Guyanese musicians call for more local support Some may argue that Guyana’s music industry is severely underdeveloped while others contend that Guyana does Terry Gajraj not even have an industry. A group of companies and individuals that make money by creating and selling music is the definition of the phrase music industry. According to Drew Thoven, Director of local music studio Kindred, efforts are being made to develop an industry and while the attempts are commendable, for aspiring musicians, they just are not enough. Undoubtedly, as seen on the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) Jingle and Song Competition, and at school and other local concerts, there are truly talented people in Guyana. But quite often, their talent goes unnoticed because there is no initiative or strategy in place to foster their ability to enhance and promote their music, especially as it relates to creating a livelihood. An aspiring musician, Richard Nero, from Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) expressed, his disappointment that producing music in Guyana was merely a hobby for the talented. “You have to remember, Guyana is small and immigration is high in our country. People who want to pursue music as their career; they go to other countries to do so. So, people would most likely do it as a hobby instead of a job.” Nevertheless, he believes development in Guyana’s music scene is possible, just not profitable because most locals do not support their own music. This point was reiterated by many other local musicians. Neil Ramdial, vocalist of the Project X Band, described Guyanese as “foreign minded”. He explained that even if the foreign music was distasteful, Guyanese would still shower the artistes with great appreciation and show their Jumo Primo support for the music. “We support other artistes and do not support our own talent, which in some cases, our talent is better. And I think if we get this support, from all stakeholders, then we can see great development in our industry.” National pride Renowned Guyanese artiste Terry Gajraj stated that if Guyanese want to start making money from their music, then serious changes need to be made as it relates to the music they support, or more so, do not support. “They need to be playing more Guyanese music and de-emphasising Trini, Jamaican and other foreign music. We need to learn from Trinidad, Barbados, Jamaica, etc and do what they do. They play their own music instead of music from other countries, thereby also creating employment for their own and encouraging creativity and national pride.” Former GT&T Jingle and Song Competition Contestant Jenell Pierre also believes that more local music should be played on the airways. Diversity Of course, this is not to say that Guyanese musicians never get local support, but support as it relates to musical diversity is lacking. Gavin Mendonca, a rock enthusiast who is a member of the Feed the Flames Band and Radio Announcer for Rock n’ Roll, said that Chutney and Soca were the mainstream music of Guyana, creating a niche for musicians who specialised in other genres. “I’ve only been in the music industry for five years and as a rock musician in Guyana, it’s a completely different scene.” He called for all musicians to work together, regardless of their preferred genre of music to create a solid platform for local music. Mendonca suggested initiatives such as an official National Music Chart and annual awards for different categories. “We need to promote more Guyanese music on local airwaves. Guyana has fallen victim to American culture. Should Guyanese television and radio stations put more emphasis on local talent, it would give the industry a boost by creating an audience, thus creating a market.” Joshua Premdas, a guitarist, suggested that restaurants and different entertainment complexes host mini shows featuring local bands with the aim of promoting local music and creating an audience. In addition to support, musicians are calling for stringent copyright laws to protect their music. “Artistes need to make money too,” Pierre opined......https://youtube/watch?v=OLNilw_t3Gc
Posted on: Tue, 20 Jan 2015 18:55:37 +0000
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