Local singer launches ‘uplifting’ album

Sep 07, 2015 News

…joins call for copyright laws

In an attempt to sensitize the Guyanese people and provide them with a deeper understanding of the nation’s current struggles, local singer Imykal has launched an “uplifting” album.

Clarence ‘Imykal’ Fraser

The album was recently launched by Clarence ‘Imykal’ Fraser and promotes positive messages. Dubbed “Black I Born”, the album sets out to get Guyanese reflecting on the true meaning of the word “emancipation”.
But even while Imykal accomplishes this new milestone, he emphasised the need for greater appreciation of Guyanese music as well as cultural music which promoted positivity throughout the nation.
According to the singer, there are current struggles in Guyana and the album speaks on what needs to be done to address the issues. As part of his faith, Imykal sings about taking a stance against “Babylon”, uplifting oneself and regaining power from the Motherland, Africa, and her ancestors. He also described his album as “revolutionary and profound”.
Imykal’s first album, “Woman of the Black Land” had been launched in 2007. This new album is available for download on iTunes.
Meanwhile, the singer further said that support is needed for Guyanese musicians. “The Cooperative Guyana needs to be more supportive of its own Guyanese artistes,” Imykal stressed. He added that the same should apply for local disc jockeys (DJs).
“Many of them would make up excuses not to promote their own people, claiming the quality was not the best. Well I won’t dispute that fact. But my question is, should we judge all music based on conception?” he questioned.
He also questioned whether Guyana’s current radio landscape was doing more harm than good, particularly to the youths of the nation. He opined that these youths’ minds were being “polluted.”
“If so, something is really wrong for that shows a great lack and betrayal of professionalism. I hope that the new administration will place their focus more on the content of the music played on the airwaves,” Imykal emphasised.
He went on, “We must also remember that leadership is not about domination but about paving the way for others to follow. I truly salute Jamaican radio personalities for their constant support of their artistes. However, Guyanese radio personality and DJs have been following Jamaica, but they don’t seem to capitalize on the rules of engagement; that is your credibility is the evidence of your work. If you can’t show what you have established, then your work is in vain.”
He added that radio personalities and selectors must understand their profound role. He nonetheless congratulated those DJs in Guyana who tried to be original and represent Guyanese in the execution of their jobs.
He further said that the new government should make it its priority to implement the enforcement of the copyright law with the aim of protecting the artistes and gaining respect for their creative work.
A petition aimed at the Government of Guyana and local radio stations was recently launched by the Guyana Music Network (GMN), which represents over 500 Guyanese artistes.
The petition is a call to those in radio stations to play more local content. This call was particularly directed towards the National Communications Network (NCN) which the GMN believes is mandated to promote all things Guyanese. The petition seeks to get 50 percent of Guyanese music played on private radio stations while 100 percent for NCN. The petition also seeks to not only get more modern copyright laws but to have these laws enforced.
It is hoped that with its success Guyanese musicians will be better represented and respected both nationally and internationally.
Rupert Roopnaraine, Minister of the Ministry of Education, which now has responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, recently indicated the necessity of modern Intellectual Property legislation.