Balford Henry, Staff Reporter
A JAMAICAN chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) is in the making, says Glory Music head, Tommy Cowan.
Mr. Cowan says that the decision followed a request from Minister of Tourism, Portia Simpson Miller, for the gospel sector to play a much more important role in tourism development.
Mrs. Simpson Miller had suggested that the gospel/church community, the Jamaica Tourist Board and related agencies work together to encourage the promotion of the Jamaican tourist industry through gospel music and churches abroad.
Mr. Cowan represented Glory Music at the Y2K annual meeting of the GMWA in New Orleans, August 12 to 19. This is the annual meeting point for the leadership of African-American churches and others deeply involved in gospel music business and showcases all facets of that sector.
The 33-year-old organisation is headed by Bishop Albert Jamison and although the name specifically refers to music, it addresses all related areas, including designer choir robes, T-shirts and other fashion products.
Mr. Cowan says attending the annual event convinced him that a Jamaican chapter would enable the local industry to fulfil the role being requested by the Minister, as well as help it to realise its full potential.
The proposal has already received the backing of the Bahamas chapter of the GMWA. Glory Music's participation at the recent GMWA meeting was under the auspices of the Bahamas chapter, with financial support from JAMPRO.
"This organisation can teach you anything, from getting a record deal to staging a gospel concert in the United States. But, you need to become a chapter. We've been working through the Bahamas chapter but, I think, that it's time for us to establish our own chapter and we've started the process," he said.
- ContributedRandolph Fisher
STAR SEARCH IN PORTMOREOn a lesser level, Portmore-based company, Black Music Promotions is planning to stage its annual Star Search, 'Portmore Star Search Contest 2000', to identify and develop young talent from the area.
According to the organisation's chief executive officer, Randolph Fisher, promoting the event annually has contributed to the reduction of crime and violence, the use of drugs and idleness among young people in the community.
Auditions have already started and will continue at the Portmore Mall on October 21 and November 18. The semi-finals are set for October 6 and 27 and November 24 at the Cactus nightclub and the winners will go on to the grand finals on December 15 at the Cactus.
'COMIN' 4 YOU'Today, October 1, marks the worldwide launch of the new album from DJ Elephant Man, Comin' 4 You.
Incidentally, this is the second Jamaican reggae album to be launched worldwide by London-based label, Greensleeves, within a week, as Red Rat's I'm A Big Kid Now, took place on September 26.
The album has 14 tracks compiled from a total of 23 offered by Elephant Man to Greensleeves and produced by a number of leading dancehall record producers, including Richard 'Shams' Browne, Shocking Vibes Productions, Q45, Steelie and Clevie and New York-based Salaam Remi.
Elephant Man has been on a busy pre-promotional campaign since the announcement of the release date. This has taken him to London for the annual Notting Hill Carnival and to the West Indian Day Parade in New York on September 4.
He will be going to England for three more promotional shows this week, followed by engagements in Miami and Los Angeles.
Asked for his comments on the new album, he told us:"I feel great. All the tracks are great. I don't want people to believe that I am changing flavour by doing some hip-hop tracks. I am just doing what is best."
