Accolade music symposium ends on high note

Oct 19, 2008 News

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Lively, timely and pertinent discussions on the way forward for the music industry in Guyana dominated the recent Accolade music symposium at the International Conference Centre, Liliendaal.

Though the turnout was a little disappointing, it did not noticeably daunt the spirit of those in attendance, who used the opportunity to offer constructive suggestions to accelerate the growth of the industry.

The symposium was aimed at bringing musicians, studio owners, producers and all other major stakeholders in the local music business in an environment where they could constructively criticize, analyze, and devise common recommendations that will pave the way forward.

Apart from their high praise and appreciation for Guyana’s first Accolade Awards, participants lobbied specific initiatives to modernize and advance music to sustain talent and livelihood and preserve culture.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad, delivered an address on ‘’Music as a Business in Guyana,’’ while presentations were made by Ms. Teesha Mohabeer and Mr. Burchmore Simon.

Finance/Marketing Director, Teesha Mohabeer said that, in February, a group of vibrant, intelligent young persons had a brilliant idea of music awards for Guyana.

They talked about a red carpet entrance, celebrity performers and, most of all, honouring the hard-working stakeholders in the music industry. The vision of Accolade was born, and there was no looking back.

Ms Mohabeer noted that although many have had the idea of hosting music awards in Guyana, for whatever reason, they had not yet fulfilled this vision, but they will.

She assured all that their Executive Committee will execute an event of the highest quality, since their creativity is unmatched, talent unstoppable; while diligence, dedication, teamwork and patriotism are some of their special attributes.

She said Accolade is synonymous with excellence, meaning an award of honour and bravery, or a tangible symbol of distinction, and will be the highest commendation ever to be received in Guyanese music.

The event seeks to recognize singers, songwriters, producers, DJs, VJs, media personalities, and pioneers as they encourage them to continue reaching for the stars, and to amplify their hopes and dreams. It is also centred on taking Guyana’s music industry to the next level and boosting tourism.

As part of the vision of Accolade, the ‘Let the Music Flow’ Fund has been launched with the intention of awarding young musicians with scholarships, and to provide musical instruments to schools.
There is also a dream to open an Accolade School of Music.

Mohabeer urged corporate Guyana to become involved, noting that their contributions can help in achieving the magnificent dream.

Accolade’s Burchmore Simon noted that, on the global front, Guyanese live in a period of increased piracy, and with peer-to-peer sharing of music, big record labels are spending less and less on artiste development.

With the increased growth of independent labels, the competition for distribution and air and television time has increased.

He added that there has been total penetration of the domestic market, as well as in the Caribbean, by music from North America, with greater preference shown for the latter.

Simon said the industry is almost non-existent because of the apparent lack of organisation, stressing that what exists are small pockets of producer musicians and people in related areas doing their respective things, with little or no respect for a cohesive and objective strategy for the real establishment and forward mobility of a music industry.

Simon noted that the time has long passed for a change in attitude and objectives that are self-centred. He related that what is needed is for real effort on behalf of all involved in the various aspects of the industry to get on the bus that has only very recently got moving, and to not just be passive passengers but active participants in developing this rewarding and lucrative industry.

While he emphasized the need for volunteerism in the early stages, he stated that people must be prepared to volunteer their services at least in the initial stages, noting that a collections agency, a playlist policy and charts for Guyanese music are important.

Proper management practices determine vital factors, while registration of works using the poor man’s copyright method (joining other organizations in the Caribbean) was deemed positive factors for musical development.

He touched on education of young musicians, which he deemed a vital factor, even as he urged Guyanese bands to play more Guyanese music as part of their repertoire.

Simon also saw the need for more music teachers in the school system, and he highlighted the importance of a national school of music in Guyana.
(Alex Wayne)

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