The Tribune

By FARAH

Tribune Features Writer


jgibson@tribunemedia.net

SHE could have written a long letter to the editor or send out a press release. Instead Margaret ‘Believe’ Gylnatsis chose to voice her opinion on the heated and topical issue of gambling in a new song “Win Win”.

With gambling being a hot topic amongst Bahamians, both Believe and co-writer Christin “Spirit” Taylor wanted to join in the conversation. In a matter of days they wrote the song, put it together and sent it out to the local radio stations.
 Win Win could not be released at a more pertinent time, Believe told In Ya Ear. She used the controversy surrounding the issue to her advantage, only to bring forth a more important message.

“I think this song is so relevant because playing numbers has become a culture for Bahamian people. When it is someone’s birthday, people play numbers; when they have a dream about something, they play numbers. I released the song a week ago and with the referendum put forward to Bahamian people I wanted to voice my opinions on the issue. Others are doing the same.”

“Whether you agree with the issue or not we wanted to get Bahamians to share their thoughts.”
Believe said she is all for decriminalising number houses in the Bahamas. She stands firm on her thoughts only because she sees first hand how money from the “number man” assists with the development of communities in Nassau.

“To me it is as if gambling is already legal. They are given business licenses already to run their business and on top of that there are so many Bahamians who play numbers. Some of them see this as a way to make their life better so they play to win the money.”

“The money from numbers has gone towards building many communities in the Bahamas. There are so many people who benefit from it so it would make sense to legalise it,” she said.
Apart from joining in the discussion on whether or not gambling should be made legal in the Bahamas, Believe said she and her partners also wanted to attract the attention of young people in the Bahamas.

“It is just a fun way for me to share my thoughts. I could have written a long letter, or sent out a press release. I think a lot of young people should be aware of what is going on in their country. This song is a way of making something important cool which therefore will get them talking, interested and thinking about how this issue impacts their lives,” she said.

The song is performed by Barcia “ Rainne” McKintosh who is the voice behind the most popular jingles on Bahamian radio including BTC, Furniture Plus, Marco’s Pizza, ScotiaBank. She also is known for her summer Riddim “All In Love”. She has been working closely with Believe on other song collaborations seeking placement in films, TV shows, documentaries and ads. Rainne will also be featured on the Fash Art event’s theme song to be released.

The song got positive ratings from several Bahamians. On Youtube, one person commented “I like this song as a jingle. Good sound.” Another person said “I already like this song since playing numbers is my forte.”
Believe is open minded about the possibilities and business opportunities that can come from the release of the song.
She plans for a music video to follow shortly.