William Munro says he is fed up.
Munro, the franchise holder of the international competition hosted across the Caribbean, during carnivals in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and T&T among other Caribbean destinations, said he would not sell the T&T mecca franchise to any other country- maintaining, “the competition belongs to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”
On Tuesday, news broke that Munro- a promoter who has hosted numerous events, making a name for himself in entertainment for over two decades, would be bowing out of the cultural competition. He told us he would now leave it up to the government of Trinidad and Tobago, to see first hand, the hard work, overall financial expenditure and dedication, that goes into creating what he terms, a competition that is still growing.
With artistes still awaiting their cheques from this year’s competition, Munro said he was told by ministry officials that the entertainers would be paid by next week. “The public thinks a lot of money is made but they don’t truly understand what goes into making this show happen every year,” said Munro, explaining that the product is one that has enhanced the country and promoted tourism for many years. He emphasized that many jobs are created from a show of this magnitude and caliber, noting that it took $23 million to pull off the competition in 2012.
Lamenting that even some of the artistes hardly ever walk away with anything following their large-scale presentations, the CPF boss said it has been an investment for the enhancement of the country and to help the tourism industry strive. He argued that even the product that is Carnival has deteriorated and said he is saddened and disappointed by the lackluster approach by various governments to the country’s cultural and tourism attractions. “They need to be serious. I am not hitting any particular government but they need to be serious about things of this nature- things that bring attention to the country. The world is not accepting mediocrity and so we have always worked hard at building the product every year.”
When asked whether the competitions across the other Caribbean islands would continue, Mr. Munro said they would. He said while Barbados had approached him some time ago, to purchase the Mecca competition, he had indicated that the show belonged to the people of Trinidad and Tobago and added that this still stands.
Stay tuned to ETCETERABUZZ.COM, we’ll be bringing you more coverage of this story in the hours and days ahead.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
EXCLUSIVE: William Munro Confirms End of Soca Monarch in Trinidad and Tobago
In 2014, the International Soca Monarch and Groovy Soca Monarch competition, held on Fantastic Friday annually in Trinidad and Tobago, will be no more. Caribbean Prestige Foundation for the Performing Arts Chairman, William Munro, speaking exclusively this afternoon with ETCETERABUZZ.COM said he was tired and fed up of it all.
EXCLUSIVE: William Munro Confirms End of Soca Monarch in Trinidad and Tobago Screen Shot 2013 03 27 at 1.58.20 PM
William Munro says he is fed up.
Munro, the franchise holder of the international competition hosted across the Caribbean, during carnivals in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and T&T among other Caribbean destinations, said he would not sell the T&T mecca franchise to any other country- maintaining, “the competition belongs to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”
On Tuesday, news broke that Munro- a promoter who has hosted numerous events, making a name for himself in entertainment for over two decades, would be bowing out of the cultural competition. He told us he would now leave it up to the government of Trinidad and Tobago, to see first hand, the hard work, overall financial expenditure and dedication, that goes into creating what he terms, a competition that is still growing.
With artistes still awaiting their cheques from this year’s competition, Munro said he was told by ministry officials that the entertainers would be paid by next week. “The public thinks a lot of money is made but they don’t truly understand what goes into making this show happen every year,” said Munro, explaining that the product is one that has enhanced the country and promoted tourism for many years. He emphasized that many jobs are created from a show of this magnitude and caliber, noting that it took $23 million to pull off the competition in 2012.
Lamenting that even some of the artistes hardly ever walk away with anything following their large-scale presentations, the CPF boss said it has been an investment for the enhancement of the country and to help the tourism industry strive. He argued that even the product that is Carnival has deteriorated and said he is saddened and disappointed by the lackluster approach by various governments to the country’s cultural and tourism attractions. “They need to be serious. I am not hitting any particular government but they need to be serious about things of this nature- things that bring attention to the country. The world is not accepting mediocrity and so we have always worked hard at building the product every year.”
When asked whether the competitions across the other Caribbean islands would continue, Mr. Munro said they would. He said while Barbados had approached him some time ago, to purchase the Mecca competition, he had indicated that the show belonged to the people of Trinidad and Tobago and added that this still stands.
Stay tuned to ETCETERABUZZ.COM, we’ll be bringing you more coverage of this story in the hours and days ahead.
William Munro says he is fed up.
