Call made for retaining Creole characteristics of WCMF

David said the WCMF must retain its Creole characteristics
David said the WCMF must retain its Creole characteristics

As the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) nears, after a one-year absence, Chief Cultural Officer, Jacinta David, has emphasized the importance of retaining the essential Creole elements of the festival.

Speaking at the launching of the WCMF, at the Anchorage Hotel, on Wednesday night, David said in order for the festival to retain its unique appeal, it must not lose its Creole characteristics and become just another festival in the English-speaking Caribbean.

“We have to get the vision and policy right,” she stated. “It is a World Creole Music Festival. We must ensure that the festival remains true to its fundamental elements—that it does not lose sight of its Creole character, especially the French Creole music, and French Creole culture. This is the unique brand, the unique appeal of the festival. We must ensure that it does not become just another music festival in the Anglophone Caribbean region.”

She stated that while the event must be reconfigured to an extent, the “Creole magic” must remain potent.

“Certainly, the festival has to be reinvented in some measure, to keep it in line with the latest trends in the music and tourism industries, while keeping its Creole magic and pull… to promote our culture to the world,” she remarked.

David commented that the WCMF, as a product, must be “engaging and authentic, world-appealing and unique,” as reflected in the recently revealed line-up of artistes set to perform at the event.

David also called for the use of the WCMF to be used as a platform for the development of culture in Dominica.

This, she said, can be done in several ways, including the utilization of presence of international artistes to hold “master classes” with Dominican musicians.

She advised that regional and international music promoters be invited to the festival, to expose them to Dominican talent.

David highlighted the need for support of local film and video producers, and strengthened relations with international media channels, in order to record the event, provide coverage, or produce documentaries.

Continued investment in the training of music and stage professionals, as being done through the Association of Music Professionals (AMP), and continued training in traditional and contemporary arts, can also be used to advance culture on-island, she stated.

WCMF 2016 will take place from October 28 to 30.

WCMF did not take place in 2015 due to the passage of Tropical Storm Erika in August.

 

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20 Comments

  1. Tell it Like it Is
    June 26, 2016

    What makes the WCMF attractive is the creole music which is second to none regionally and maybe internationally. This Brand must be kept and promoted. On the other hand, this festival must be managed as a business Enterprise and not as a “government” entity. There are too many chiefs and not enough foot soldiers in that organization. A clear line of authority should be established and maintained. Even if government is a major sponsor, it should not be the driving force of the festival. I believe that an administrative team should be employed and given full mandate of the festival. I think that is the reason for the many loses experienced over the years. What is the role of the cultural division in the festival? There should be a quasi board of the stakeholders but they should by no means be responsible for the day to day administration of the festival. Too many cooks certainly spoil the brooth!

  2. Frank Talker
    June 24, 2016

    Her body stats never cease to amaze me.

    • Me
      June 24, 2016

      If you want support wear a bra.

  3. The Pagewriter
    June 24, 2016

    The name speaks for itself. World Creole Festival. I do agree that we must keep to that theme. I listened to the line up of artist and realized we are missing the mark. It is not a Jazz festival or a Reggae Festival. It is a Creole Festival. Also I saw that a particular Dominican band was included in the line up and I was surprised, because I know many persons around the world are not pleased with the disgusting music that that particular band plays, though it is a local Dominican band, I believe their music and behavior must be sensor ed before they are allowed to perform any where.

  4. Wa-a
    June 23, 2016

    So how do Akon,Kes,,Popcaan and Gentleman fit into this Creole spectrum? I am a fan of these artists but I do not see the relevance. Based on the cultural officers views I see a divide between the festival committee and cultural office as regards creole content of the festival. Since Eddie Toulon (RIP) passed there has never been another zydeco band from Louisiana. Major creole acts like Malavoi of Martinque have never graced the stage. No reason why there cannot be a super group of drummers and dancers as a main act. Focus my bredren . Is like looking for your specs when they on your nose.

