Interview | Deneez Peters

By Nadine White

Tuesday 19th April 2016

(C)Saurian Dash

“My thing is this: singing is my passion and I couldn’t leave this world without sharing that with people” affirms Deneez Peters, the sensational, recent addition to the UK Lover’s Rock roster of talent. Though a lot of patrons may think of Ms Peters as a newbie, she has actually been in the entertainment industry for over a decade across a number of capacities – from deejaying and modelling to compering and acting. We discussed music, the reggae industry, the launch for her album ‘This Is The Moment’ and her famous father, lauded Ska artist Freddie Notes.
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Tell me about yourself, in your own words.

I’m a UK reggae artist and I’ve just had my album launch for ‘This Is The Moment’ on the 31^st March at ‘The Hootananny’ in Brixton, South London. I’ve been singing for a long time and started taking it seriously back in 1987! I didn’t do it continuously though; I took breaks along the way. I went into radio presenting, before that I started to do modelling and entered loads of pageants and fashion shows. I also decided to go into radio presenting and deejaying, then straight into one of our local radio stations Galaxy Radio where I presented for the best part of 12 years. And now, I also present the ‘Soul In Motion’ show at 4-6pm on Saturdays on Lovers Rock Radio.

How did your album launch go?

It was great, I had an absolutely fantastic turnout! I was quite shocked as it was my first ever launch; although I’ve made an album before, it was never launched or released. I worked with my brother on the launch and we started preparing it from about December/January. It was all about promoting it, getting it out to all the DJs, local presenters, radio stations, word of mouth, flyers – a lot of work went into it. 'This Is The Moment' was released on 8th April and it’s now available on all music download sites.

Just to go back to the modelling, tell me more about it. You do have the image!

(laughs) Thank you very much! It’s always been a passion of mine from I was a little girl, tormenting my Mum when I used to watch Miss World. It’s something that I enjoy doing and still do at the moment. I’m working with Miss Teen Caribbean as a mentor/coach for girls between ages 13-17, teaching them how to walk and present themselves on stage, I’m the come-to person if they have any problems and so forth, so I’m there behind the scenes with that. I’m still keeping modelling in my heart, so to speak!

What are the requirements of being Miss Teen UK and are there any challenges that come with helping to prune these young women for scrutiny. Particularly as society/media enforces certain ideals on young women.

The idea is whoever wins becomes ambassadors for their countries. The girls need to be well studied with an outlook on life; what they want to be when they get older etc. I try to teach the girls that it’s not about street walk and talk - they have to gradually lift themselves out of that if they want to represent their island.

At that age, a lot of them are very, very keen. We encourage them to keep their social media channels clean! We cannot have anything untoward; we check their pages and make sure they’re posting the appropriate things. The challenges are getting them used to all of that, what they have to do. They’re very good anyway, very bright young ladies; it’s just about telling them how to keep themselves and let the public see them in a positive light.

I understand that you’re a South Londoner. How have your surroundings influenced your music?

Well, I come from a musical background! My father is Freddie Notes; from the late 60-70s he started his career and I always wanted to be a singer, like him. With Dad, he’s a singer and a musician. He used to have me and my brothers around the keyboard while he’d play, we’d make up songs and even my mum would join in.

We were brought up with the Bob Marleys, the Gregorys and the Dennises, so music was always playing in our house. My age group grew up with Lovers Rock; I was influenced by Carroll Thompson, Janet Kay, Donna Rhoden, those singers. I used to sit in my room, listening to my cassette of these songs and stop, rewind and write down every single word! So back then, I knew pretty much every song.

Ah, the great Freddie Notes. What lessons did he share about music?

Dad is very supportive, no matter what. He always taught me that the main thing is to listen; listen to keys, notes, instruments, to people’s advice and feedback. Always be positive and upfront when you’re performing – the list goes on. If I’m stuck with something, even now, I can always go to Dad and get some advice.

Deneez Peters & her father Freddie Notes/(C)Derron Curtis

I’ve met your Dad before and he seems like a very nice guy who is passionate about his craft, and is certainly an engaging performer. I saw him at The Jazz Café in November 2015.

