Hilary Robertson-Hickling

In a wonderful programme on Duke Ellington's alter ego Billy Strayhorn, the writer of such songs as the A Train onPBS, we recognise that the business of music needs to be taken as seriously as the creative side of music. The documentary highlighted the role of Duke Ellington and the contradictions and convergences with Strayhorn who was a pianist and songwriter. Not only were the personalities important but also the period of time in America, as the successful maintenance of a band of black performers was quite a feat. Musicians experienced tremendous obstacles in the days of Jim Crow in America.

'Others will benefit'

If the business matters are not appropriately handled, the creators and others involved in the process will not be the ones who reap what they have sown. Others will benefit from the efforts of these people.

The Marley organisation should be congratulated for its success at the recently-held Grammys and there are many lessons in the music business which can be learnt from the life and work of Bob Marley which was recently commemorated. I have had the opportunity of seeing Bob Marley perform in Jamaica and I want to highlight two experiences, once after he had had an accident, he performed like the consummate artiste that he was at the UWI Student's Union in 1971. The other occasion was when the show started exactly at 6:00 p.m. at the National Stadium for the famous peace concert where my parents were my guests and had a most exciting experience. Marley's work ethic was legendary and he demanded excellence from the musicians who performed in his band. I was also amazed to learn that his generosity extended to Zimbabwe's independence celebration where he paid for himself and his band to attend. He also worked in partnership with his wife Rita and some of the best musicians and singers in Jamaica's history.

Management

A recent U.N. report highlights the fact that only a tiny proportion of proceeds from Jamaica's music and creative industries comes to the country. We need to look more seriously at the organisation and management of the music and creative industries in this era of globalisation. Garvey, our National Hero, long recognised that organisations represented an important part of the redemption of the Africans in the diaspora and in Africa. One of the most devastating effects of our history has been the destruction of the institutions necessary for healthy growth and development of society. The UNIA established a number of organisations as part of its work of reconstruction. Jamaica benefited from the establishment of Edelweiss Park which allowed performers to have paid employment and for the Jamaican public to enjoy the highest calibre of entertainment.

Many other Jamaican artistes and entrepreneurs will have to invest in venues, studios, nightclubs, music schools to ensure that the industry remains viable. The levels of international competition are fierce and with the development of the Internet and other technology only those who are organised will survive. The management of the music business is a critical part of Jamaica's future and we have to develop the necessary skills and knowledge as the world becomes a more complex place.