One Mic joins live music scene

Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter

In an effort to give exposure to newer talent, Kemar Daswell of D'Events will be hosting an intimate acoustics show called One Mic.

Speaking with The Sunday Gleaner recently, Daswell said the event was designed specifically to help young talent seeking exposure.

He explained that there were not many shows willing to give young talent prime spots on stage shows or push their careers unless they are associated with certain groups or individuals.

"One Mic is supposed to be an acoustic vibe. The band is going to be stripped down from about seven persons to about three or four to complement the artistes," he said, noting that there might only be a keyboard, conga drums and a guitar.

Daswell said there will only be about six or seven acts, as he wants the show to be more intimate with the acts getting the opportunity to spend between 20 and 45 minutes on stage interacting with the audience throughout their performances, as opposed to others shows where young acts get about five to rush through their catalogue.

In addition, he noted that the event is not limited to singers and musicians, but is also open to poets and actors.

At the event that will held in New Kingston on November 30, there will be performances from persons like Delus, G-Whizz, Colas, Raquel Jones, Rae Tay, Conkarah and Kedia, while backing will be done by Phuzion Band.

The event has an international flavour as well with a New York leg being spearheaded by Destine Media on November 28. Christopher Martin will be the main act.

"The aim is to educate people about the music, as well as expose new and up-and-coming talent in the creative arts. It is building small brands and developing them into major brands. It is a way for people to realise that there are more persons outside that they can look to book," he said.

"Performers were chosen based on their professionalism, talent and their zeal. It was a process as well so the artistes submitted work; we looked over their work and then chose. We don't want it to be an open mic, it has to be more structured."

intimacy

While he promises an intimate setting, great talent and a wide array of food and liquor, Daswell says he hopes he will be able to host One Mic more than once per month.

Although he wants to eventually host the event a couple times during each month, he says "we still want the acoustic vibe and the intimacy of the event".

And, like organisers of other relatively small events like his, Daswell is also plagued by the lack of sponsorship.

Although some corporate companies have said they like the concept of the show, he explained that many said they were unwilling to invest until the show had begun, while others refused to assist.

Luckily, he says non-financial assistance came from Alter Ego Boutique, Icey Jace Film Factory, Krystle Karee Design Studio, HDP (USA), Triple 7 Entertainment (USA), ViewzzMedia and Billboard Magazine.

But with the acts performing for free and D'Events covering overhead costs from pocket, he says the show will go on.