Oh yes – I was doing a gig on that night so wasn’t there, but my brother was with him. I’ve toured with him in the past, as a backing vocalist. Dad is working on his album at the moment and is getting booked for events too; still active in his music career. Dad’s amazing; he does the splits and roly polies, all sorts. I was onstage with him in Germany and in the time it took for me to turn around, he was doing all of that! (laughs)

Would you dabble in the Ska sound, like him?

Yeah, definitely!

And whilst we’re on the topic of family, your brother Ian Peters has penned a lot of your material too, like your single ‘Can’t Get You Off Of My Mind’ which has been enjoying a lot of radio play.

That’s right! The song was actually written back in ’96. I started my career as a soul singer in a duo with another girl and we called ourselves ‘Velvet Touch’. We revamped the song, brought it up to date and it’s been going ever since - a lot of people seem to like it which is great.

The brother-sister, musical dynamic reminds me of fictional singer Efie White & C.C, her song-writing supremo brother from the Broadway hit ‘Dreamgirls’. How do you both work, exactly?

Ian is really good! He’s used to writing soul songs as opposed to Lover’s Rock. We work with Kyle from the ‘Radix Reggae Group’, a white reggae band who are from Scotland, they’re brilliant! Kyle tends to send the tracks over and then either myself or brother will write. If I’m stuck, I tend to contact Ian and ask for his help. When we hear the riddim, whoever can feel something to it usually determines who writes it. That’s how we really work together, really, it’s good, a cool relationship! We’ve been doing it for years.

You sing about love a lot. Is this intentional?

We were brought up in a loving home. Mum and Dad were always there; they still are. The whole family is just loved up and hugged up, happy to see one another and we’ve passed that onto the younger generations. Love is good – I’d rather love than hate. Love songs make you happy, smile, cry sometimes!

The video for ‘Dance With Me’ is a nice visual. It featured popular deejay/radio personality PD Coolie as your love interest which was very cool touch!

(laughs) Yes it did! It wasn’t originally supposed to be PD but then - when I hear from the shout - he seems to be in quite a few things! The person who was supposed to be in it couldn’t get the time off of work, but I asked PD who kindly said he’d do it and it worked out really, really well. My brother Ian also wrote that song.

Any plans to release follow up material?

I’ve been writing a lot and have actually almost finished my second album which will be a mix of Lovers Rock and Soul. ‘This Is My Moment’ was an eight track album but this’ll be a bit longer.

You’re really representing for the females in not only singing, but the entertainment sphere as a whole. What has your experience as female in this industry been like?

I’ve been deejaying for a long time and have only recently come back into singing. And though I was singing before, not a lot of people know me as a singer, they know me more as a DJ. So my initial experience was of some people responding like, ‘where the hell she come from all of a sudden!?’.

I think amongst some of the females, I’ve been seen as a bit of a threat; I left the industry, came back, done my launch, been putting the work in and my name is on a lot of people’s tongue since the launch, anyway. On the other hand, some of them haven’t really done anything; not everybody but some. I tend to try to look for the positive in situations though, move forward and affirm the fact that I can do it. In my doing it, I want to inspire young people to go after what they want.

So, is there cattiness and tense, competitive atmosphere in the UK Lover’s Rock scene industry? I mean, it’s always been a small, female dominated scene.

I suppose there is really, but I try not to think about it. I know that  there’s people in the industry talking about me behind my back – and not nice things - because I’ve been told but, again, I don’t focus on it. They’re not paying my studio time, mortgage, it doesn’t matter. I will get there. 

All of that can be disheartening and throw people off.

It can, the weak ones, yeah. If you’re not strong enough  then it’ll kill you!  And I’m not saying I haven’t been affected before but then I thought ‘you know what talent you’ve got Deneez, just get on with it and do it!’

Is it then fair to say that your skin grew thicker over time?

Sort of but, then again I’ve always been quite hard. If anything, I’m very critical of myself.  

What elements/personal qualities do you include in your journey to success as a singer, 'getting on with it'?

