DJ Smiley G‘s latest compilation, ‘Pulse Fusion Vol.1’, is a recent release that shows a whole lot of promise. The 12-track volume features different artistes all working with Smiley G’s creative production and direction, engaging a number of topics that feels like a spiritual walk through one’s own mind. Men and women sufficiently represented, this compilation is a landmark effort.
The songs gather messages of hope, prayer, resilience, sustenance and love. My top picks were “Ride For You” by Whatatamtam, “Work (Dream)” by WhiteBlackz, and “I Need You Now” by Shivaun Rufus. It is always exciting to see what collaborative projects can yield when Jamaican creators contribute to an expected end.
To follow DJ Smiley G and access his work, please see the following links below:
‘Calling’, an album recently released by Queen Atara, is a fine listen that shows many sides to the budding songwriter, singer and rapper. Featuring Nature Ellis (“Never Mislead Me”), Yah Meek (“Try”, “Forevermore”) and Don Eldee (“Just Think About It”), the 10-track album broaches many topics using various approaches.
The title track, “Calling”, is a nyabinghi-laced introduction, leading to reggae tunes that lean more towards roots-puritan influences where the sound is concerned; pop and hip hop are also blended into the mix. Atara sings about “toxic” love, gives encouragement, looks towards Jah and the ancestors and visits lovemaking in a wholesome, almost family-friendly way.
The Jamaican-born, Austrian-based artiste continues t0 be an ambassador in the mission to spread Jamaican music everywhere, especially in the diaspora. These connections are important to maintain, as our industry gains life by breathing in new influences and creating now methods of our own for export. “Calling” by Queen Atara is an album well done.
To follow Queen Atara and access her work, please see the accompanying links:
UNESCO has announced the launching of a ‘Business Angels’ scheme, a one-to-one business mentorship programme for young cultural and creative entrepreneurs in the Caribbean. This initiative is part of the programme Transcultura: Integrating Cuba, the Caribbean and the European Union through Culture and Creativity, funded by the European Union, open from March to November 2024, which aims to create career opportunities for youth in the cultural and creative industries in the Caribbean.
The scheme will be open to culture professionals aged between 18 and 35 from the beneficiary countries of the Transcultura programme: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenade, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. It will offer online mentoring services, matching qualified mentors with young cultural professionals to provide career orientation, help with business strategies, and address specific challenges related to cultural and creative businesses.
Topics for counseling include business planning, networking, marketing, branding, communication, and fundraising. Young cultural and creative entrepreneurs will be able to request an individual appointment with a mentor for a session of up to one hour, with a maximum of four appointments over the duration of the ‘Business Angels’ scheme (from March to October 2024).
The programme Transcultura: Integrating Cuba, the Caribbean and the European Union through Culture and Creativity, implemented by UNESCO and funded by the European Union, has announced a call for 24 scholarships aimed at young Caribbean culture professionals. The scholarships will enable participation in face-to-face courses at the International Film and Television School of San Antonio de los Baños, Cuba. This institution is a member of the Caribbean Cultural Training Hub, created by the Transcultura programme to boost the professionalization of the cultural and creative sectors in the region.
The courses offered in this call cover topics relating to the audiovisual and interactive media sphere and more specifically, sound editing. The courses will last 2 weeks (60 teaching hours in double sessions) from 17 to 28 June 2024. The courses will be taught in Spanish with simultaneous interpretation into English and French. Applications can be sent until Monday 8 April 2024 at 23:59 hours Havana time (GMT-5).
The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024 asks entrants to consider how they deal with adversity, and how community and culture can be used to encourage resilience and hope in a world with a growing number of global issues. Writers should be between 14-18 years old for the senior category, and under 14 for the junior category. Deadline for submissions is May 15, 2024.
Romain Virgo‘s latest album, ‘The Gentle Man’, is an exciting, fresh listen that will grab the ears and satiate the musical palate. Featuring Masicka(“Been There Before”), Patoranking & Silly Walks Discotheque(“I Believe”), Jesse Royal(“Bridges”), and Capleton (“You Must Pay”), the album packs twelve tracks that have been curated for one’s aural delight.
The writers were Romain Virgo, Javaun Fearon, Nicholas Browne, Rayon Curate, Romeich Major, Donovan Bennett, Matthew Keaveny, Daniel Weltner, Nkunku Maximila Milanda, Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, Phillip Meckseper, Oliver Schrader, Joscha Hoffman, Maurice Delauney, Dennis Emmanuel Brown, Phillip James, Andre Stefan Hall, Sean Alaric, Simon Alexander Mitchell, Terry Bennett, Kareem Spencer, Jesse Gray, Oliver Rodigan, Clifton Bailey III, Dayan Foster and Hugh Beresford Hammond.
