He is described as a rising local artiste in the Territory and known for his rap and swag style when he takes the stage. Travis Osborne, 18, who has two stage names 'Bumpy' and 'B Breezy' has something new for his fans; a throwback music video for his recent single 'Wrangler'.
Produced by VI Lander Films, the new video depicts a number of scenes and persons from Carrot Bay, a village on the western end of Tortola where Bumpy resides.
"The song was out probably about a month now, but in the video I am just trying to show persons you know how we roll in the Virgin Islands; just a little flavour of the Virgin Islands. It is a fun song to ride to...We actually shot the video in one weekend...Got all my supporters together and we started filming from the Saturday morning in Carrot Bay in my hometown where I was born and raised; it was shot there," Bumpy stated.
The artiste, who aspires to hold a medical degree, is currently pursuing a degree in engineering and architectural drawing at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.
Bumpy has been in the music industry for close to six years and said he will continue to push until he breaks into the international arena. He pointed out some of the challenges that has barred him from that break all these years.
"Well you know it's politics; you know I have to know somebody who knows somebody or sometimes it's all kinds of different things. You have to know somebody; you have to reach the person, have to be at the right place at the right time. Sometimes some [artistes] take longer than others; sometimes it's one in a million; it's not going to be as easy as it is for some of us as it is for others. So I might have to stick it out, it might take me forever to get on, but when I get on it's more important to me because I know how hard I worked for it...Well to be honest, I know it's there; I know it's going to come and stuff; I am just pushing until it comes," he related to BVI Platinum News.
Bumpy, who began singing from the age of 13, is unlike many other local artistes who fashion off of international acts. He told BVI Platinum News that he sees himself as his role model, but do look to Virgin Islands' singers such as Iyaz and Rock City who have made a name for themselves internationally.
"I try to be as original as possible...I look up to people like Iyaz and Rock City because they come from the same thing and they know what I am going through...I have a lot of role models like Iyaz and Rock City, but my biggest role model is myself," he stated.
Speaking on rap music and some of the negative reviews it attracts, Bumpy said there are positives lyrics in rap music and his music is a testament.
"Everybody have their own opinion, but not all is negative. Rap is a way to express yourself and feel free and say what is on your mind and express yourself...Rap music can uplift you depending on what you are listen to. You listen to the type of music depending on your feeling. Not all the time you feel like gospel or R&B...When you listen to rap, it doesn't necessarily mean negative because these are the types of music people party to in the club; it got you bumping and what's not," he said.
The young local artiste said he writes his music based on what he is going through at certain points in his life.
"My music is feel good music; sometimes I express what I am going through, sometimes you might hear me with a little love song; I put what I am going through in my music...I am positive...people look up to me, so I remain positive," said Bumpy.
In the coming months, Bumpy has a lot of plans, including works with USVI's reggae star Pressure Buss Pipe. He will also be heading in the studio with local artiste MJB and will be releasing a mix tape.
Bumpy was recently chosen among the five finalists to represent the BVI in the Virgin Islands 6th Annual Idol Music Showcase and Competition on August 11 on St. Thomas.
He encouraged persons to log on to the website www.viidol.com or text 340-22804343 to vote for him.