I’m proactive, you see. Since my launch, I’ve got my website, I market myself, am getting interviews, bookings, writing songs. On top of all of this, I work full time as well as a PA so I’m really juggling a lot of different things. I try to get to the gym when I can but that really has been less and less these days (laughs). It comes down to time management but if I’m tired, I have to rest because you cannot do anything when you’re tired.

(C) Saurian Dash

What is the state of Reggae music scene as a whole, in the UK?

I think it could be doing better; it’s not doing as well as it should because there are some fantastic artists and talent out there which needs to be pushed. We need people to help market us; some of us do it ourselves but often, we ain’t got the time!

I hate recording and leaving it on the shelf; that’s why me and my brother are just out there, pushing. It’s about the organisation; who’s going to generate interest, sell it onto the worldwide community – people like that are needed. It helps when we’ve got yourselves and radio stations supporting acts. It’s good when legal stations take it on. I mean, give us a chance! There is some good  talent out there, and I know I’ve got some good stuff coming that I want pushed! (laughs)

Aren’t a lack of venues a problem for the Reggae scene in London? One by one, they’re being shut down.

They are, which is ridiculous. We’ve got access to places like the Jazz Café; I think promoters should try and get a venue and put on a big, massive event for UK talent. Invite PR people down, labels etc. The likes of smaller venues like ‘Higher Level’ are great but sometimes you need a bigger crowd. Why settle for less, when you can get more?

We need big promoters to back us, we need help – marketing and management. I’d love to take on Europe, sing all of my songs in Japan – where the reggae following is huge and my album would probably sell off (laughs), Jamaica, Miami. This is the thing; the role of a manager is to look into these things for the artists. I’m actually managing myself, to be fair.

Are you looking for a manager?

I do need one. I work full time; sometimes I have to sneak off when I should be doing my work, I’m doing stuff on the computer, researching what’s happening in the reggae industry here, in Europe. But don’t tell them though (laughs); they know anyway – they bought my records and loved it. I actually performed at the Christmas party last year – they were all up there, dancing.

Are you working with any other producers, aside from Kyle from The Radix?

I am working with Gary Digitech at the moment, an American producer, Genius from One Harmony Records and there will be some others in the pipeline.

What do you do in your spare time, for fun?

I like to watch movies, go out to dinner, gym (as I say) visit friends...just chillax really. Sundays would be my day to relax and reflect. I do love my holidays; I like to go away for weekends and when I can I try to go to Miami once a year to see my Grandma and family over there. But even when I go out there, they get me up and singing! 

Connect with Deneez:

www.facebook.com/DeneezPetersMusic

www.twitter.com/deneezpeters

https://soundcloud.com/deenezpeters

www.instagram.com/deneezpeters

www.reverbnation.com/deneezpeters

djdeneez.wix.com/deneezpeters

Purchase ‘Dance With Me’ and ‘Can't Get You Off My Mind’:

http://bit.ly/1VgLRwL

Purchase ‘This Is The Moment’:

http://bit.ly/20UxEW5

CELEBRATING REGGAE FRATERNITY UK’s FIRST ANNIVERSARY !! OUR JOURNEY SO FAR...

BY CORAL CONSCIOUSLEE

11TH APRIL 2016

Everything starts with a seed doesn’t it?  A seed is planted – hopefully in good soil.  It is then watered with the hope that it will yield something exceptional and beautiful.

This particular seed was planted, when an artist posted on facebook, her frustration at the treatment of a promoter.  It wasn’t that this subject had not been raised previously, or the situation had never been heard of; the time had come to do something.

Consequently, an invitation was extended asking those who were interested in discussing a way forward - regarding raising the standard for reggae music in the UK - to meet.  This historic meeting took place on 9^th April 2015.  It wasn’t a massive gathering, but artists, promoters, producers, musicians, and DJs were present; each individual voiced their concerns with passion and eloquence.

Since then, it has been a year of peaks and troughs.  When we had the peaks, we gave thanks because it meant – however small it may be – we were making progress.  The “troughs” proved to be the challenge of being consistent in the face of those who found it hard to believe changes could be made.  It has been a learning curve for all.  However, many have realised that this is a good cause and there is a need to fix the nuances in a structural and business-like manner through RFUK.  As we continued we were glad to receive endorsements from those we call stalwarts in the music industry.

