The Tribune

By FARAH


Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas currently boasts a relatively large selection of contemporary music artists; they are all unique in their own way, but they also share a common goal: achieving international success.

Their aspirations of gaining success outside of the Bahamas are neither far-fetched or unattainable.

In past years, the country has seen several examples of international success through the careers of Tony McKay, Joseph Spence, the T-Connection, Baha Men and more.

But making the break-through on the international stage for these artists came before being admired and respected at home.
And some local musicians believe the only way they can be truly respected and embraced by Bahamians is by becoming successful internationally.

“That is just the thinking of some artists today. I believe Bahamian musicians get the respect they deserve at different levels. A lot of upcoming artists feel they are not getting any airplay or the DJs are not playing their music,” said Bahamian rapper
Sasha Dunn.

“Some of the young guys who just start doing rap now see other artists like Lil Wayne getting massive airplay, they feel they should be getting the same level of respect. But no, that is not how it goes,” he said.

While everyone wants the same amount of success, Sasha said it takes a whole lot of proving oneself through diligence, fortitude and talent.

“A lot of them do not understand that people like Lil Wayne have been rapping for many years. So there is no overnight climb to success. Some of them want instant gratification now.

“MDeez (Bahamian musician) is doing really well right now. But I could remember when I first met him he was not getting any airplay and nothing was happening for him. Once he found his lane, he stuck with it. And as you can see he is doing very well right now,” he said.

Sasha said the lack of respect some musicians feel is also legitimate, given that some of them are not properly compensated when they are booked to perform at events.

“Some of the promoters do not even respect you enough to approach you to perform. Some artists are faced with the task of approaching the promoters during the show,” he said.

“Even some of them who have popular hit songs, have to approach promoters to perform. But I look at the game in a broader perspective. The Bible says a prophet a will not be accepted in his own land. Take for example the popular rock band ACDC, who came from Australia. While they were living in Australia the Australians did not respect them, so they had to leave Australia, then go and conquer the whole world to be respected back in their homeland,” Sasha told In Ya Ear.

While the grass may be greener oversees, Bahamian singer Sammi Starr said seeking success at home first is one of the best steps any musician can take.

“International success would be the ultimate success obviously. Being successful in countries other than the Bahamas is ultimate. It is the same thing as making $100 versus making $1 million. But at the same time I think success should start at home. I think success is enjoyed if you can start from the grassroots and with the support of home become a success internationally,” Sammi said.

“A lot of the stars internationally are stars at home as well. A lot of Jamaican artists that are stars in the US are stars at home. Machel Montana is one of them.”

Sammi said in his view Bahamian artists seek success oversees because it means more fame and money. However, he strongly encourages artists to also achieve some extent of local success to go with it.

“A lot of us have this idea is that as long as it is home-grown we do not have to give it that notoriety as something that is not home-grown. When in some cases the home-grown product is just as good or better than the international product. Some of the artists in Jamaica cannot walk the street there and that is the same for Trinidad artists. And I think that is because of the love their people have for their music and the music they put out. I could relate to that,” he said.

“Musicians will get the success they hope for locally if they put in the work. If your music is good enough and you happen to find that formula one time – the right content, the right music, the right song – Bahamians will support it. I remember Phil Stubbs actually having sold-out shows, getting paid $20,000-$30,000 for one show in the Bahamas, and he is Bahamian. I remember Sweet Emily having sold-out shows. Ronnie Butler could still command $5,000 in a show, and they are Bahamian and they are here.

“I think we do have to work on supporting out artists, but I still think if we work hard enough and your music is good enough, and we find the right formula, we can get support from Bahamian people.”