Baha Men
The Baha Men are an iconic name in the music industry. Initially a disco and funk group, they performed routinely in nightclubs and hotels around the Bahamas following their start in 1977. 43 years later, the modernized Bahamian junkanoo group has released 9 highly celebrated studio albums. The band currently consists of nine members, but also has ten other previous members— a clear sign of their longevity and love for making music. This month marks the 20th anniversary of their undoubtedly most iconic single, the Grammy and Billboard-winning “Who Let the Dogs Out?”. The Baha Men have also contributed their musical chops to a number of well-known films, including Shrek, Miss Congeniality, and Lilo and Stitch. We recently spoke to the timeless group about their first tastes of fame, music industry memories, and more!
Who were some of your favorite artists growing up?
Leroy: Michael Jackson, Boyz II Men, Tevin Campbell, Bob Marley, and Michael Bolton!
Tell us about the first time you realized you were famous
Pat: Being presented the Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording by iconic producer Jimmy Jam was the moment of fame for me; he had been my idol for years before.
Where have been some of your favorite venues to play at?
Rik: Some of my favorites were most of the theme parks in the USA like Six Flags Great Adventure and Universal Studios Concert Series’ back then. In 2016, we played for 70,000 people in Monterrey, Mexico; that was incredible. We’ve also played at Disney’s Epcot the last few years, those are always a blast. We were scheduled to play there again in September but was postponed due to the pandemic.
Your anthem “Who Let The Dogs Out” has attracted generations of music listeners. Did you think the song would be as big of a success as it was?
Hershcel: We were persuaded to re-record the song "Who Let the Dogs Out" by our recording company executive at the time. We were optimistic when we recorded it, but we had no idea that the song would achieve success on such a grand scale.
What are the best and worst things about the music industry?
Ivan: The best thing is having a hit song! The worst thing, in my opinion, is the grueling road schedule with long stretches away from your family.... because of the hit song!
What is the one piece of advice that you would give to an up and coming musician?
Isaiah: Poor attitude and egos are the worst things you can have in this business. That will destroy you.
What’s the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given?
Dyson: Find a purpose for doing what you do and never lose sight of it. Also, always show up.
