Project reggaelution off & running

THERE ARE many artistes in Jamaica who make the daily trod to the studio, where they work hard, looking for that one shot that will propel them into stardom.

For them, becoming the next Sean Paul, Shaggy, Tami Chynn, Bob Marley or Buju Banton is just a session away.

Even braver than these are those artistes who have chosen to move away from the norm and carve out their own niches.

This summer, the sounds of Keida, Kimberly Nain, Mario Evon, Neil Amos and Crimson Heart Replica have been coming to the fore.

These artistes bring a different sound, and Jamaicans are listening.

One of the reasons for the new sound emanating from Jamaican music is the use of instruments. Younger artistes are taking the time to learn music, much the way reggae artistes of previous generations did, and much the same way as those Jamaican acts, big in Europe, but not so well known here, do.

Bands, duets and groups have been moving away from dancehall and creating their own.

Live music events are the stages for these artistes and they have been getting support from big-name shows like The Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival.

The taste of Jamaicans is also becoming more interna-tional and have given these artistes a market they can flourish in, or at least begin to flourish.

Shows like Italee, Quizz and Friends, which had its first season every Tuesday night at the Village Blues Bar, Altered Fridays at The Wyndham, Jamnesia in St Thomas and a host of others are giving the artistes a launching pad.

Protoge, an alternative performer, had a debut at Reggae Sumfest this summer. He also performed at this year's Caribbean Fashion-week, on the Haiti Benefit Night.

It goes without saying: old bones have to make space for the new age, the new sound and the new music being cultivated here in Jamaica. Jamaica might one day - not long from now - be referred to as the land of music, instead of the land of reggae.