‘Antidot’ is out |17 February 2024
Mercenary’s ‘Antidot’ album is his 10th
Vincent Eliza aka Mercenary (Mersener in Creole) recently released his 10th album titled ‘Antidot’.
According to Mercenary the album is the culmination of a five-year project, which started in 2019, and fans have been able to add this new 19-track album to their collection since February 9.
In an interview with Seychelles NATION this week, Mercenary, whose genres are reggae and dancehall, said the album features both local and international artists including Champion who is well known locally and French singer originally from Guyana, Jahyanai King, who performed in Seychelles last year.
The artist said his latest work is inspired by everyday life. “I address everything,” Mercenary stated.
Why ‘Antidot’? In his own words, Mercenary described it as “se en resers pour en gerizon mizikalman. Mon lanmizik i vin avek mesaz motivasyon, lazwa e konfor, lanmizik i soulaz leker.” (It is a search for a musical healing. My music comes with a motivational message, joy, and comfort. Music relieves the heart).
Some of the tracks which can already be heard from passing cars and airwaves include love song ‘Touzour la’, ‘Gou’ which commends women’s role in society, ‘Kastrol’, and ‘Solid’ featuring Mahe Chamber Choir.
The cost of production is around R200,000, said Mercenary and this includes producers’ fee, pen drives, advertisement and printing. The album was produced without sponsorship.
“I collected the funds from shows and sale of my previous CDs,” he explained, saying it was hard-earned money. That is why the local artist has been disappointed with people sharing this album online instead of buying an original copy.
“It takes a lot of sacrifice to do this work and to see how people do not respect it is frustrating.”
This means fewer people are buying the CD at R150 and pen drive at R250.
“It’s the first time I include pen drive as a way to distribute my music,” said Mercenary, who considers it a disadvantage as it is easier for people to copy.
The artist had a heartfelt acknowledgment to the individuals who played pivotal roles in the production of his 10th album, including Johnny Volcère of Paradise Media, producer Dareal Thing, Elvis Joubert for printing, along with his family. Their collective efforts stand as a testament to the power of collaboration and camaraderie in the pursuit of artistic excellence.
Top of Form
‘Antidot’ is available on all three main islands. Mahe fans can contact 2612476 for delivery in town, Persévérance and Providence, whereas Praslinois can drop by at Hope and Faith Barbershop. Residents of La Digue can get in touch with Marcus.
‘Antidot’ will soon be uploaded on music platforms like Spotify, Apple Music and others.
Reggae fans will be able to see the artist live on April 6 at the Music Stadium alongside the Chromatix Band and other local artists.
Anika Cathene