I READ IN the NATION on Friday that Jambalasse Foreday band would not be participating in Crop Over 2016.
Am I surprised? No. Am I disappointed? Yes.
I have always believed that Lloyda as a person and her brand were tremendous assets to the Foreday offering. She used to do things for bands that were not even her own. A real class act.
As per usual, I am guided by the truth as I write this article. On paper, I am still very much a registered partner of a Foreday band. However, my involvement in the execution of any band in 2016 is non-existent. From my research and observation over the last four years, the appeal of Foreday for many has been, unfortunately, on the decline.
When I hear people mention costumes as an issue, I think that said persons are way behind on the innovation curve. Costumes should not even be a topic because the front runner for many consumers who are on the front end of the innovation curve is no longer costumes but exclusivity. People who once had to be in the most fashionable costumes are now preferring to throw on a T-shirt and old pom-pom shorts, and throw all forms of paint on their bodies, whilst being surrounded by familiar faces at secluded venues.
There are only so many times that bandleaders can blame NCF and the police for the many cessations to music, lack of lighting etc. and expect patrons to extend a forgiving hand. Foreday Morning grew at a fast pace in a short time and just like the length of time it took the relevant authorities to address the situation on the Air Canada flight, the authorities were slow to address the issues with Foreday.
Older bandleaders at one time had requested that there be a cap on numbers. However, Crop Over is also a political tool and according to the legal maxim, “Justice must not only be done but it must also be seen to be done.” I am sure that it would have made sense to put a cap on the numbers as opposed to simply having a registration deadline date. However, how does one explain to bandleaders who have not made the cut, the criteria without being offensive and creating another Crop Over bacchanal.
Years ago, I was one of the 200 people who jumped at the very first Caesars Army.
It was absolutely epic. When we left the jump, my two friends and I joked that if Jules was really smart, his organisation would come the Friday and clash with Foreday Morning. The market was ripe and consumers wanted some form of exclusivity. The following year Caesars came clashing with Foreday and the people flocked. This year, Dirty Dozen is here and the people have flocked. Mixed Nutz Foreday band has come “out of the city” (perhaps going to an undisclosed venue) and people will flock. Meanwhile, many Foreday Morning bands still post costumes and have not reached a sold-out status.
I read that Jambalasse said if they return it would be a private location. I want to caution my fellow creative entrepreneurs that if everyone goes to a private location, that too will get old and tired for an ever-demanding consumer base.
Evolving a brand is likened to a trip from St John to Bridgetown. You cannot catch B11 and get off in Market Hill and get the results of those persons who stayed on the bus and rode the evolution all the way to Bridgetown (final destination). Your brands must constantly evolve. There can be no slacking, there can be no procrastinating and there certainly cannot be a mentality of “Man, money is money. When Sue leaves, Roger will come.” A simple study of the innovation curve will address that. A word of advice: always cater to Sue because Roger will always follow. One is either in business or simply in it for the hype. It can never be both. Good luck to Lloyda and other bandleaders. One can always get back on the bus. It will be difficult, no doubt, but if done correctly, it will be worth it.
Toni Thorne is a young entrepreneur and World Economic Forum Global Shaper who loves global youth culture, a great debate and living in paradise. Email: Tonithorne@hotmail.com