The lineup of Cover Drive, a reggae and R&B group from Barbados, includes four members. Amanda Reifer (lead vocalist), Barry Hill (guitar player), Jamar Harding (bass guitarist), and T-Ray Armstrong (drummer and backing vocalist). Initially, the musicians became commercially successful in the UK. They earned international popularity for participating in recording the single “Turn Up the Love” with Far East Movement.
The band’s story begins in the late 2000s when Amanda meets T-Ray. Even though she was just a couple of years older, Amanda worked as T-Ray’s babysitter. The two young people decided to form a band. It became successful in 2011 when the artists started uploading music videos to YouTube. They were recording covers for popular songs.
Initially, Cover Drive signed a contract with Global Talent’s branch, Polydor Records. Immediately, the band embarked on a tour with Rihanna. They performed as an opening act at her Loud Tour. Cover Drive also filmed commercials for Barbados travel agencies.
The band’s debut single was “Lick Ya Down”. It was released in 2011. After the single appeared on the radio and TV music channels in the UK, it reached the 9th spot on the UK Singles Chart and came in third on R & B Singles Chart. The band quickly became popular. Many new fans tried to book Cover Drive for private events.