Munro, the franchise holder of the international competition hosted across the Caribbean, during carnivals in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and T&T among other Caribbean destinations, said he would not sell the T&T mecca franchise to any other country- maintaining, “the competition belongs to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”
On Tuesday, news broke that Munro- a promoter who has hosted numerous events, making a name for himself in entertainment for over two decades, would be bowing out of the cultural competition. He told us he would now leave it up to the government of Trinidad and Tobago, to see first hand, the hard work, overall financial expenditure and dedication, that goes into creating what he terms, a competition that is still growing.
With artistes still awaiting their cheques from this year’s competition, Munro said he was told by ministry officials that the entertainers would be paid by next week. “The public thinks a lot of money is made but they don’t truly understand what goes into making this show happen every year,” said Munro, explaining that the product is one that has enhanced the country and promoted tourism for many years. He emphasized that many jobs are created from a show of this magnitude and caliber, noting that it took $23 million to pull off the competition in 2012.
Lamenting that even some of the artistes hardly ever walk away with anything following their large-scale presentations, the CPF boss said it has been an investment for the enhancement of the country and to help the tourism industry strive. He argued that even the product that is Carnival has deteriorated and said he is saddened and disappointed by the lackluster approach by various governments to the country’s cultural and tourism attractions. “They need to be serious. I am not hitting any particular government but they need to be serious about things of this nature- things that bring attention to the country. The world is not accepting mediocrity and so we have always worked hard at building the product every year.”
When asked whether the competitions across the other Caribbean islands would continue, Mr. Munro said they would. He said while Barbados had approached him some time ago, to purchase the Mecca competition, he had indicated that the show belonged to the people of Trinidad and Tobago and added that this still stands.
Stay tuned to ETCETERABUZZ.COM, we’ll be bringing you more coverage of this story in the hours and days ahead.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Jamaican artistes priced out? Decline in stage shows partially blamed on expensive stars
The number of stage shows hosted locally are already on a decline and now overseas promoters are also limiting the number of shows due to the exorbitant fees and seemingly ridiculous demands from artistes and their riders.
According to Walter James, a popular promoter in Atlanta, based on the demands of artistes, it is sometimes impossible to make any money from the show.
"Some of the artistes start from US$50,000 for us to book them, especially when they have just had their visas returned. You have to sell your house and car just to book them! Then when you tally up your overhead you don't make a cent, and that makes no sense," he told The Sunday Gleaner.
He added that one particular artiste who he has been negotiating with for a show, had 15 persons in his entourage.
"He had 15 people travelling with him, so I have to find plane fare for all of them, plus put them up in hotel plus give them per-diem every day. These artistes say they have to bring their cook, spiritual advisers etc., it's ridiculous," he continued.
Unrealistic prices
Jerome Hamilton, of Headline Entertainment, also reiterated James' point, saying that some artistes were not being realistic with their prices.
"Some of the prices of the artistes aren't practical. Promoters are shying away because of the travel fees, travel party and the requirements. Enough artistes aren't adjusting to the economic climate.
"This does not go for everyone, but for the most part, the industry is overpriced. When one starts to starve and have to eat the food they didn't want, then they will adjust."
While the excessive fees of the artistes are costing promoters, James also stressed that the riders are also of concern.
"Some of these artistes want the most expensive equipment. They want the most expensive drum sets and keyboards, and they don't even use those in Jamaica. I have had artistes request cheese, crackers, peanuts, bottles of Merlot etc. and when I bought them, they did not even touch them. Plus, when they come with the entourage, they expect to be paid US$80 per-diem and I have to pay their departure tax, custom fees and stamp duties," said James.
Bobbi Clarke, promoter of the popular Irie Jamboree show in New York, told The Sunday Gleaner that artistes need to adjust their prices.
"This is an old issue that promoters have been having with artistes. A new artiste with two new songs in one year wants to charge money that is equivalent to be paid to an established R&B artiste," he said.
He added that while artistes may want to travel with an entourage, anything over six persons would not make sense for him based on the cost of airfare and hotel rooms. Although some promoters believe that the high demands of artistes have led to the decrease in stage shows, not everybody agrees with this stance.
The real problem According to artiste Mr Vegas, the problem lies with artistes not being able to entertain.
