One the Island’s premier concert promoters and reality TV producers has died.
The voice of the famous ‘lion’s growl’ associated with Animal Productions and Dread and Baha, Andrew Phillips, passed over the weekend at the age of 60.
Philips was a marketing genius, producing catchy radio and television advertisements to go with his concert promotions in the earlier years of this century and was the ‘Baha’ portion of the tandem, Dread and Baha, which included Gladwin Simmons.
He was the son of the late Lionel Phillips, a long-time marketer and equipment sales manager at Gilbert Darrell Store Equipment and, Marva Phillips, a renowned educator and former principal of Somerset Primary School, who was also a social activist with the Progressive Group.
Phillips spent time employed with Bermuda Broadcasting Company, alongside TNN’s very own Trevor Lindsay, but truly flourished in the public domain when he ventured into concert promoting, using his gravel-tone of voice and marketing ingenuity to great effect.
Along with, Sarah Fellows, he founded and grew Global Arts Entertainment, a charitable company that offered various activities to many of the Island’s youth, taking groups overseas to the United Nations, where they were able to showcase products that could slow the adverse elements of climate change, while encouraging environmental sustainability.
The company also encouraged physical fitness and healthy, natural nutrition as a means of combating the problem of local obesity, instituting the Middle School Fitness Challenge as well as producing the reality show series, the 100-Day Challenge, which featured locals competing to lose weight.
Phillips and Fellows are the parents of Bermudian tennis sensation Daniel Phillips, who is based and competes regularly overseas and formerly attended the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar, a tennis academy located in Manacor, Mallorca, Spain.
Phillips has two additional sons, Jonathan, and AJ, and daughter Imani.
“At a loss for words,” a friend of Phillips posted on Phillips’ Facebook page. “Doesn’t seem real.
“Memories from Dread and Baha, 100 Day Challenge, West End Community, Animal Productions, you were always giving.
“From co-workers to friends, you always check on us and sent your support.
“Condolences to the kids and family. RIP Lion!”
Another friend remembered him for his quick wit, funny quips and tremendous sales skills.
“Drew had jokes for days and could spin a yarn,” said another. “And he could sell ice to an Eskimo in winter, such was his gift.
“His father worked with mine for years and we attended Allen Temple Church’s Sunday School coming up, where his mom and dad both taught Sunday School and were heavily involved in church business and committees.
“Gonna miss that growl.” Phillips is also survived by two sisters Vanessa and Christine.
TNN sends deep condolences to the family at this sad time.
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