Drums and bass were by Romeich Major, Dj Densen, .MLND, Maurice ‘Seani B’ Delauney, Kevin McPherson, Makiri Whyte, Jevaughn Latty, Andre Hall, Phillip ‘Winta’ James, Devon Bradshaw, Glen Browne, Oliver ‘Cadenza’ Rodigan, and Donald ‘Danny Bassie’ Dennis. Keyboards were played by Rayon ‘Slyda’ Ricardo Curate, Evad Campbell, .MLND, Kevin McPherson, Roan Johnson, Phillip ‘Winta’ James, and O’Niel Dacres.
Background vocals were Tori-Ann Ivy, Janeel Mills, and Carl Lee Scharsmidt. Guitarists were DJ Densen, . MLND, Jared Ansine, Ian ‘Beezy’ Coleman, Ranoy Gordon, and N’namdi Robinson. The saxophone was played by Dean Fraser. Recording engineers were Nicholas ‘Niko’ Browne, Orane Carney, Michael ‘Boxxy’ Howell, Tandra Jahgroo. Donovan ‘Doncorleon’ Bennett and Phillip Meckseper played all the instruments for the respective tracks.
Publishers were credited as STB Music Inc. dba Music by STB (ASCAP), Jack Russell Publishing Dubplate Music, Jack Russell Publishing, Ultra International Publishing Company, Islandrockpublishing Llc/Bmi, GEMA, Mad Decent, Sony ATV, Maurice Delauney, Analog MetaSongs (PRS), Sean Alaric Publishing, Giving Pro Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing, Clifton Bailey III and Dayan Foster (ASCAP).
The recording studios used were Lifeline Music Studio, Bay Eight Recording Studios, Tuff Gong Studio, Anchor Recording Studios, Big Yard Studios and Tad’s Recording Studio. Producers included Romeich Major, Rayon ‘Slyda’ Ricardo Curate, Nicholas ‘Niko’ Browne, Donovan ‘Doncorleon’ Bennett, DJ Densen, .MLND, Oliver Schrader, Joscha Hoffman, Maurice ‘Seani B’ Delauney, Andre Stefan Hall, Sean Alaric Ricketts, Phillip ‘Winta’ James and Dayan ‘Pete’ Foster.
Mixing engineers were Mario ‘Dunw3ll’ Dunwell, Donovan ‘Doncorleon’ Bennett, Mix Master Garzy, James ‘Bonzai’ Caruso, Maroon Riddimz, and Gregory Morris. The executive producer was Christopher Chin, with mastering by Christopher Scott (at Castek Systems Solutions). Photography and art direction/ design was by Samo ‘Kush-I’ Johnson. Additional edits/ production was by Deron James. A&R was by Neil ‘Diamond’ Edwards. Legal and business affairs/ A&R admin was John McQueeney.
Courtesy credits were also noted to Def Jam Recordings (Masicka’s appearance), Amari Musiq Ltd. (Patoranking’s appearance), Analog Metaverse and Warner Chappell Music (for Dennis Brown samples and interpolations), and Music of STB (Beres Hammond’s “Irie & Mello” interpolation).
This album is a particular favourite of mine as Romain seems to pour his gentlemanly charisma into all of the songs presented. “Red Dress” is my top pick, followed closely by “Want You Now”, and “No Curfew”. All the collaborative songs sounded complete and satisfactorily complimentary. This is just one album that you have to get familiar with; feel free to ask any member of Virgo’s solid fanbase who will be sure to agree.
To follow Romain Virgo and access his work, please see the accompanying links:
The ability to put pain into art is a tool being developed by many talents, and Geo Lyrical has has honed his skills into a collection of songs that provoke thought, reflection, meditation and self-regulation. Songs like “Weh Me Heart Gone (W.M.H.G)”, “Light”, “Nothing Nuh Change” and “Last Cry” spoke to me especially. The riddims may have been slightly monotonous in terms of a trap dancehall feel, but for the themes covered in the lyrics, it seemed a fitting choice.
In 2024, we have become more acquainted with opening up about our pains and hurts. Covering them rarely increases the health of the individual; rather, it contributes to a number of incorrect thought processes that complicate the issues. Music is a great medium for airing one’s thoughts as it enhances the understanding and accountability of the individual involved, and ‘Resurgence’ is a perfect example of this.
