Strategic and deliberate investment in Jamaica’s music
Published:Monday | October 28, 2024 | 12:06 AM
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange shared that Kabaka Pyramid and his Bebble Rock Team band are representing Jamaica at the World Music Expo or WOMEX, in Manchester, England.
The annual WOMEX, billed as the most internationally diverse music festival in the world, is the biggest conference of the global music scene, featuring a trade fair, talks, films and showcase concerts.
Grange said she was “pleased that Kabaka Pyramid [is] one of 50 acts from across the world that will be showcased at WOMEX this year”.
The minister explained that it was the “first time in the 30 year history of the Expo that a Jamaican band is being showcased”.
The Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport provided support in the sum of one million dollars to enable Kabaka Pyramid and his band to attend and perform at WOMEX.
Grange said it was a strategic and deliberate investment in Jamaica’s music.
“WOMEX brings together top performers, booking agents, festival organisers, venue agents and managers from across the world who are all looking to do business. We must ensure that reggae, dancehall and our Jamaican performers are front of mind when the critical decisions about festivals and tours are being made,” said Grange.
Multitalented artiste and producer Kabaka Pyramid won the 2023 Grammy in the Best Reggae Album category with the album titled The Kalling.