Building Bridges in Jamaican Music: E-Registry Live Series Connects Creatives
On a vibrant Tuesday afternoon, the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sports in New Kingston buzzed with excitement as creatives, artistes, and musicians gathered for the latest installment of the E-Registry Live series. Under the catchy tagline ‘Building bridges, connecting the music industry,’ the event aimed to create valuable networking opportunities for up-and-coming talents in the Jamaican music scene.
The panel was a powerhouse of industry knowledge, featuring entertainment lawyer Sarah Hsia, Joe Bogdanovich—CEO of Downsound Records and a well-known promoter—radio personality Burgerman, record producer Corey Johnson, publicist Claude Mills, and selector Marlon ‘Boom Boom’ Wizard. The presence of industry heavyweights like Howard McIntosh, chairman of the Entertainment Advisory Board, added to the event’s significance.
One of the highlights of the event was the announcement by Olivia Grange, the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, regarding the upcoming launch of the Jamaica Entertainers and Creatives Insurance Plan (JECIP). This initiative, which provides health coverage for those in the music industry, is set to receive a boost with $55 million allocated from the Consolidated Fund. “This is a step forward in ensuring our creatives are protected,” Grange stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to the arts.
As discussions unfolded, pressing issues facing the music industry took center stage. Boom Boom raised a critical point about the Night Noise Abatement Act, arguing that it hampers event promoters and threatens the livelihoods of sound system selectors. “We need entertainment zones across the island,” he insisted, sparking a lively debate among attendees about how to balance noise regulations with the vibrant nightlife that Jamaica is known for.
Trademark protection also emerged as a hot topic. Hsia passionately highlighted the importance of safeguarding one’s brand. In a candid moment, Boom Boom admitted he hadn’t registered the Boom Sundays trademark with the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office. “You need to protect what’s yours,” Hsia advised, urging him to take action to secure his business interests.
Publicist Claude Mills shared his journey in building a personal brand, having worked with notable figures like Beenie Man and Vybz Kartel. He pointed out a concerning trend: the narrow focus on crime, sex, and violence in today’s dancehall music. “Reggae is losing its place on the world stage to Afrobeats,” Mills lamented, referencing the accolades that Afrobeats artists receive. “Where are the awards for dancehall?” he questioned, prompting nods of agreement from the audience.
Joe Bogdanovich called for unity within the music business, urging collaboration among artistes, promoters, and creatives. His passionate plea resonated with the crowd, leading to enthusiastic applause. He also confirmed that another edition of Freedom Street would take place this year, much to the delight of attendees.
Burgerman lightened the mood with a humorous quip about Bogdanovich’s memorable moments from Freedom Street, eliciting laughter from the audience. “You remember that time you went off about a certain act?” he teased, bringing a sense of camaraderie to the gathering.
As the event wrapped up, the energy in the room was palpable. With discussions on pressing issues and a shared vision for the future, it was clear that the E-Registry Live series is more than just an event; it’s a movement aimed at revitalizing and uniting Jamaica’s rich musical heritage. What will the next chapter hold for our creatives? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the bridges being built today will pave the way for a brighter tomorrow in the music industry.