NEWSLETTER APRIL EDITION

Transcription

1 NEWSLETTER APRIL EDITION Together we can make a difference Save the Dates: 11/3/2017-Unity Fete 11/4/2017-Seminars & Workshops 11/5/2017-Sunday is Fun Day The Influence of Music within the Caribbean It is no secret that the Caribbean community is very diverse and consists of many cultures that are heavily influenced by the countries and ethnicities of the descendants who carry on the traditions of their ancestors. Therefore one of the most obvious influences of these varying cultures is the genre of music that emanates from the Caribbean. Rhythms combined with influences from Africa, India, China and tons of other culturally significant countries, are just some of the few that have influenced the direction that the Caribbean music genre has forged for itself, cementing itself as a major player in the worldwide musical industry. The Music Industry The music industry is one of the largest culture industries. It makes a significant contribution to the economy and has long been valued for its contributions to the Caribbean cultural identity. The South Florida Caribbean Conference (SFCC) will be focusing on the music sector of the Caribbean economies, the challenges of global restructuring, as well as the developing collective strategies to overcome the barriers when dealing with social networks and media. We, the Caribbean people, enjoy competition in cultural production. Jamaica, as a prime example, continues to be the primary source for the musical invocation in the genre of Reggae, despite the fact that the genre has spread to many parts of the globe. Reggae is now recognized as one of the major genres of music and has gained recognition around the world. Another example is Trinidad and Tobago, the land of Calypso, 1

2 Soca and Steel band. This country has exported musical genres through the proliferation of the Trinidad styled carnival that can now be found worldwide. Many Trinidadians are proud that the Steel pan originated from his or her birth land of Trinidad and Tobago. Like other musical instruments such as the guitar, drums, and keyboard just to name few, that were developed and originated from other countries, Trinidadians can proudly boast of having their own musical instruments. Then there is Merengue; the official music and dance of the Latin Americas and Caribbean nations. The music stemming from the Dominican Republic is one of the sub-genres that have contributed to the recent explosion in Latin music on the world music scene. The music industry is one of the largest contributors to the growth within the Caribbean Islands. What make music so GREAT We, the Caribbean people, have participated in the music industry with the recording and exportation of genres like Baithak, Gana, Bouyon, Cadence-Lypos, Calypso, Chutney, Chutney-Soca, Compas, Dancehall, Jing Ping, Parang, Pichakaree, Punta, Ragga, Reggae, Reggaeton, Salsa, Soca and Zouk. Staying with the current trend of music is vital to stay in the game. Music is constantly changing and evolving. That is what makes music so great. It does not stand still. It's constantly moving and stays update with the current time. If you are a-part of the music industry, it is vital that you keep up-to-date with the trend and with the latest technologies such as the equipment. The development of new equipment, social networks, new social media sites, new technology such as apps, which provides a faster way to get the music to the people; determines how the economy and the industry benefits from it. Due to the growth in the technological world, the music industries have to keep up with the market in order for them to stay in business. The artistes have to find new ways/methods to reach the abundance and generate revenue. For example, DJ's equipment s constantly change, therefore, DJ's who what to be competitive and stay ahead of others, have to keep up with the latest gadgets. Artist, DJ's and other entertainers job is not as easy as it may appear to the general population. A lot of hours go into preparation for his or her shows. Artistes have broken barriers and paved the ways for the next generations by means of crossover and have become known worldwide. Some of these individuals we are speaking of are individuals like Bob Marley, Marshall Mantano, and Rihanna just to name a few. Another way, the Caribbean cultures have become known worldwide is through the various Carnivals. Carnival is one way that the Caribbean cultures have reached worldwide. 2

3 Interview with Stany Benoit also known as The Stanman SFCC had the opportunity to interview individuals who are in the music business and what they had to say was remarkable. For example, Stany Benoit also known as The Stanman who realized that the culture and music from the small islands of the Caribbean was not being exposed to the world. He created ways to bring awareness to the small islands massive to the rest of the world. During our interview with him, he stated, I like soca music because it brings joy to the soul. When asked about his opinion as to where he sees the music industry headed and how do he keep up with the trend of music, he stated the Music industry is headed to world music, where all music almost sounds the same. I keep up by listening and keeping in contact with deejays and radio stations from around the world. When asked about the impact of social media and networks, The Stanman agreed that social media has a major impact. One way in which he saw social media impact the music industry directly is the giving of opportunities to the artists and bands for a direct link to post their music and communicate with their fans instantly. Another positive aspect he mentioned was The artists and bands, no longer had to go thru paying a middle man to get to their fans. As per The Stanman, the negative aspect of social media/ network is Almost anyone now can consider themselves an artist with the use of social media. As we continue to view his perceptive about the Caribbean culture and the influences music has on the industry, the culture, as well as, the economy; he stated that People listen to music 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. So the content of the music molds their minds in some way, makes them think in a certain way. Once the community is thinking on a certain level because of the music they listen to, then will it affect the culture of the islands. He gave an example: if everyone is listening to a rap song about fancy cars, then many people might want to buy a fancy car. Music also help drives the economy cause if one artist has a hot song, this song becomes international and this artist starts to travel and promote his island. This will cause people come to come (in time being) to visit his native island. When there are local events, like 3

4 carnival, people will come to hear the songs and more songs like it, increasing tourism and bring-in more money to the island. MALIKA SINGH South Florida Caribbean Conference (SFCC) Communications Representative Malika Singh who is the Communications Representative for SFCC had the opportunity to interview two amazing artist Verzytile and K Flav. Useful information on the Musical Trend and what they do to stay in the music business from their perspectives. To see full interview please visit our YouTube TV Channel (South Florida Caribbean Conference) or southfloridacaribbeanconference.com. Check out Bubbler Sound 2017 Soca Mix on YouTube. Will keep you jamming all the way! It s available to watch here: Free Download here: 4