"I think it's the decline in the production that's coming out of Jamaica that is the real problem. Another problem is that we are also lacking entertaining people. Ninja Man, General Trees - they use to entertain the crowd, and that's what we need need more of," he said.
He also stated that many promoters do not have an issue when overseas artistes have demands, so they should not have a problem with the demands of the local artistes.
Sharon Burke, CEO of Solid Agency and promoter of Fully Loaded also sided with Mr Vegas, explaining that the decline in shows should be blamed on the quality of the music being produced.
"I don't think exorbitant fees are the problem. I think stage shows are declining because our music needs to be played more in the USA. The artistes need to learn to promote their music better and they need to start producing quality music," she said.
She, however, does concede that too many artistes are following the American standards.
"When we see some American artistes traveling with 20 people in their entourage, it's because they can attract a crowd of 40,000 persons! The promoter makes back his money so he isn't too perplexed about that. However, when some of our artistes can only attract 200 people, how will the promoter make back his money? They need to understand these things."
Burke suggested that the managers of the artistes show the artistes a breakdown of the budget in terms of what the promoter will spend on airfare and hotels and also the amount of persons the venue can facilitate. She believes that when this is done, both parties will be more likely to come to amicable solutions.
The number of stage shows hosted locally are already on a decline and now overseas promoters are also limiting the number of shows due to the exorbitant fees and seemingly ridiculous demands from artistes and their riders.
According to Walter James, a popular promoter in Atlanta, based on the demands of artistes, it is sometimes impossible to make any money from the show.
"Some of the artistes start from US$50,000 for us to book them, especially when they have just had their visas returned. You have to sell your house and car just to book them! Then when you tally up your overhead you don't make a cent, and that makes no sense," he told The Sunday Gleaner.
He added that one particular artiste who he has been negotiating with for a show, had 15 persons in his entourage.
"He had 15 people travelling with him, so I have to find plane fare for all of them, plus put them up in hotel plus give them per-diem every day. These artistes say they have to bring their cook, spiritual advisers etc., it's ridiculous," he continued.
Unrealistic prices
Jerome Hamilton, of Headline Entertainment, also reiterated James' point, saying that some artistes were not being realistic with their prices.
"Some of the prices of the artistes aren't practical. Promoters are shying away because of the travel fees, travel party and the requirements. Enough artistes aren't adjusting to the economic climate.
"This does not go for everyone, but for the most part, the industry is overpriced. When one starts to starve and have to eat the food they didn't want, then they will adjust."
While the excessive fees of the artistes are costing promoters, James also stressed that the riders are also of concern.
"Some of these artistes want the most expensive equipment. They want the most expensive drum sets and keyboards, and they don't even use those in Jamaica. I have had artistes request cheese, crackers, peanuts, bottles of Merlot etc. and when I bought them, they did not even touch them. Plus, when they come with the entourage, they expect to be paid US$80 per-diem and I have to pay their departure tax, custom fees and stamp duties," said James.
Bobbi Clarke, promoter of the popular Irie Jamboree show in New York, told The Sunday Gleaner that artistes need to adjust their prices.
"This is an old issue that promoters have been having with artistes. A new artiste with two new songs in one year wants to charge money that is equivalent to be paid to an established R&B artiste," he said.
He added that while artistes may want to travel with an entourage, anything over six persons would not make sense for him based on the cost of airfare and hotel rooms. Although some promoters believe that the high demands of artistes have led to the decrease in stage shows, not everybody agrees with this stance.
The real problem According to artiste Mr Vegas, the problem lies with artistes not being able to entertain.
"I think it's the decline in the production that's coming out of Jamaica that is the real problem. Another problem is that we are also lacking entertaining people. Ninja Man, General Trees - they use to entertain the crowd, and that's what we need need more of," he said.
He also stated that many promoters do not have an issue when overseas artistes have demands, so they should not have a problem with the demands of the local artistes.
Sharon Burke, CEO of Solid Agency and promoter of Fully Loaded also sided with Mr Vegas, explaining that the decline in shows should be blamed on the quality of the music being produced.
"I don't think exorbitant fees are the problem. I think stage shows are declining because our music needs to be played more in the USA. The artistes need to learn to promote their music better and they need to start producing quality music," she said.
She, however, does concede that too many artistes are following the American standards.
