G Mac changes horizons

Curtis Campbell, Gleaner Writer

International reggae/dancehall artiste G Mac has returned from a two-week European tour.

According to the artiste, Europeans are more musically objective than Jamaicans.

The artiste, who recently performed at sold-out venues in Italy and Belgium, disclosed that the overwhelming response from Europe has opened his eyes to the way he views the local music industry.

"At one venue in Italy, I performed for an hour and the people called me back. I went and did another 20 minutes and they still wanted more music," he said.

According to G Mac, unlike Jamaican fans who tend to prefer fads, European patrons listen to the music first.

"Even if they don't know the song, they will listen to it and, based on the content, you will be applauded. It's not like out here where it's all about the hype," he said.

In high demand

The artiste said that, since his return to Jamaica, he has been getting constant requests from European countries for dub plates and tours, which has boosted his aspiration to launch another European tour in 2012.

"Right now, there are no regrets. I must say big up to Chris Rock who organised the tour for me because it was well organised. Even now I'm getting requests. So, in 2012, I'm looking to tour Europe again and visit Africa as well," he said.

According to G Mac, despite the importance of maintaining a local presence, at this point in his career, he is focused on increasing his international presence.

"The local music has too much politics. It's about who you hang out with and who you are recording with. It's more about hype ... so I'm focusing on the world because, internationally, it's more about talent. You have local artistes who can sell out venues in Europe and don't even have a song playing on local radio," he said.

The artiste claims that Europeans are not biased; he believes they just love Jamaican culture and want us to deliver good music.

G Mac has a collaboration to be released featuring Sizzla called Nuh Careless Gyal, and another single featuring Italian reggae artiste Fido Guido called Has The World Gone Mad.

He also gave some advice intended for up-and-coming artistes.

"To every young artiste, try and get your songs uploaded on the Internet - YouTube, Facebook, etc. Don't get caught up in Jamaica. There is a bigger world out there for us to target," he advised.