Bounty Killer Performance Faces Intense Scrutiny
By Reginald Andrew
WHILE organisers declared this year’s Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival a success, nonetheless, crucial adjustments are required for future events.
Patrons invest in tickets for the high-quality entertainment boldly marketed by the organisers, and every effort must be made to deliver a flawless production.
In an exclusive interview with THE VOICE, Minister for Tourism and Creative Industries Dr. Ernest Hilaire outlined specific changes intended to enhance value and diversity within the festival.
“This year, we introduced Country and Western music to appeal to a broader audience, and gospel music has gained traction. We are committed to attracting new demographics,” Hilaire stated.
The selection of performers for Friday night’s Caribbean Fusion sparked significant controversy, particularly regarding the headliners, Jamaican dancehall artists Beenie Man and Bounty Killer.
The minister acknowledged that expectations for a Beenie Man – Bounty Killer collaboration were high, but this did not come to fruition.
He explained, “The main stage audience differs from the Opening Night crowd at Mindoo Phillip Park. Bounty Killer would have electrified the opening night, but the main stage attracts a distinct audience with varying expectations.”
Dr. Hilaire emphasised the importance of learning from these experiences, noting, “We’ve recognised that dancehall artistes do not connect with the main stage audience. When patrons come to Pigeon Point, they expect a particular vibe.”
Looking ahead, the minister stated, “It’s essential to understand audience preferences and adjust accordingly.”
The festival showcased a diverse lineup; from veteran band Tabou Combo, featuring 76-year-old co-founder Yves ‘Fanfan’ Joseph, to rising Trinidadian soca artiste Yung Bredda, the region was represented to the fullest.
Tabou Combo, a Haitian band established in 1968, has performed globally and is regarded as the “ambassadors of kompa.” Their music fuses vodou ceremonial rara drums, Haiti’s French colonial kontradans, and a variety of other genres, solidifying their cultural representation.
Tabou Combo was a standout performer during Saturday’s ‘World Beats’ and did not overshadow the headliner, young American singer Summer Walker, who concluded the show with an impressive set.
The minister highlighted the increasing community involvement in jazz events, asserting, “Communities have taken ownership, and they must continue to build on that. We also need to incorporate more arts components into the festival.”
Traffic management has emerged as a critical challenge, with many patrons struggling to secure transportation after events and having to walk considerable distances to reach shuttle buses.
“This festival is outgrowing its infrastructure; traffic management has become a significant hurdle,” the minister stated. “We are facing a situation where attendance has risen from 6,000 to 11,000, and we must adapt our approach to manage this effectively.”
In conclusion, despite the obstacles inherent in hosting an event of this scale, the minister confidently declared, “It was a fantastic success.”
Regarding traffic management, Dr Hilaire informed reporters at a recent media briefing that the limited access roads and departure points posed considerable challenges, compounded by the inadequacy of the shuttle services and parking.
While the ‘water taxi’ from IGY Rodney Bay Marina to Pigeon Point offers an alternative, it cannot fully resolve the existing issues.
“We are aware there are varied experiences within the overall festival,” the minister affirmed.
Additionally, he said, “Since 2005, we have been striving to develop an effective Park and Ride system. While we’ve encountered successes and setbacks, it remains a continuous challenge.”
He concluded, “Cultural habits of Saint Lucians-such as the preference to park close to the venue for easy access-complicate this process. We must address this to improve the experience for everyone.”
He stated, “The system is not working,” and acknowledged that there are other traffic management issues that need to be addressed, which will require “an internal review.”
The minister went on to say, “When you look at the overall situation, I love the layout of the venue, and …the performances were great. While some people were disappointed with one of the performers, the majority found the performances to be fantastic, and the attendance was remarkable.”
He added, “At every event, including the arts component, the turnout was very good. Overall, we had a tremendous festival, though we still face some challenges that we need to address, and we will continue to work on them.”