We started building our foundation, we knew that it would take time, effort, sacrifices and commitment to achieve our goal.  It was also important that we worked with likeminded people pulling in the same direction.

RFUK was born out of the desire to see reggae artists and musicians in this country get their just rewards. We want better standards and conditions for artists to do what they love. Also through RFUK we have had the opportunity to meet so many up and coming artists who we probably wouldn’t have heard of.  We have directly searched and found some real gems.  We want to ensure that they have an easier time than us and have a solid foundation to build upon.

As well as the stimulating meetings hosted by RFUK, the highlight of our year has to be the RFUK Networking Party.  It is a night long remembered and still talked about, where the artists were featured to a warm and exceptional audience.  We had legends alongside those just beginning and of course A LOT of networking!

As we come to the close of our first year, the natural question would be: What now??

As I type RFUK are in the process of putting together a more coherent structure/plan to raise our standards even higher.  Bigger and better things are coming for 2016/17!  In order to achieve this, we have decided to push back the RFUK launch to next year as there are quite a few things we want to have in place before we present it to the world.  In the meantime look out for RFUK Networking Event Part II - coming soon..

2015/2016: Laying the RFUK foundation.  2016/17: Building a solid and firm structure.  RFUK thank you for your support and participation so far, in what has been a phenomenal beginning to a purpose-driven organisation.

Interview | Lov'Ella

By Nadine White 
Friday 12th February 2016


After taking a bit of a break from the UK Reggae scene, Lov’Ella is back with her sultry new single ‘Loving You Baby’. The accompanying music video has amassed over 46,000 views on Youtube and is enjoying local and international acclaim.

In times gone by, she was known musically as she is otherwise, Lovella Ellis. However, she has since made the decision to go her first name - albeit slightly re-jigged - as part of an exciting renaissance for the South London born singer. I sat down with Lov’Ella to speak about new projects in the pipeline, family and music.    

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So, you were away from the UK Reggae Scene for a while. You’re now back with ‘Loving You Baby’ which is doing extremely well. What a great start for 2016; how do you feel and what have you been up to?

I’m actually impressed, given the fact that I’ve been away from the UK Reggae scene for a while. In that space of time, I was working on new projects overseas and basically trying to find myself, in terms of where I want to go artistically for this year. I wanted to broaden my horizons and bring reggae to wider audience, also. Reggae is a worldwide language; it’s everywhere! There’s a big world out there.

What do you credit to the universal appeal of reggae music? Why do people love it so much?

It’s got a loving vibe to it where it brings people together. No matter where you come from. It’s conscious music! 

As far as your stage name goes, you’ve dropped the ‘Ellis’. Why?

I have but, before I go on, I just want to say that I will always be an Ellis. My blood, my DNA – it’s in me. But Lov’Ella is about me and what I am bringing to the table as an artist in my own right. And, I am not just bringing the reggae, I’m a versatile artist. I’m not pigeonholing myself into a specific genre even though reggae is what I’m known for doing. I want people to be able to identify with with me when they hear Lov’Ella.

Rebranding?

That’s right, I’m rebranding! In the past, when people have heard the name Lovella Ellis, they expect certain things which I’d like to come away from. I’m working with a different image, style, unique quality on a completely different level to before. For instance, people will see a lot of material that I’ve released in the past start to gradually disappear from some of the online outlets because the quality of pictures and productions weren't up to a certain standard. But it will be re-mastered and re-released in the near future.

'Loving You Baby(1)|(C)MaxineMcKenzie/Facebook

Just picking up on your point about not being pigeonholed, does any pressure come with being the great Alton Ellis’ daughter?

Yes there is pressure, I’m not gonna lie. It’s strange…some people expect me to sing my Dad’s songs the way he sings it and basically be him on stage. But I could never be my Dad, no one can. It is a lot of pressure being an Ellis; people seem to think that because I am an Ellis I am “up there” or that’s why I’ve got to where I am, but I’ve worked very hard.

So, if anything, there seems to be even more obstacles because of who you are.

