Highlighted shortsightedness of local financiers regarding the cultural industry

Durrant Pate/Contributor

Dancehall superstar, Orville “Shaggy” Burrell is batting for more financing of Jamaica’s music industry, citing foreign players coming in and reaping the benefits that should be destined for locals.

Delivering the keynote speech at the opening of Island Music Conference (IMC) 2024, on Wednesday, February 21, at the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston, Shaggy zoomed in at the shortsightedness of local financiers in their hesitancy in putting their money into the cultural industries such as music. Shaggy, who is also the Chairman of IMC is encouraging local financial institutions to look at culture as tangible and putting their money into the business.

According to the Grammy-winning artiste, ”financial institutions should be lining up around our Caribbean culture that’s why we have a segment of the conference dealing with financing.” He cited the vast potential in the local music business emphasising that other people are already seizing the advantages and benefits of the local music industry. 

Drawing parallels with the meteoric rise of hip hop, which has minted multiple billionaires within a relatively brief span, Shaggy emphasised the foundational influence of Jamaican genres like reggae and dancehall on the global music landscape. Alongside fellow superstar Sean Paul, Shaggy has played a pivotal role in elevating Jamaican music to unprecedented heights on the international stage.

Shaggy extolled the virtues of diligence and business acumen, and urges aspiring musicians to master the intricacies of the industry to safeguard their creative endeavors. “Culture has bestowed upon me generational wealth,” Shaggy reflected, highlighting the transformative power of music in reshaping the trajectory of his family’s fortunes.

Shaggy highlighted the importance of surrounding oneself with a capable team and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. “The effectiveness of team success lies in having the right people around you. Surround yourself with smart people. If you think you’re the smart person in the room then you are in the wrong room. Stepping outside the box,” he asserted.