To follow Geo Lyrical and access his work, please see the accompanying links:
Alloby‘s newly released EP, ‘Allo B Thy Name’, is an interesting product. An Afrobeats/ dancehall offering, the EP includes seven tracks by the burgeoning act who is determined to top the charts and gain all the meaningful musical accolades along the way. Production was handled by 3Kings Music Group and Upper Peak Studios.
Asked if he was worried about the name of the EP, ‘Allo B Thy Name’, a play on ‘hallowed be Thy name’ being construed as blasphemous, he responded: “They will still have something to say, at least I didn’t say ‘science be thy name’.” – Jamaica Observer
The EP touches on love, romancing, dashing out, being alone, being a soldier, and just having a vibes overall. I found it to be a pleasant listen, showing enhanced forethought going into the music from a local act. The lyrics are catchy, and the melodies are simple enough so that you want to sing along. With enough promotion, these are songs that can do numbers worldwide. My only problem? Two minutes is way too short when you’re rocking to a song.
To follow Alloby and access his work, please see the accompanying links:
‘Love Letters to K’, the fourth studio effort from Clane Matthew, was released on February 14, 2024. Produced by Matthew and Sirdelapp, the album features Don Lavish(“Waiting For You”), Yannè (“123”) and Demi(“Drop It Guh Down”).
Clane has been making a name for himself locally and internationally, and continues to gain fans and make appearances worldwide. This is album is of a similar niche such as ‘To Tanesha’ by Vybz Kartel. In this lane, emotions and vulnerability are the order of the day, and Clane does well in baring his soul.
The album is a nice listen for lovers , those who love love, and even those who like to reminisce on sweet memories. Clane has always managed to grab attention with his lyrics and harmonies, and his approach to subject matters. An album for all seasons, ‘Love Letters to K’ is a nice addition to Matthew’s catalogue.
To follow Clane Matthew and access his work, please see the accompanying links:
“After work she pick up phone an’ seh fi link up/ So after work, nuh badda ‘itch up, mek we lif’ up/ After work, she give it up, quick like a stick up/ At first she never with us, now she affi switch up” – bigTree, “Switch Up (BFF)”
This is one mixtape I’ve been playing repeatedly. ‘lost & fumed’, the latest release by bigTreeJM (bigNatty and bigMoody) is near-perfect, in my opinion. Featuring the contributions of Knixx Taylor (“Giant”), Mila.Akilah (“Double Tap”) and Spacekat (“Let Yuh Go”), production was done by SOS Dynamikz and bigTreeJM.
bigTree has the ability to weave the patois sound into hip hop/rap frames that are appropriate, clear and authentic. Guest artistes are also given a lot of room to explore their creativity, and the chemistry is never rushed. If one expects to hear some reggae or dancehall, this is present in “Contraband Freestyle”; however, the rest of the songs are a Jamaican rapper’s haven. Have a listen today!
To follow bigTree and access their work, please see the accompanying links:
The UNESCO EU-funded Transcultura programme publishes a newsletter with a list of opportunities available for young cultural professionals in the Caribbean.
Get ready to explore opportunities that could change the course of your creative career! The UNESCO programme Transcultura: Integrating Cuba, the Caribbean and the European Union through Culture and Creativity, funded by the European Union, brings you a new edition of the TRANSCULTURA CONNECTS bulletin. Here you will find calls available1 in the field of the Cultural and Creative Industries in the Caribbean and Europe that will allow you to connect with innovative minds and foster meaningful collaborations in a global environment. Also, don’t miss out on the possibility of funding for your projects and accessing research grants. Our goal is to open doors, expand horizons and empower you in your creative career!
[1]The listing is based on a review of publicly available documentation on these opportunities, the terms of which may have changed since their publication. If you find any discrepancies, please write to us at transcultura.programme@unesco.org. Responsibility for the Terms and Conditions of the calls is the ultimate responsibility of their direct organisers.
NB: The beneficiary countries of the Transcultura programme are Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Domincan Republic, Grenade, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.
Culttech Accelerator delivers a high-quality programme for CultTech startups that is focused on their specific (fundraising) needs and that increases their chances of successfully scaling up their businesses. They create a global CultTech ecosystem that unites startups, investors and relevant stakeholders, including major cultural players. The programme is not only covered by industry experts, but you additionally receive individual mentoring and coaching, and within the community. It’s a great opportunity to make use of the peer-to-peer advice.