If it was easy, believe me, I think I would’ve got all of my Dad’s followers. It’s difficult particularly as a female in the industry but I’m working at it. I’ve seen a lot of negative things along the way and I’m sure there’s a lot more to learn when things start to hopefully progress. All I can do is remain focused and not get side tracked, staying true to who I am at the same time.

Why is it difficult, being a female in the music industry?

I’m gonna get to the point; I’d say that the main negative thing I’ve come across, as a female, is the sexploitation. Some men expect you to do certain things to get through the door and reach your goals.

I’ve heard that said before, actually.

I once went to a business meeting with a recording company. I was told by the gentleman from this company that “you’re not going to get anywhere with just focus, hard work, being yourself and good branding...you need to throw it up, throw it up”.

Out of order.

Yes and he was serious too. He told me that, as he sat in his executive chair with his legs wide open. I said even if having dignity and self-respect means it takes longer to get to the top, then I’m going to keep going, knowing that I will get there eventually.

I don’t always blame the men though, to be honest with you, because some women are like that. So there’s almost an expectation that all women in this industry will do certain things to succeed in this field. Me? I’m not for sale in anyway at all.

'Loving You Baby(2)'|(C)MaxineMcKenzie/Facebook

It’s admirable that you have decided to stick to your guns because, as we know, the music industry is a cut-throat place when many (male and female) may opt to compromise certain values in order to get ahead.

Yeah. I’ve performed at shows where DJs will approach me for a dance and I have to explain that I do not get down like that. I just want to be a businesswoman, go out there and sing – I’m a singer/songwriter/entertainer and nothing else.

Sharing your experience of being a woman in this industry will help get a conversation going that’s rarely had and maybe even help to encourage aspiring female artists who want to break into the business, letting them know that it is okay to say no to what you aren’t comfortable with.

I do want them to realise that. I’m not being negative about anyone who goes about things differently. But I’d tell those women to just work hard and you will get there. If you stick to your guns, then the same guys who made advances or had certain expectations will eventually have to give you respect. They’ll have to.

Is there a rift between you and Christopher Ellis, your brother?  The streets are talking.

I love my brother, I’ve said this to anyone and everyone that’s asked me and it’s not something that I just say, I mean it from the bottom of my heart. I don’t have any qualms or problems with him. People’s asked if I would have an interview with him, kind of like the younger version of your Dad and Aunty, yes! If I’d work with him – yes!

That would be beautiful – a song!

I’m telling you, straight, honestly.

You do strike me as a very candid person (Lov'Ella laughs) so I definitely believe that you would say it straight; in any case, I'm aware that you didn’t have to answer at all. But as there’s widespread speculation, I was hoping to put this to bed and we've done so. Thank you!

All I want is for my whole family to come together and create an Ellis empire, our own little establishment, people working for us, writing songs for people, doing what we do best - that is what I’ve wanted from day one.

Certainly, there's so many of your family who are successful in the music and creative field. Back to you; is there an EP coming out?

I’m working slowly towards an album but I’m doing a couple of singles first, each with a video.

'Loving You Baby(3)'|(C)MaxineMcKenzie/Facebook

Ooh, so we can look forward to more visuals then. As sleek and polished as ‘Loving You Baby’? That was a great video.

Definitely more visual; I’m going commercial, hun! I’m glad you liked the video, thank you. I was going for a subtle sexiness, not too over the top, the mix of cultures, the ballet dancers meet reggae. So many people have responded well to it. It was worth the work which we put into it – over one year!

And I love the white dress you were wearing in it.

Thank you hun, it’s by Genieve Vasconcelos. Jeffeth Thompson is the Executive Producer of the video and Rodney Victor Williams directed it. The dogs in the video are actually actors! They featured in a DFS advert in 2004. One of the love interests in the video is played by actor Chukumuna Modu, who is also in Season 6 of 'Games of Thrones' (Episode One). 

That’s so cool! When exactly did you write that song?

I actually wrote it in 2004. I was meant to be meeting my Partner and my Dad phoned me, calling name in his signature way. As soon as I hear him say my name that way, I know he wants something (laughs) and he’ll know he has me. It wouldn’t matter where I was, if I have to get on a plane, I’d get on it if he asked, once he said my name like that!

