Caribbean Export OUTLOOK 2016 - 2017

TRADE & EXPORT HOT SPOTS

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

Heading South:

Unlocking Opportunities for Caribbean Musicians in Brazil

BY SHYAMAL CHANDRADATHSINGH

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