The Tribune

By NOELLE NICOLLS Tribune Features Editor and ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter SKETCH comedy icons are hard to come by in the Bahamas. If TAP has anything to do with it, and she does, that will not be true for very long. The on screen persona of Tracey Ann Perpall, TAP, is sassy, sometimes vulgar, forward and above all funny, so say her fans. And there are hundreds of them. Her video blog is exploding on social media networks, praised for its fresh approach and comedic appeal. Picture Chelsea Lately, the much loved E! Entertainment late night comedy fix, making out with Saturday Night Live, the sketch comedy standard bearer, Bahamian style. TAP VLogs is something like that. One of her first and most popular hits on YouTube was "TAP says, Can you tell me how to get to Shaniqua Avenue?". It racked up 63,000 views, and counting. The popular issue spoofed Sesame Street, highlighting the letter, number and colour of the day, all segues to speak about current affairs issues like the sale of BTC and gambling in the Bahamas. It also represented the on camera launch of Shaniqua, the promiscuous, outspoken and rowdy hand puppet, and reoccurring guest character. Shaniqua's moppet characteristic evokes the innocence of childish things, but her societal commentary stands in stark contrast. "Let's be real, our people, we are not easy to please or impress. For me to have the love and support of so many of my own people, that's just priceless," said Tracey. Through her video blog, Tracey has captured an online audience in the Bahamas and abroad. She said the medium has limitless potential. "What it did for me is that you do not have to depend on people. All you need is a macbook or any kind of camera or computer with a webcam and some editing software and you can do anything you want, once you have creativity and dedication," said Tracey. "At this point it is not that I am getting paid when I do a video, but it is opening doors to other things that bring in financial benefit. Someone might see my video and want to put me in a commercial or they would say, they want me to host an event," she said. If her production continues to grow in popularity, Tracey said there is potential for a YouTube partnership. Video bloggers who attract a steady audience online, averaging 500,000 views on a weekly post for example, partner with YouTube to generate revenue from advertising and clicks. Local businesses also sponsor shows and pay for product placements. "I hope it comes to a point where the videos themselves provide that reward. It is something I am passionate about, acting and entertainment. That is my life and I am determined to make this work," said Tracey. She does not know what the future holds, but Tracey does have a big vision: her own sketch comedy television show and a Hollywood Boulevard standard television studio. That is just a snippet. "I'm starting my own political party and I intend to be the Minister of lace front hair weaves and baby powder. But seriously, expect more VLogs, sketches, music and some surprises," said Tracey. "I am just working hard every day, every week trying to get things done," she said. The development of the VLog started around 2008. Friends persuaded TAP to create a video about a funny conversation they had. That set her in the right direction with the right idea. She only needed the right name. The name came from her initials and high school nickname, as well as an inspiring high school Spanish teacher, TAP. Reminiscing about her very first VLog, Tracey said: "It was shot on my crappy webcam and I had the ugliest furry beret on and I was on my bed talking about the Internet being down or something silly like that." When she looks back at that old editions, Tracey said she cringes a little. But she takes pride in how far she has come. "Now I'm shot by professional videographers in HD. I have scripts, other actors and guests are featured. There is planning involved and I also address some more serious topics, at times," said Tracey. Gaining love from grandmothers, toddlers, police officers, high school children and even people outside of the Bahamas, Tracey continues to be motivated to push the TAP VLogs further. "Black, white, Christian, agnostic, gay, straight, young, old, PLP, FNM, DNA or whoever, I've been able to somehow capture the attention of people. I don't let it get to me either, I just look at it as an opportunity to reach people, to make them smile and to inspire them," said Tracey. Out of all the VLogs she has done so far, Tracey said her all time favorite was her most recent edition "TAP says...AW, FLICK!" "That is the most fun I have ever had shooting. It was crazy because we shot it Downtown, and to have people staring and pointing at us in our crazy costumes and to have tourists just looking at us so confused, it was just a good time. Also, I'm proud of this VLog too because I was involved in every aspect of it, I wrote it, acted in it, directed it and assisted in editing." Also incorporated into the show is original music by TAP. "I've been in and out of the studio for several years and now I'm just focusing on perfecting my craft and releasing some singles, to show people a different side of TAP," said Tracey.