Anyway, I’m making my way to my Partner, miles away from my Dad who wanted me to trot all the way back to North London, telling me that he had a song that I would like. I told him to play it to me over the phone, so that I could get it in my head as I’m good as memorising melodies. Anyway, I got to where my Dad was eventually and it took me five minutes – harmonies, vocals, everything. I was inspired by the fact that I was loving my baby and was meant to be meeting him! We kept it in the treasure chest until recently.

What’s the plan next?

Well, after this song, I plan to release original content all the way through. I’ve got a good team behind me. There is a tour coming up with dates in London, Berlin and more to be confirmed. I’ll be going to Jamaica very soon on some business and to shoot part of a video. 

Any parting words for your fans?

If you believe in yourself, invest in yourself. Reach for the stars and when you’ve got them, even reach further.

‘Loving You Baby’ will be available on ITunes and other major digital outlets on 14^th February and can be pre-ordered in the meantime; “Valentine’s Day is not the same, if no one ain’t Loving You Baby”

Connect with Lov’Ella on Social Media:

Facebook: Lov’Ella

Twitter: @LovellaOfficial

Soundcloud: Lovella

RFUK NETWORKING PARTY - SUNDAY 13TH DECEMBER 2015

by Coral Consciouslee

18th December 2015

I write with a now deeper respect for artists, DJs, promoters, producers, engineers, musicians and all other aspects of the music industry.

 

On Sunday 13^th December 2015, Reggae Fraternity UK had our very first major event. The preparation and work that went into it – for me - was a boot camp training to what it takes to plan, arrange and host an event.  Let me tell you about the RFUK Team of which I am honoured to be a member of.  The team consists of 7 individuals who share a passion for promoting excellence and professionalism especially in UK Reggae.  I am amongst 5 artists and one other who between them have decades of musical experience, who also are creative in other aspects and have professional qualifications in other fields to bring to the table.  Me? I am fortunate that for some divine or universal reason I have been placed to be in this position. 

Since April 2015 we have slowly but surely gained the measure of each other, our strengths and abilities and how best to utilise what we have between us for the good of the organisation. It’s voluntary, but the keyword we use is “professionalism”.  To that end we have had to pull together in honesty and integrity to make sure we deliver on the words that are spoken in our meetings or that one may see on our facebook pages, blogs and on our website.

 You can imagine what planning our first event was like.  What I initially thought would be a simple straightforward procedure (I tend to think very simplistically), had to be broken down and planned very carefully to the tiniest detail. Can you imagine the volume of phone calls, emails, Skype meetings and face to face meetings that took place over the last few months – considering that RFUK only started in April? 

 

However as plans for the event started to take shape, I thought about the artists and those who would be coming, would know and feel we had brought this event together to show how much we thought of UK Reggae Artists and hopefully give an insight in how things could work if we in the UK pulled together.

For me it was an event that I will never forget. By 7pm, sound check was complete, security and ticket collectors were ready, DJ Mikey Notch from Thirdimension Sound (RJR Radio) was playing UK Reggae music, bar staff was ready, the allocated artists area was secure.  We were ready and waiting.  I imagined the thought that goes through every promoters head as I walked through the venue, checking and rechecking everything: Is anyone coming? If so, how many were coming? More importantly WHAT TIME would they be coming? 

We needn’t have worried.  As if planned, it seemed that everyone started arriving at the same time.  For the next couple of hours there was a steady stream of artists, producers, promoters, members of the public.  It got so busy I didn’t realise until the compere came on the stage that the place was full! When did that happen?  Not that I was complaining or anything! 

 

The artists were excellent! They sang as if they were at Wembley Arena! I confess that sometimes I forgot that it was actually our event and could be found at the front of the crowd, camera in hand screaming in reckless abandon.  I clapped my hands; I clicked my camera and then would dash off to make sure everything was in order.  This wasn’t just somewhere where artists got up and sang because there was a mic; the audience were treated to a first class show.  The atmosphere was exciting, magical, electric, guaranteed to change whatever mood one was in, into a happy, carefree one – even if only for a few hours.

One of my main pleasures at such events is watching artists catch up with each other.  I like observing the men standing chatting and the women sitting together laughing and listening to each other intently.  Artists are human too! 

