IDB supports digitalisation of music production and distribution

WASHINGTON (CMC):

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) says it collaborating with Trinidad and Tobago’s soca artistes in a project that aims to highlight the country’s music export potential, boosted by the ever-increasing role of digital transformation in the creative and knowledge-based services sectors.

The Washington-based financial institution said that the artistes, Hey Choppi and 5ILVA, have released the song Call Meh as part of the project.

“Soca music is a cornerstone of Trinidad and Tobago’s indigenous, vibrant, cultural and creative heritage. As the 2024 Carnival season begins to heat up, local musical talents Hey Choppi and 5ILVA join forces to drop Groovy Soca track that radiates positivity,” the IDB said.

It said Hey Choppi’s soulful vocals effortlessly blend with the contagious guitar riffs and a captivating fusion of reggaeton rhythms and soca’s signature “beating iron” percussion. “In tough times, it’s alright to seek support,” singer Hey Choppi shares. “Often, pride shrouds us in isolation, but Call Meh is a musical reminder that help is just a phone call or text away.”

The project maps the journey of a song through conceptualisation, production and distribution of the music, highlighting the transformative power of digital technology as a catalyst for trade and exports of this cultural product worldwide.

The IDB said it recognises the cultural and creative industries, also known as the ‘orange economy’ or ‘creative economy’, as a vibrant source of economic growth. This includes activities such as architecture, audiovisual arts, digital content and services, fashion, graphic and industrial design, handicrafts, music, video games and software development, among others.

The creative economy was coined to illustrate the efforts to assess the economic impact of these sectors and refer to a productive model in which marketed goods and services have economic and intellectual value. In Latin America and the Caribbean, it represents revenues of US$124 billion and employs 1.9 million people, the IDB said.

“In the digital age, the global marketplace offers unprecedented opportunities for creatives to reach diverse audiences, transcending geographical boundaries. International music trade, facilitated by digital platforms and streaming services, not only amplifies the exposure for artistes, but also enables them to monetise their talent on a global scale,” the IDB said.