Imagine one place where Caribbean people can have access to all their favorite tunes. Imagine further that this place will allow them to not only listen to, download, and hear their favorite tunes, but also allows them to interact with their favorite artists, and see live shows as well. Imagine no further, as this once upon a mirage is now a reality.
The website Numusiczone.com propelled forward earlier this year. The site has answered the call, and through its recent collaborations with other Caribbean websites, is affording persons throughout the region and beyond the ability to get closer to their local artists and have access to even more of the music that they enjoy.
The site, which boasts of a myriad of regional bands and individual performers, affords patrons the opportunity to download songs of their choosing instantly to their computer. A true Caribbean I-Tunes of sort in the making. Additionally, with the broadcasting of their video production, “Behind the Music”, the site is proving to be a premier marketing site for Caribbean artists. The thirty minute video show is seen throughout the Caribbean region, in twenty one countries, and enters over 1.5 million homes. The episode delves into the lives of the musical artists. The audience is taken on a musical journey where they get to spend time with the artists and learn about them through their words. The motivational forces behind their music, their vision, and of course the sources of their inspiration are all key items of focus, during the thirty minute segment. What better way for an artist to be recognized than by bringing this artist closer to his or her fans?
The site features Caribbean music of different genres from Calypso, to Reggae, to Zouk and even Gospel. Through its popularity, the site is allowing its patrons to get a more in depth look at their favorite artists. Understanding of the cultural makeup of the artist, their background, and where they have come from as musical geniuses allows the audiences to not only form a deeper connection, but also allows for a greater appreciation of these artists as well.
Visitors to the site will also be able to purchase other live video content for minimal prices, and view shows as they are happening. The hope is that international recognition will also result from the word of mouth notoriety of the website.
The benefits to the region of the Numusiczone website cannot be denied. Artists from different countries now have an outlet to put their unique musical talent on display, and will prosper from the exposure brought to them both within their own domain, and throughout. The bonds of unity between Caribbean people will be further strengthened through the power of music.
Caiso, Caiso, Caiso for so! After a stellar 2011 it could not be imagined that the calypsonians in Dominica could create greater lyrics. However these master lyricists have proven that they can top even their best. The catchy tunes and insightful lyrics of the 2012 calypsos have already made their way across the airwaves and into the hearts and minds of many fans.
The 2012 season was off to a great start with the Calypso Quarter Finals. 33 calypsonians brought their best forward to compete at the event held at the Newton Savannah on Saturday January 21st. Calypsonians put their most prized efforts on display all in the hopes of winning a spot towards the calypso finals. While only 20 would make their way through the gate to calypso star-power, mention must be made of some of the key highlights of the show.
The show was off to a bang start at 8:30pm and was hosted by Alex Bruno. Newcomer to the stage, “Vigilante” moved the crowd with his “Back to Front” rendition. He was followed by seasoned veteran the “Third Eye”. Another newcomer to the stage, “Black Diamond” engaged the crowd with his song “Pit Toilet” which was filled with stirring and thought provoking verses.
The night was energized with music of both the up-tempo and slow variety. A key highlight which must be noted is the calypsonian “Sye”, who not only sang his moving song “Fire”, but dressed the part as well, in his Fireman attire.
As the show progressed, there was no denying that it would be truly a daunting task on the judges to select the finalists. Mention must be made also of newcomer “Checko” with his rocking tune “AM/PM”. The seasoned veterans could not be forgotten. Hunter bellowed tunes about the “Asphault”, while “Young Bull” argued that we were suffering from “Mediocrity”.
The mighty “Dice”, dressed in his Grammar School uniform pled his case for “Teachers”.
In the end, it was the 2 newcomers plus 18 other calypsonians who were selected. “Black Diamond”, “Checko”, “Hunter”, “Scrunter”, “Jamma B”, “Webb”, “Vigilante”, “Comforter”, “Bobb”, “Triumph”, “Soul Puss”, “Checker”, “Observer”, “Pickie”, “Dice”, “Logars”, “Sye”, “Caressa”, “Explosion” and “Peter Pross” will all compete at the Semi-Finals carded for February 4th. Who amongst the chosen shall be selected to do battle with the Queen? Your guess is as good as mine.
Dominica News Online has come to be known as a source for all things Dominican particularly in respect to current and up to date news and events on the island. The site has become a mainstay in many Dominican homes and prides itself on its ability to keep the people informed. What could be better than being able to access Dominican news from any corner of the globe you may ask? The answer? Being able to access Dominican music and shows in conjunction with the news. With that concept in mind, Numusiczone.com propelled forward earlier this year. The site has answered the call, and through its collaboration with Dominica News Online, is affording Dominicans and non-Dominicans alike, the opportunity to enjoy their usual literary news package, with the added bonus of local and regional musical content as well.
Growing up, during the Carnival season, there was nothing more appealing than being able to hear the sweet melodious bellows of calypsos resonating through the air waves. On the night of the Calypso Finals, it was customary to hear those sweet sounds echoing across the Roseau river, straight to one’s eardrums. A sound truly divine and exquisite.
For some Dominicans, the ability to hear those raw symphonies exists only as a memory. Many have chosen paths which have led to places outside of our native country. However, in this global technological age, not being physically on the island is no longer a hindrance to being able to enjoy and participate in what one’s country has to offer
The union between Numusiczone.com and Dominica News Online has illuminated Dominica, the people, and talent simultaneously. Numusiczone.com affords patrons the opportunity to download their favorite local music instantly to their computer. A true Caribbean I-Tunes of sort in the making. Additionally, the showcasing of video content from Numusiczone.com is also now a part of the total package being offered through the collaboration.
