Local artistes could gain from Martinique Link

THERE are immense opportunities for Barbadian artistes in the French Overseas Department of Martinique. That is the view of Martiniquan music producer, Miguel Elisabeth. He was speaking yesterday at a Press conference at the Coconut Court Hotel. Elisabeth is part of a 13-member Martiniquan trade mission seeking to enhance relations between the cultural industries of the two islands. Promotions Officer Stephany Croizet said for too many years Martinique was not considered by many Barbadians to be a Caribbean island.Croizet said there would be several benefits for fashion designers, musicians and even sports persons if Barbados and Martinique were to collaborate culturally.This would provide the “joint venture needed for our music to go to another level”. The delegation, made up mainly of members of the Bureau Export Culture (BEC), will be here until tomorrow.They are attempting to build a network of artistes and cultural ambassadors to push a unique cultural product. Elisabeth, who has worked with Barbadian musicians and producers in the past, said the blend of Martiniquan zouk and Barbadian calypso had great potential.He hoped to give an “English soca flavour” to zouk. Elisabeth said that music would have a “local background but be of universal value”. He was looking forward to shooting music videos here and other co-production projects.The language barrier between the French-speaking island and Barbados was seen as a minor issue in relations between the islands.Elisabeth said Martiniquans had little difficulty in understanding music from English-speaking islands as it was popular in the country and taught in their schools. (FM)