Caribbean Export OUTLOOK 2016

Heading South:

Let’s face it. In most of the nations that make

up the CARIFORUM region, musicians and

other artists struggle to understand how they

can expand their audience and reach due to

the lack of a tangible music industry. However,

there are many untapped markets very near to

the Caribbean that, while clearly unique, share

elements of cultural affinity that should be used

as leverage to gain access. Given its sheer size

alone, Brazil, our Portuguese-speaking southern

neighbour is definitely worth exploring as a

destination for musical acts. On the back of the

World Cup in 2014 and the upcoming Olympics

in 2016, the world is converging on Brazil not

only for sports but also for music, fashion and

other aspects of culture. It is important that the

Caribbean doesn’t miss out on the party!

Caribbean artistes don’t usually target Brazil,

but Trinidad and Tobago and UK-based duo

Jus Now, (comprised of Keshav Chandradath

Singh, or Lazabeam, of Trinidad and Tobago,

and SamChadburn, or Interface, of Bristol, UK)

recently participated in a mini tour of Brazil, in

partnershipwith the BritishCouncil, as part of an

Unlocking

Opportunities

for Caribbean

Musicians in

Brazil

BY SHYAMAL CHANDRADATHSINGH

TRADE & EXPORT HOT SPOTS