Stakeholders in the local music industry are being urged towards greater professionalism in order to reverse the declining trend in sustainability. Making the call for an higher level of professional conduct in the affairs of the reggae industry, is Observer’s music columnist, Charles Campbell.

In his presentation of a paper at the recent Reggae International Conference, Campbell’s main focus was on the lack of business approach in the music industry. “Our musicians have to become more professional …Long term, we have to develop a proper professional system of artiste representation encompassing such functions as promotions, distributions and bookings for artistes,” he said.

While pointing out that although the music is still alive in the European market with over 500 ska bands in France alone, he acknowledged that Jamaican musicianship is still miles ahead.

Citing that the local music industry has some of the most technically competent and accomplished persons, Campbell noted: “The very idea of remixing was pioneered by Sylvan Morris, Errol Thompson, King Tubby and Scientist. Many Europeans still come here to use Jamaican musicians to record their music, though they are not able to play the same way live. In this way our local recording industry does benefit.”

He stated, however, that while this popularity is opening up a broader market for reggae, the European domestic bands are now swallowing up the live performance circuit. This, he said, puts our home-grown talents and even English reggae acts like UB40, Eric Clapton, Sting and Steel Pulse, at a disadvantage.

The former director of Synergy (promoters of the defunct Reggae Sunsplash) pointed out that the promoters benefit immensely from using European reggae bands. They are less expensive and less problematic, they don’t need air fares, they can drive from one town to the next and there is no need for hotel accommodation.

The former director of Synergy (promoters of the defunct Reggae Sunsplash) pointed out that the promoters benefit immensely from using European reggae bands. They are less expensive and less problematic, they don’t need air fares, they can drive from one town to the next and there is no need for hotel accommodation.

“They do not requires visas which is a costly and time consuming application process. Further, Jamaicans have a bad reputation in regards to honouring and respecting a contract. Many European promoters have found themselves in tough legal situations where they have advertised a Jamaican reggae/dancehall headliner who does not show up,” Campbell added.

The head of the Reggae Month Committee stated that the behaviour of the artistes is a major hurdle which can be marked down to lack of education or the lack of an overarching business principle and ethics. This he lamented, manifest in different ways such as being abusive on stage to technicians or even their own band members, getting involved with under-age girls, cooking in hotel rooms, wrecking hotel rooms, stealing; all kind of mayhem which the promoter has to remedy, many times at his own expense.

He said that European promoters have to be wary about any breach of the law as they can be penalised. He also bemoaned the fact that Jamaican artistes have not taken the time to fully understand European laws such as they relate to stirring up the populace or agitation of the people.

“thankfully, there are still a few seasoned acts like Steel Pulse, Burning Spear, Freddie McGregor who continue to shine bright as they are considered as having the best reputation on the tour circuit among promoters and technicians,” observed Campbell.