Anyone can apply with no restrictions based on age, training or nationality. Up to 5 artworks may be submitted. BBA Artist Prize looks for visual excellence, storytelling, conceptual thinking, technical craftsmanship, subject depth and understanding.
Miguel Artigas” Literature Contest aims to promote the creation, conservation, adaptation and dissemination of tales, legends and narrations of popular tradition. The theme of the originals is free, as is their geographical location, whether national or international. The only condition is that they must be set in the rural world (only in Spanish).
With the ambition of connecting creativity beyond Caribbean boundaries, the UNESCO Transcultura programme has launched the Transcultura Fashion Design Competition. The competition, under the theme #MadeInTheCaribbean, challenges fashion designers to present a contemporary, fashion-forward mini collection (of 3 to 5 pieces). The collection must represent Caribbean identity, the cultural diversity of the region, its cultural and artistic expressions, its exchanges and mutual influences and/or evoke the Caribbean’s common cultural traits. Entries can be submitted in three categories: fashion design, accessories and jewellery.
The Prix Ars Electronica is one of the world’s most time-honoured media arts competitions. Winners are eligible for up to five different awards (such as the Ars Electronica Award for Digital Humanity) and monetary prizes of up to €10,000 in each category. They are also featured at the Ars Electronica Festival in Linz, Austria.
The competition is open to composers of any nationality and age, each of whom may submit only one piece of work, which has not been commercially published or has not been awarded a prize in any other national or international competition.
Submissions must be photographic or lens-based but can include incorporations of other art forms with the photographic medium (such as performance, painting, sculpture, music, literature and more). Individuals and collectives are welcome to apply.
The Festival Fiesta del Tambor Organizing Committee, the National Centre for Popular Music, the Havana Province of Culture, the Ministry of Culture and the Sabian/Gon Bops Company are calling for the International Competition ‘Guillermo Barreto in Memoriam’ as part of the twenty-first edition of the event. The competition will feature specialties in percussion, including drums, congas and timbales. In the dance category, there will be competitions in Casino (couples) and Rumba (pairs and individuals), with multiple prizes awarded in both categories. The elimination rounds will take place on 5 and 6 March 2024. Interested participants from other countries can register through the Paradiso Agency, with a registration fee of €25 or US$25.
LMDP Festival aims to promote the interrelation between artistic and technological languages. Eligible projects are 1) theatre and new technologies plays and 2) art and new technologies performances. The winners of the Open Call have the full coverage of the costs for mobility (flight travels, board and accommodation in Cagliari) and an ‘attendance fee’ for the presentation of their performance for two evenings guaranteed.
The Ministry of Culture, the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry (ICAIC), the Government of Holguín and the Government of Gibara call for participation in the eighteenth Gibara International Film Festival (FICGibara), to be held from 6 to 10 August 2024. The Festival will take place in Gibara, the town of the same name, located in Holguín, in the eastern province of Cuba. The competition is open to films of any nationality, presented in their original language and with Spanish subtitles, with a completion date from 2022 to the present day.
The Paphos International Film Festival (PIFF) is an annual festival held every year in Paphos in the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. PIFF is committed to supporting independent short films and it aims to research, promote and develop the art of independent filmmaking. The festival is open to short films of a maximum of twenty minutes in length (fiction and documentary) and student short film of a maximum fifteen minutes in length.
The Digitalization of the Tourism and Creative Sectors grant will provide reimbursement of 50% of expenditure up to a maximum of TT$50,000.00 for the development of a digitalization project that is tourism and/or creative related. The DOTS Committee is responsible for the assessment of this Reimbursement Grant. It falls under the Grants, Sponsorship and Subventions Secretariat which is responsible for the administration and assessment of stakeholder funding under the purview of the Ministry.
The International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) invests in the Cultural and Creative Industries to empower countries in the Global South and enrich the entire world. Through an open and competitive process, it funds innovative projects with up to US$100,000 implemented over a twelve to twenty-four period. The projects are evaluated based on their relevance, feasibility, financial management capacity, expected results and sustainability.
The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, through the Department of Culture, gives annual and one-time grants each year to persons and organizations for cultural ventures. Applicants must be citizens and residents of The Bahamas. Applications are processed within a period of one to three months and can be applied for at any time of the year.
The Carolina Foundation awards more than 600 scholarships annually in the areas of postgraduate studies, doctoral programmes and post-doctoral short stays, teacher mobility programmes, scholarship programmes and institutional studies. All of them offer specific training in the areas of cultural management and art history. The postgraduate scholarships are aimed at training in Spain for graduates from Latin American countries, members of the Ibero-American Community of Nations or Portugal, with academic or professional ability backed by an outstanding curriculum.