 

There were touching moments: Sutara Ji (a.k.a. Lorna Gee) in tears on stage as she sang Louisa Mark’s Sixth Street with Carroll Thompson. The eruption of the crowd as Lorna Gee came back on the stage to “toast/rap/ride” the rhythm as only she can. The artists congratulating each other as they came off stage. My shock and surprise at being invited on to the stage to be presented with a birthday cake and having the whole room sing me happy birthday.  It was beautiful – all of it.

As I write, I look at my handbag and see the business cards and contact details of artists and other individuals from the music industry who wish to be involved with what Reggae Fraternity UK are trying to achieve – I was given all of those cards last night.  Sunday night was a success.  Yes... there are things that we will tweak and improve upon, but we achieved our goal.  We showed that by uniting and working together, by staying focused and having a common aim, we can achieve great things indeed.  We can achieve an event where top UK Reggae Artists were more than happy to attend and support the next generation of artists coming up.  As I walked around the room, the celebrities in attendance read like a who’s who in UK Reggae. All of this in a few short months.

As we drove home, there was so much to reflect upon: Promoting UK Reggae Excellence = Reggae Fraternity UK.

 

ARE WE REALLY THAT HELPLESS??

 By Coral Consciouslee

3rd November 2015

 

In an industry where one’s reputation is based on one’s conduct or performance, I was saddened to know that yet another artist has had to go public and complain about a promoter.

UK’s rising Reggae Star, Aysha Loren took to social media yesterday to vent her frustration and outrage at the shoddy treatment she and fellow band members received at the hands of a promoter.  Apparently he waited until after the show to tell Aysha, that she nor her band members would not be receiving any payment, because he had no money with which to pay her.

As Aysha pointed out (and it was evident), the venue was very well attended! This meant that even in ticket sales alone, revenue would have been generated, so why, knowing full well that such actions would be broadcast, did the promoter in question not show any remorse or any intention of fulfilling his side of the agreement?  The other burning question is, did Lukie D receive HIS agreed fee for his performance? If this is the case, the international artist has once again been given preferential treatment over a UK artist!

My blog is not merely to state the obvious, but to highlight the very urgent need for us to change in how we do things here in the UK.  For things to change, we have to take effective action.  To be effective we really do need to come together and commit to working to a higher standard.  The saying “all singing from the same hymn sheet” springs to mind.  Even though contracts can and will be broken, there should be a consequence for the promoter or artist if this happens.  The promoter should NOT be able to get away with his actions without any repercussion or penalty.  I am sure as I type, the promoter in question will not only be counting whatever profit/loss he has made, but he will already be busy promoting his next event or venture. 

I saw some of the comments under Aysha Loren’s status.  “Put it down to experience”. “Did you have a contract?”.  “Did you have a rider in that contract?”. My all time favourite : “Leave him to God”.  So in a nutshell, seemingly there is nothing Aysha or her band members can do.  She and they used their own resources which includes time and effort, which whilst appreciated by her fans and those who attended, was laughed at by the promoter himself! Another pertinent question is does the fact that Aysha is a female singer have any bearing in the promoter’s stance in this situation? Would the promoter have handled things differently if it involved a male? Questions, questions, questions!

I call on artists, musicians and like-minded individuals to boycott promoters who behave in this way.  The power is in our hands; if we choose not to put our hands in our pockets and take our hard-earned cash and pay for a ticket, that promoter is rendered inactive, the event cannot take place.  Naming and shaming is not a spiteful or malicious act.  By refusing to name and shame we give that promoter licence to do it to others, we are actually giving them permission to waste other people’s time and money. We also need to stop being “armchair” critics.  There are ways of supporting positive change and I would be wrong not to promote Reggae Fraternity UK of which I am a member.  I joined because I want to be instrumental in causing change to the Reggae Music Industry in the UK especially; I truly believe it can be done.  What are you doing to contribute to change? You may say you are not an artist, musician, promoter or DJ; however without you, the general public, none of this is possible.  As Chronnix sang “I’m recruiting....”

“Better must come”....but who is going to do it? How will it happen? When will it happen?

It’s up to us...