2 months ago
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In an initiative to elevate Caribbean musical talent and provide a global platform for cultural exchange, Maestria Caribbean Masterclass has emerged as a dynamic and immersive training programme for aspiring musicians across the region. The brainchild of LB Développement Outre-Mer, this masterclass was designed not just as an educational tool but as a movement to empower young artistes with real-world skills that go beyond the stage.
The first edition of Maestria, which is presently in progress and is led by Loik Louisy-Louis, business development director at LB Développement, aims to integrate theory, practice, and cultural immersion.
“Maestria Caribbean Masterclass is an immersive programme created to help artistes discover all the environment of the music industry,” Louisy-Louis told The Gleaner.
“From studio sessions to video production, mastering a song, all the instalments for staging a concert, and understanding the legal and financial aspects – this experience is designed to prepare artistes for a professional career.”
Student selection varied across territories. In Guadeloupe and Martinique, a casting process was used, while in Saint Martin, registration was done through Maestria’s website. In Jamaica, the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts played a key role by selecting four students from its music department.
“We want the artistes to leave with more than just talent,” said Louisy-Louis. “They should walk away with knowledge [and] confidence, and make strong connections with everyone.”
Participants in Maestria undergo a comprehensive six-week programme that covers industry knowledge (legal, financial, and technical aspects); songwriting and composition; music mastering; and singing and performing.
The programme also taps into the expertise of renowned regional professionals including Guadeloupean artiste Riddla, who serves as one of the coordinators, and Jean-François Bourguignon, the engineer behind the common curriculum.
BRIDGING THE GAP
Dorrett Campbell, interim principal, Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, spoke on what the partnership means for the college and how it helps in bridging the gap among our other Caribbean family.
“This is a two-week immersion that gives us an opportunity to stretch more into the Francophone Caribbean, and to attract students for our certificate and associate degree programmes here. This kind of partnership strengthens our cultural tentacles further beyond the shores of Jamaica as we strive to become the hub, enabler, and driver of the creative arts in the Caribbean. So it allows us to stretch ourselves and extend ourselves beyond the Jamaican shores and beyond the CARICOM countries,” she said.
Daina Craig, an 18-year-old music student majoring in voice and one of the four students selected from the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity. She emphasised that such experiences are invaluable for students, helping them share and learn from different cultural backgrounds.
“I feel honoured to be a part of the team. I see this as an opportunity to learn, grow and showcase my skills. Students get the opportunity to showcase their talent and culture to a broader audience. They get the chance to collaborate with other artistes outside of their country and this also helps to enhance the creativity of our minds.”
She further stated that she hopes to gain confidence and get more exposure through this venture.
“I hope to develop new skills and techniques for my voice. I want to build relationships with professionals outside of my country and I hope to get future collaborations.”
Other students in the programme are Rojay Brown, Demario Aarons and Tajé Scott.
Strong collaborations with important cultural and educational organisations, including the Guadeloupe Region, Edna Manley College, the French Embassy in Jamaica, L’Alliance Française, Trace TV & Radio, the Dancehall League, the Interreg Caribbean Fund, and SACEM – France’s leading organisation for managing artiste rights – allow Maestria to be carried out.
Adding to the prestige, Dimitry Zandronis and his team are producing a documentary on Maestria, capturing its journey and impact for future audiences.
Despite being the initial edition, Maestria has a long-term aim. Students throughout the Caribbean can apply via its website when registration opens for the next phase, which is scheduled for 2026, according to Louisy-Louis.
“We wish to sustain the partnership with Edna Manley and provide opportunities for artistes from our islands.”
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