5 April 28, 2017 is the Official Backyard J ouvert vibes for West Palm Beach Carnival at Vibes Backyard BBQ & TIKI HUT. Free Adm. Free Parking. Food and Drinks Available April is West Palm Beach Carnival. 5

6 Message form the C.E.O. of S.F.C.C. Hello Everyone, My name is Samantha Luke Sookraj and I am the C.E.O and founder of South Florida Caribbean Conference also known as S.F.C.C. We are a team of individuals is dedicated to educate and bring awareness to our community. We are here today with no hidden agenda. We are fighting for our future and encourage unity among our people. We are here to ensure our culture and heritage is here for future generations to come. We are here to encourage unity among our children instead of segregation. We are here for those Islands who believe they don't have a voice among our people. We are here for each individual who believe they don't have the support from our people. I remember growing up where our neighbors are family and look out for each other. Holidays were my favorite. Everyone happy, celebrating together and share the little they do have with others. Demonstrating the act of kindness and giving. Now we are hearing that we don't have the support from our people, we separate ourselves into smaller groups, and only think of what s in it for me? The Caribbean is so divided and yet we find ways to continue dividing ourselves. STOP! We need to start finding ways to unite and build stronger foundations so future generations to come will have a brighter future. In my life, I dream and hope for our people coming together as one, unite we stand, celebrating, teaching and support each other to a brighter future. If we continue going and doing the things we are doing. I wonder if future generations would be able to experience the true beauty of our culture, experience the love from our community, have the same Caribbean pride that we have, receive the guidance from our neighbors as I did when growing up. I keep on wondering where we are heading. The future I see is not so bright and the path we are heading is not certain. Are we moving forward or backward? These are some of the questions I keep asking myself. Do you wonder or share the same concerns as I do? All this is happening before our eyes and yet we sit back and do nothing. Few of us keep on talking about the problem but never talk about the solutions. We hope that things will solve it self while others believe adapting or getting involved with other culture would bring them more success. In some aspect you may be right. You may or have succeeded by doing so, but at what cost? The cost of extinction or dilute who we and where we came from? Whose truly benefit from it and at what cost? Is this what we want to teach our children? Do you what to teach your children in order to succeed in America you have to deny who you are or your culture as well as your heritage? I am only one person and I don't have all the solutions, but together we can make a difference. Here you may be business owners, lawyers, deejays, promoters, managers, doctors, vendors or politicians, but really, you are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunt, uncles and everyone is someone child. Whether you from the English speaking Islands, French speaking Islands or Spanish speaking Islands, we are all from the Caribbean. Our decisions and actions impact the future. I am only one person, standing before you, and yet I know we are all in this together, because together, we can make a difference. In my anger, I am not afraid to tell you how I feel. I am hoping that I am not alone. I am hoping that someone else feel the same way as I do. In America, some of us have the opportunity and privilege to live a good life. Granted, that either you or your parents work very hard for that lifestyle. I remember coming to the United State with my family. It was my mother, father, two sisters and brother. I recall my mother working 16 to 20 hours a day so I could have a better future. My parents struggle and yet no one would have known it. Later I have found out that there were many nights my parents would go to bed hungry, but they make sure we had something to eat before going to bed. With all this struggle and hardship my family went through, my parents always instill the famous Caribbean Pride in us. The pride their parents thought them growing up. Do not steal. Ask if you would like something. The worst that person could say is no. Teach us right from wrong. Work hard for what you want. Education is very important. Be generous to others. Give a helping hand without asking anything in return. These are just a few things my parents thought me growing up. What have you been thought growing up? What are you teaching your children, your niece, nephews, and other kids that looks up to you? I know I am only one person with a dream and hope that one day we will stand united, keep our community informed, be stronger together, share our beautiful culture with the rest of the world and secure a brighter future for our children. However, I cannot do it alone. I need to remove the word I and replace it with WE because together we can make a difference. SFCC is committed to providing culture and health awareness to the West Indians as well as the American populations. We take pride in educating, empowering others, sharing our Caribbean culture and heritage, as well as, giving back to the community with the focus on health and wellness, mental health, social service, music, food, and most important to me is Unity 6

7 within our community. Join us on November 3 rd thru the 5 th for our annual South Florida Caribbean Conference and awareness. We look forward to working, learning and support for each of you. Please do not hesitate to share your ideas, concerns with us. Like myself, who hoped that someone else share the same concerns that I had; I am sure there is someone out there share the same concerns as you. May 7 th is the Offical Launch of SFCC and bithday celebration for Harry of Bubbler Sound. Music by South Florida finest. Surprise performance by local artist, facepainting for kids, games, raffel, prizes and much more. Food by yours truly SOUNDTECCBBQ... Host By: Cindy Thomas from CinCity 7

8 SFCC SPONSORSHIPS FOR 2017 We would like to thank you for your generous sponsorship and contribution towards making our First Annual conference a success. Please visit our website (southfloridacaribbeanconference.com) for more information on our sponsors. We cannot do it without you. Damion Anderson Damian Sookram Loma Batman Colson Gikes Miami Bollywood Dance Group Lester Daniel IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A SPONSOR/ VENDOR, PLEASE CONTACT US AT or Samantha at Samantha.sookraj@yahoo.com 8