Numusiczone’s video production, “Behind the Music”, is a thirty minute video show seen throughout the Caribbean region, in 21 countries, and enters over 1.5 million homes. The episode delves into the lives of artists from Dominica and the region. This is a premier marketing tool being used to promote local calypsos, calypsonians and musicians of other genres of music alike. The program, places the spotlight on the local artists. The audience is able to spend one on one time with them and learn about them through their words. What motivates them as artists, their vision, influences and of course their sources of inspiration. What better way for an artist to be recognized than by bringing this artist closer to his or her fans?
Numusizcone.com is allowing its patrons to not only get a more in depth look at their favorite artists, but it is also allowing for the development of a more interpersonal relationship. Understanding of the cultural makeup of the artist, their background, and where they have come from as musical geniuses allows the audiences to not only form a deeper connection, but also allows for a greater appreciation of these artists as well. From inception to production, we are able to see our favorite local stars on full display.
Such a unique intermingling of news and music entertainment will produce benefits for the larger community as well. If you are one of those that still has the desire to hear the sweet calypsos in your ear, Numusiczone.com is affording its clientele the opportunity, for minimal prices to view live calypso shows and tents. Visitors to the site will also be able to purchase other live video content for minimal prices, and view shows as they are happening. Who needs to be in Carnival City? When Carnival City will be right there live and direct in your living room.
International recognition will also result from the word of mouth notoriety of the Numusiczone and Dominica News Online connection. As we have already noted, most ex-patriots throughout the Diaspora and abroad utilize Dominica News Online as their source for news and information. Through the collaboration with Numusiczone it is hopeful that Caribbean people will now know that they have a one stop location to go to for local and regional music as well. The aim is that this musical and video content will be shared amongst friends and family. Regional notoriety will hopefully open the doors for international recognition.
Who can forget WCK’s “Conch-shell” and the song’s ability to transcend territorial boundaries. The Dominica News Online – Numusiczone.com collaboration will hopefully create a Conch-shell like appeal. Patrons to the Dominica News Online site will be soothed by local calypsos and music, and being able to view their local artists up close and personal will strengthen the public’s interest in these artists and thus the willingness to support them.
The myriad of benefits as a result of the marriage between Dominica News Online and Numusiczone.com cannot be denied. Our local artists will not only prosper from the exposure, but the bonds of unity between our people will further be strengthened through the power of music. As English novelist, Aldous Huxley so eloquently put it “After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.”
Learn about drug rehab rumors and the Beyonce performance buy out rumor.
What made me respect Machel the most was him saying the break was to figure out how to redefine soca to crossover internationally, collaborating and experimenting with different artists to perfect the sound. This guy knows what he wants and is putting in the work to get it.
Visitors to Dominica for the 11th Annual World Creole Music Festival have left the event with much optimism that they will now be able to readily access Caribbean music on the internet.
Creating Revenue For The Islands’ Artists
During the three day activity in Dominica, the regions premier music site www.numusiczone.com was on prominent display at many of the activities. Roland Delsol of the Michele Henderson band says he was overwhelmed with the level of interest by visitors in the 3 year old site. He says they were particularly impressed with the range and quality of the music that is available on the site. “Many of the visitors have vowed to assist in spreading the word of the sites existence to their fellow residents in their respective islands”, he said.
On Demand Access To Caribbean Music
One visitor noted that since the introduction of the site, he has not missed any of the islands music. he says, any Dominica tune I want, I can just go to www.numusiczone.com and I will get it, that means a lot to me, because I am so far from home. It brings me much closer to my people.
One other visit for North America, says the site is the best example of cultural preservation that he has seen in a long time. He says, through the site, he has been able to introduce many of his American friends to every kind of music from the Caribbean region. “Man, I am proud of our music and I will do everything I can to help spread the word of the site, so musicians will continue to grow” he reiterated.
Growing Fast
Recent statistics reveal that the site continues to grow by over 5000 hits per week. Promoters of the site are planning a host of upgrades in the near future to include videos and areas for much more interaction among its visitors. The site also currently boats of over 460 unique artists from all over the Caribbean region and further a field.
Ok, so in November we had our 10, 000th visitor to Numusiczone and today that number has increased by MORE THAN 200%! I guess we must be doing something right. If you know what it is please let me know by posting a comment. Better yet, tell me what you think we are doing WRONG and I will do my best to resolve it.
“Popular dancehall trio, Voicemail has sharply criticised the management of local artistes and called for greater education and professionalism in the area of marketing of the music, especially on the international scene.”
This artist recognizes the lack of proper management which is not only lacking in dancehall music but also many other Caribbean genres.
“Education is the most important thing in the music business. From my perspective, dancehall is one of the most popular music worldwide. But the thing about it, we have very talented artistes but the people dem behind the scene most of them not up to scratch with what is happening,” said Voicemail’s O’Neil Edwards.
Education is power, and managers should be utilizing all forms of marketing including online methods.
Last week we had our 10,000th unique visitor to the site after 7 months in operation. Yeah I know that’s not much compared to where we want to go, but I know many other e-commerce sites who haven’t had that many in this space of time.
