HTS CHANNEL 4 SAINT LUCIA

Story by: Carmy Joseph

Three people involved in the arts are weighing in on the need to invest in Saint Lucian music and artistes. Two are artistes – one a musician, the other a poet. The other works with youth and argues that music can be used to sell the Saint Lucian brand and keep them off the streets.

Taj Weekes was born and raised in Saint Lucia. His sophomore album – Deidem – was in consideration for a 2008 Grammy award. Weekes is currently on island promoting his music and the album. He is also dispensing advice to the powers that be – his aim is to aid the growth of Saint Lucian music. Weekes says there needs to be more respect paid to intellectual property rights. Furthermore – there needs to be more government support for the arts. The words from the man whose music has been described as Marley meets Bono – come on the heels of a request from Adrian Augier.

Augier was the featured speaker at the book launch for Robert Lee on Thursday. He has called on Saint Lucians to experience a cultural contraception. Weekes says artistes need to have a place to practice their craft. He started in a band while at SMC – one that was charged nothing to practice at a studio. His call for good studios that give artistes the same privilege has been long advocated by Dr. Stephen King. He is a founding member of RISE Saint Lucia Inc. – a non-profit group that works with troubled youth. Weekes was a guest on the Radio 100 Friday morning program – Kwase Session. It is a showcase of Saint Lucian talent that has featured a number of artistes playing a wide range of music live from the Morne Studio.