ANNOUNCING ‘THE ISLAND STAGE’ – DEDICATED TO CELEBRATING CARIBBEAN MUSIC AND ‘ISLAND POP’ GLOBALLY.
‘THE ISLAND STAGE’ IS CURATED BY THERAPY – A BRAND NEW SERIES OF BOUTIQUE MUSIC, WELLNESS AND SOUL REPAIRING EVENTS
March 4, 2021 | Telisa Taylor |
Therapy presents ‘The Island Stage’ in association with MusicTT – the first of its kind and exclusively streamed for the world-renowned South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Music Festival hailing from Austin, Texas. With this year’s event being held virtually; Therapy has helped rally together an exciting line-up of proud, rising Caribbean artistes. Performances will go live online via Hope Gardens Kingston, Jamaica by SXSW between 16th – 20th of March 2021.
‘The Island Stage’ is dedicated to focusing the spotlight on West Indian artistes and putting island pop at the forefront of the international music scene. Pioneered by rising Trinbagonian artiste Kalpee, along with his manager, Miss Vivianna of FVP Global – ‘The Island Stage’ aims to create a platform for artistes to come together and represent the variety of music from the many islands that make up The Caribbean. Having birthed hugely recognised acts like Bob Marley, Rihanna, Protoje, and Koffee – Kalpee and FVP Global’s mission is to support a range of Caribbean talent by strengthening the local infrastructure and resources, giving opportunities these artistes to thrive. Kalpee – who has been announced on the official line-up for SXSW 2021 – will be hosting ‘The Island Stage’ with model Kadiya Mcdonald. Kalpee will be performing alongside fellow West Indian musicians: Mortimer, Sevana, Tessellated, and Khalia.
In support of gender equality – Therapy have signed a 50:50 pledge with Girls I Rate to include at least 50% women and under-represented genders in their programming and staffing where possible. Founder of Girls I Rate, Carla Marie Willams says: “Being of Jamaican heritage, it’s important for me to push for increased visibility and equality for women across the Caribbean islands – bridging the gap between the UK and Caribbean diaspora, while increasing cultural experiences and opportunities within music for black women globally”.
Kalpee adds: “I am so very appreciative of all the experiences I have been blessed with in being able to travel internationally as part of my musical career. I came to understand that what is lacking in the West Indies is structure and resources into the creative arts, for us to compete with the rest of the world. This is how ‘The Island Stage’ came to be, as I realised that by coming together to represent Caribbean music with my peers, we can showcase our heritage, musical genres and individuality”.
SXSW Music Festival Programming Manager, Brian Hobbs elaborates: “SXSW is very excited to stream the first annual ‘Island Stage’ during the first ever SXSW Online festival. We recognize the importance of giving Caribbean music and artistes an international platform to showcase their musical heritage. We look forward to many more Island Stages to come in the future in Austin, Tx”.
General Manager at MusicTT, Melissa Jimenez states: “MusicTT is super excited to have partnered with Kalpee and Therapy to help deliver ‘The Island Stage’. This opens a door of infinite possibilities for The Caribbean and we are honoured to support”.
Miss Vivianna of FVP Global and Therapy founder explains: “I have learnt that it is extremely important to recognise the unique musical styles which are subtly different from island to island, and so by presenting ‘The Island Stage’ at this year’s SXSW, the intent is to not only to highlight this incredible new wave of Caribbean artiste, who despite the odds continue to push Caribbean music forward, but also to look to create more revenue and promotional opportunities for this talented community of musicians to exist”.
Telisa Taylor is the Events and PR Management.