"When we see some American artistes traveling with 20 people in their entourage, it's because they can attract a crowd of 40,000 persons! The promoter makes back his money so he isn't too perplexed about that. However, when some of our artistes can only attract 200 people, how will the promoter make back his money? They need to understand these things."
Burke suggested that the managers of the artistes show the artistes a breakdown of the budget in terms of what the promoter will spend on airfare and hotels and also the amount of persons the venue can facilitate. She believes that when this is done, both parties will be more likely to come to amicable solutions.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
French Montana Target In Drive By Shooting, One Dead
We asked when will the violence end?
French Montana and his entourage was the target of a drive-by shooting last night that left one person shot and killed.The incident occured after a huge performance at Pennsylvania’s Theater of the Living Arts, in Philly.
According the NBC Philadelphia, the drive-by shooting took place just outside a hotel on Columbus Boulevard. The Bad Boy rapper and his entourage were getting off the tour bus and a large group of fans were standing outside to meet and greet them.The victim in the shooting, Jowann King, 26, was shot in the stomach and was pronounce dead at hospital.
“I don’t know the person that died,” French Montana told reporters.
Montana and Meek Mill were both on the bus at the time of the shooting.
We asked when will the violence end?
French Montana and his entourage was the target of a drive-by shooting last night that left one person shot and killed.The incident occured after a huge performance at Pennsylvania’s Theater of the Living Arts, in Philly.
According the NBC Philadelphia, the drive-by shooting took place just outside a hotel on Columbus Boulevard. The Bad Boy rapper and his entourage were getting off the tour bus and a large group of fans were standing outside to meet and greet them.The victim in the shooting, Jowann King, 26, was shot in the stomach and was pronounce dead at hospital.
“I don’t know the person that died,” French Montana told reporters.
Montana and Meek Mill were both on the bus at the time of the shooting.
Eye Ball Tattoos The New Trend In Dancehall
Kids don’t try this at home.
Face tattoos were so yesterday. Today the new trend in dancehall is eye ball tattoos.
Upcoming dancehall star Alkaline shows the world that a tattoo can be done on any part of the body including the eye ball.
The disturbing new trend is not only dangerous, but its scary looking. Perhaps someone is taking this whole demonic trend in dancehall a bit too serious.
See this photo of the tattoo needle touching the eye ball gives you the chills.To make matters worse Alkaline look like he is 12 years old.
Kids don’t try this at home.
Face tattoos were so yesterday. Today the new trend in dancehall is eye ball tattoos.
Upcoming dancehall star Alkaline shows the world that a tattoo can be done on any part of the body including the eye ball.
The disturbing new trend is not only dangerous, but its scary looking. Perhaps someone is taking this whole demonic trend in dancehall a bit too serious.
See this photo of the tattoo needle touching the eye ball gives you the chills.To make matters worse Alkaline look like he is 12 years old.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel has penned five-page letter which he released to the public yesterday. The letter, suggests that the police have masterminded a malicious and sustained smear campaign that is quite damaging to the progress of his murder cases and reputation. The letter begins: "This is Adidja Palmer stating the facts":
In 2011, I was charged for murder by way of a statement which indicated that I had ordered Lenburgh McDonald to murder Barrington 'Bossie' Burton.
Weeks later, said witness gave a statement to the Public Defender saying that he was physically assaulted and threatened by the police to say that I was involved in 'Bossie' Burton's death. Days later, he gave another statement to the Public Defender saying that since he recanted the first statement, he has been getting death threats via calls to his phone.
Days after my first murder charge, I was charged with another murder (Clive 'Lizard' Williams). In this case, the police (by way of a Senior Superintendent who was later charged with "attempting to pervert the course of justice" in a separate incident) campaigned every Monday morning on a certain TV station claiming they had DNA evidence, which came back 7 months later as negative. They also led the public to believe that they had video tape of me and my co-accused murdering Williams. I would like to add that the police made a lot of damaging remarks against me. A most notable one would be "since his arrest, the community is a safer place". He said.
Vybz kartel believes he made enemies in high places that are trying to see him put away for life
Dr. Keith Mitchell is coming to Toronto next week. There will be an open forum to the Public on Friday March 8th . It will take place inside the Civic Center at 6 pm - located at 2700 Eglinton Avenue West / at keele.. He will be coming as the New Prime Minister of Grenada, and ready to listen to the concerns and answer the questions of our People. If there are questions you want to ask, please come................peace
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)