Derrick "Ambaz" Thomas a.k.a Roots Man hails from the small village in Antigua and Barbuda called Glanvilles.  A plumber by trade, Thomas has a strong passion for music.  At the age of 21 he began singing in his community choir.  After three years with the choir he formed a family group called Roots Man Connection, when he started singing and performing reggae music.  For 12 years the band held concerts all over Antigua, opening for a number of international artistes such as Shabba Ranks, Culture, Maxi Priest and Steel Pulse.  

In 1997, Derrick was asked to represent Antigua in the Caribbean Song Festival Competition which was held in Barbados.  The festival was sponsored by the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU).  He placed third among 13 contestants and became the first Antiguan to win a place in the competition.  In 1999, Derrick received an award from the Ministry of Information and Talent Incorporated Limited for outstanding achievement in music.

While performing with his band he wrote a few songs of his own, some of which were recorded on his debut album "Ghetto Child" which was released in 2000.  A concert was held in New York to promote the album and it was very well received.  His latest CD has just been released on www.digstation.com.  He is in the planning stages for the official release locally right after the Carnival season.  But you can win your own FREE copy of "Bubble It Up" from 365antigua.com! Go to our facebook fanpage for details on how you can win!

For more info on Derrick "Ambaz" Thomas, call 772-7798, 722-9465 or 723-5466, visit him on facebook, or email eddy.steele@gmail.com