We’ve worked really hard to get here.”

Nu-Funk?

Originally formed in 1996, the nine-member ensemble creates a style that’s hard to define. Their influences range from traditional soul and funk acts like Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind and Fire and Cool and the Gang, to rock staples like Led Zeppelin and Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductees, Triumph. “Our music’s called Nu-Funk,” explains Kaybe. “It’s an amalgamation of different styles. We’re just trying to bring Nu-Funk to everybody, and this [nomination] definitely helps.”

In 2005, the band really took off. GMMF won Best R&B Band at the Toronto Independent Music Awards for their self-titled release that same year. ChartAttack.com named them one of the top performers at NXNE, declaring, “If you can’t dance to God Made Me Funky, you can’t dance.”

Hot on the tails of JUNO buzz

With their third album, “Enter the Beat,” dropping in March, the popular live band is hoping the JUNO nom will get even larger audiences out to their cross-Canada CD release tour. “We think that we’re really bringing a Nu-Funk to Canada… really allowing people to see what’s going on in terms of independent spirit,” says PHATT al.

PHATT al and Kaybe get enthusiastic when CTV.ca suggests that the group pair up with Triumph à la Run DMC/Aerosmith. The JUNO Awards have the power to turn independent bands into household names. They also provide an opportunity for Canada’s music community to come together, share ideas and cross genres. “It’s so important, I think, in this day and age,” says PHATT al. “The way music is changing, the way the industry is changing… as an independent band whenever you get recognized it feels amazing.”

Official Site: www.godmademefunky.com
MySpace: www.myspace.com/godmademefunky