Singer Jovi Rockwell (left), Jon Baker (centre) and Kirk Kennedy of JAMPRO at 'A Taste of Cannes', held at JAMPRO's headquarters on Trafalgar Road, New Kingston, a week before the Jamaican delegation headed to Midem 2007. Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
Members of the Jamaican delegation returning from the recently concluded Midem 2007 in Cannes, France, are optimistic.
Midem, held from January 21-25, saw the country fielding its largest ever delegation of over 20 companies and 50 individuals.
"Jamaican companies generated a lot of interest and business at the trade show and we have learned many lessons about the global trends in the music industry which should help to further develop our industry," said Kirk Kennedy, executive director of markets at Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), who headed the Jamaican delegation.
Sean Scott, a director of Rebelmix, a digital music distribution company said, "By the close of the week, we had entered into new agreements with mobile retailers in U.K., Germany, South Africa, India, U.S. and Japan, which will vastly expand our network of retailers and partners."
Number of proposals
Michael Dillon of Shang Records, said that the 15-year-old record company, which has been responsible for the careers of artistes such as Shabba Ranks, Mad Cobra and Patra, is reviewing a number of proposals.
The company currently manages Face-t, Kymani Marley, Richie Stephens and jointly manages Alborosie with Geejams Studios.
"There were a couple deals that we could have nailed down, but we need to review them because we did not want to rush into anything," Dillon stated.
Jamaica's music services also received a boost out of Midem.
Jamaica Signature Beats, a consortium of 20 of Jamaica's most talented music producers, studios, artistes/musicians and film producers who have joined forces to provide technical and creative expertise to the international music industry, is also reporting a positive outcome from Midem.
Robert Henner, consultant to the JSB, said "We had some 39 meetings with persons from the United States, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Japan, out of which we signed 25 Memoranda of Understanding".
Kenesha Nooks, marketing and promotions co-ordinator at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), said "We wanted to get both digital and other traditional distribution deals for things such as our music catalogue and we did that and more."
In addition, there was interest from persons who wanted to partner on the JCDC Popular Song and gospel competitions by providing prizes and distribution contracts.
Positive enquiries
Referring to the prospects for Omar Reid, the JCDC 2006 Popular Song Contest winner, who opened the 'Sounds of Jamaica Night Showcase' in Cannes, Nooks said that he received positive feedback and is now in discussions with two international companies.
Lloyd Stanbury, entertainment attorney and managing director of Caribeat Entertainment, said "Midem 2007 was very good when compared to my previous visits. There were also very positive enquiries with regard to the re-launch of the Caribbean Music Expo and the staging of the first International Reggae Industry Awards, which is planned for 2008."
He added that despite the setback of (Midem) placing the 'Sounds of Jamaica' showcase in too small a venue, resulting in hundreds of Midem delegates and prospective reggae business partners missing the show, persons visited him at the booth after the concert and he is looking forward to closing several deals for licensing, music publishing and concert tours over the next few weeks.
Vernita Fort, adviser to the principal of the Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts, and Howard McIntosh of the Media, Sports and Entertainment Group, who both attended the trade show, said Midem provided a great forum to network and attract business.