  5. Annon
    June 23, 2016

    It’s an international festival with a Creole theme, just get with it. They have tried to make it interesting by injecting some good stuff in between, and have done a good job of it. Can’t please everyone.

  6. Reggae Lover
    June 23, 2016

    The word :lol: creole :lol: tends to create unnecessary confusion….why not just call it DA music festival or DA arts and cultural festival or whatever…Every year the same “CREOLE” word pops up and creates confusion as to who (or what style of music) should be featured…can someone tell me exactly what is, and what is not “Creole” Music?

  7. Rockers
    June 23, 2016

    I agree with all what you have said and would advise the POWER THAT BE, , Dominica’s music in all forms should be showcased. That said, I think SWINGIN STARS should always be on the WCMF schedule, in one way or the other. Be it as their band or backing up local artists, no way SWINGIN STARS should be left out of this national musical event. and every year LOCAL CALYPSOS should be showcase if we want to be honest with ourselves in promoting DOMINICA ‘S MUSICAL CULTURE.
    It’s not too late to consider that. CADANCE AND CALYPSO should be somewhere in the Line Up.

  8. Scar face.
    June 23, 2016

    Very well said miss David. I have always said that creole festival has moved away from what it’s founders meant it to be. One other aspect that needs to be looked at is the issuing of VIP passes . Too many free passes being given out. And then they say no money was made. How can you make money if half of the people in the festival has to come in free. Left the ministers buy tickets for their free.. the come from overseas and want free pass .that’s not right. STOP it and you will see a big difference. I’m not leaving out the band’s that perform also. Limit the free passes that are issued to them. They are getting paid to perform. Some even wants their money up front..we can’t depend on the few people that pay for paying all those artists and still make a profit.. I am coming home for festival and I’m buying my ticket. Toujoursex et San complex..

  9. KID ON THE BLOCK
    June 23, 2016

    8)

  10. Titiwi
    June 23, 2016

    I echo her sentiments. We are in danger of becoming just another regional music festival without having the amenities or resources of our competitors, what is know as an “also” product. We must differentiate ourselves to give us an edge or advantage.

  11. June 23, 2016

    I was of the impression that the “creole” aspect of the festival was not necessarily the creole language as in Zouk, Compas etc; but rather the creole heritage. Hence the bands and artistes who perform at WCMF would not never need to sing in the creole language, but must be of creole heritage. Correct me if I’m wrong

    • Titiwi
      June 23, 2016

      Creole can mean a umber of things, racial/etnic decendency, language, food, fashion, culture (art & music) or of them combined, but it definitely is not dance-hall, hip-hop, or jazz. I would suggest we extend the scope of the festival with all these. No everyone wants to jumping to loud music all night to the exclusion of everything else we have to offer.

  12. June 23, 2016

    DNO I didn’t want to stray from the subject but I am very surprised you have not reported on the sad death of former UN big boy, John Ashe, who is a prominent Antigua and probably a friend of Dominica, since I last saw him in photo with pm Skerrit, just before Erika. Also, I wonder who and how many Dominicans that will be attending his funeral.

    • KID ON THE BLOCK
      June 23, 2016

      You BLUES just can’t leave the POLICTICS OUT OF IT!

    • eliminate hate
      June 24, 2016

      dotishness I mean

    • eliminate hate
      June 24, 2016

      dosissen dat wi

  13. Whistler
    June 23, 2016

    Hats off to Ms.David at least she has the ability to be objective..as many fall prey and extremely timid towards objective views….

    the WCMF is like a see saw not sure if it has a rudder…….

  14. Just asking
    June 23, 2016

    I want Chronixx

  15. Music Producer
    June 23, 2016

    The same way Reggae Sunsplash retains Reggae as its main focus, the same way Jazz festivals retain Jazz music, the same way Creole Festival should retain creole music as its main focus, and create opportunities to local artists, producers, promoters and bands….DUH!

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