Fari Eric Winston whose stage name is Knutkase, (not nutcase) is a rapper from the community of Goodwill, who was introduced to Hip-hop by his friend Kenneth “Quibbles” Francis. Winston says that the inspiration behind the stage name comes from him selling peanuts as a child(since he had become the breadwinner of his family) and was given that name by one of his customers.

Knutkase is an independent artist, songwriter and producer who uses hip-hop as a means of escaping and expressing the pain felt from the harsh realities of island life.

Knutkase began producing hip-hop music in the late 90’s compiling mix tapes which fused hip-hop and dancehall to create what he calls DownIsland Hip-hop. Since 2003 he has released Seven Mixtapes  and singles. In 1999 he formed a registered company called Globally Rated “G-Rated” with Partners Curtney “C-Menace” Richards & Pascal “Sniper” Martin.

Winston’s first performance was in 1998 with a song called “Bounce With Me” and has since then performed  alongside reggae Artist Aima Moses, Opera singer Marie Claire Giraud and several top local artists.

In 2019, he released three videos produced by Omar “Kyat Bucks” McIntyre of OTB Studios namely “Beautiful Hustle, Look At Me GO & If I Should Die” to promote his  album. Presently, he is working on an album with Reggae artist Aima Moses to fuse Reggae and Hip hop. Fans can look out for his newest single, ‘Doe Rush’ which was produced by Michael “Arch Angel” Lee of Arch Angel Musiq.

“What makes me different  as an artist is how I use hip-hop as a form of commentary and record keeping of events past and present. I use my skills as a way of educating, up lifting and showcasing a different side of Island living”, says  Knutkase.

According to him, a major challenge faced by local artists is the lack of appreciation shown to local hip hop artists in terms of not being played among many other genre on the radio as well as the exclusion of hip-hop in local shows. He however, thanks the local DJ’s like Dj Smoove, Danejah Dane, Marisa Stedman and DjFlip Thaboss who keeps him in rotation.

Knutkase aims to promote his music throughout the Caribbean region and the world and in so doing become an ambassador for Dominica.