BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer

While growing up in St. Petersburg, Taz, S.L.M., Dorian, and P.T. (known as Fanta-C) tried to immolate the popular R&B groups they had heard their parents listening to, and they grew up listening.

“Groups like the Temptations, Jodeci, O’Jays and others were the ones who had the biggest influence on us,” said Taz.

“We wanted to be real singers and performers, and keep the tradition of the old school R&B groups alive.”

The quartet has been honored with a request to perform as part of the Black Heritage Celebration. These four young men first came to Tampa during a show promoted by Too Smooth, and opened for the successful R&B group, Silk.

Entering their 15th year of singing together, Taz said they got their first break when they moved to Atlanta and landed a deal with Sony Records.

“We thought we were ready for the big time but we found out we weren’t mature enough to handle the success. It turned out to be a real learning experience for all of us.”

Fanta-C has been on the road quite a bit, and now they are preparing to shoot a video in February.

“We want everyone to come out and join us for our album release party,” said Taz. “No one will leave disappointed. We have a live band behind us this time, and we want the world to know that R&B is not dead.”