Deadline: 21 February 2024 (summer school), 14 March 2024 (postgraduate programmes scholarships, 4 April 2024 (PhD and short stays)
The Royal Academy of Spain in Rome aims to contribute to the training of creators, restorers and researchers with the aim of making this institution a platform for the international creative projection of Ibero-America and achieving greater cultural links with Europe. The aim of the programme is to award indivisible and individual grants to finance projects of excellence for Ibero-American citizens.
The Foundation of Lower Saxony grant at the Edith-Russ-Haus for Media Art supports a wide spectrum of media art, from video art and net-based projects to audio works and audio-visual installations. Each of the three grants are awarded for the production of a new project in the area of media art. The grant is valid for a duration of six months (July to December). It cannot be prolonged, and residency is compulsory; grant recipients can expect to stay in Oldenburg at least one month.
The Bogliasco Foundation awards one-month fellowships to individuals of all ages and nationalities who have made significant contributions in the arts and humanities. Fellows live and work in surroundings on the coast near Genoa. The Foundation welcomes applications from individuals doing creative or scholarly work in the following disciplines: archaeology, architecture, classics, dance, film/video, history, landscape architecture, literature, music, philosophy, theatre and visual arts. The Foundation awards approximately sixty Fellowships each year in seven residency periods that run from September to May.
The residency places are intended for individual professional artists, fiction writers, poets and novelists, translators, composers, sound artists, curators and critics and artistic collectives of all disciplines and all nationalities for the purpose of carrying out a project proposed in advance. An individual residency spanning two months includes accommodation, a workroom and a monthly grant, the sum of which is determined by the applicant’s experience. The purpose of the grant is to cover the cost of living, travel and other expenses. Workgroups can apply for a grant for a work period of two to four weeks.
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Government of Saint Lucia (GOSL) have signed a Grant Agreement to finance the tenth cycle of the Basic Needs Trust Fund Programme (BNTF 10). The project is implemented by the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF) and will run until December 2024. As part of the project, the SSDF is inviting sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for the consulting services of a Music Studio Consultant/Sound Engineer in Gros Islet. The bidding process follows specific eligibility criteria and procurement procedures, and interested firms must meet certain requirements, such as being legally incorporated in an eligible country and demonstrating relevant experience and technical qualifications. Bidders are also required to submit full qualification information with bids in English.
Deadline: 27 February 2024
TRANSCULTURA News
Stay tuned to learn about Caribbean creativity through the Transcultura programme!
Caribbean digital creators present their work and explore latest industry trends at the PIDS Enghien festival in France Read more
UNESCO showcases its Transcultura programme as a good practice in the UNESCO Word Conference on Culture and Arts Education Read more
Aesthetics, ethics and economy: a virtuous triangle to promote visual arts as a public good in the Caribbean Read more
Check out UNESCO Transcultura results and achievements in 2023! Watch the video
We want to hear from you!Has this newsletter helped you to take a new step in your career? Does the organization you work for have opportunities for young professionals in the Caribbean in the Cultural and Creative Industries? Write to us at transcultura.programme@unesco.org
‘Trilogy’, the latest release by Dexta Daps, is a mix of genres, styles, topics and collaborations that work. The 16-track album featured accompanying acts such as Masicka(“OK”), Chronic Law(“Friendship Sale”), Rally Banks(“Wuk Fi Mine”), Jada Kingdom(“Purge”), and Alaine(“See It Yah”). Qyor, Bounty Killer and Jahshii are also credited as supporting the album. ‘Trilogy’ was released by Dexta Daps Music Group.
Dexta really steps out in this collection. He is most widely-known for songs for the ladies, and these are always appreciated and fill a considerable number of spots on the album. However, Daps also deals with love, friendships, badness, dating double standards, and showers of blessings. The clean version is also available so everyone can have a listen.
It is amazing to witness Daps’ growth as a well-rounded singer, songwriter and performer. I was one who thought his musical maturity would not see much development any time soon, but over the years I have been proven wrong by the variety of works he has been able to apply himself to. This album is a notable example of modern Caribbean music.
To listen to ‘Trilogy’ and access Dexta Daps’ work, please see the accompanying links:
Cross-disciplinary
Fine arts
Deadline: 19 February 2024
Literature
TRANSCULTURA OPPORTUNITY
Fashion
Audiovisual and interactive media
Music
Photography
Theatre
Film
Jamaican Art Hub 