First Caribbean Country Music Association launched

The first ever Caribbean Country Music Association (CCMA) was officially launched here on Friday, October 1.{{more}}

Carlos Maloney, organizer of the association and proprietor of Cross Country Radio, said the move to form the association came out of the passion he has for Country Music.

He added that this passion propelled him to envisage “an association that would bring about unity within the region through Country Music.”

“CCMA is representing that vision,” Maloney said.

He added that Country Music is good music and that, there is a need for such music in the region.

“Music which is wholesome and uplifting and all of that can, be found in Country Music,” he said.

Newly elected president of CCMA, Arden Tannis, spoke of the influence of music on behavior, noting that music creates positive as well as negative environments.

“Music is very integral to the development of a nation as a whole, indeed Country Music can be used to shape the young people of our nation,” Tannis said, adding that it was the hope of the association to present Country Music as an alternative style of music.

“We have Blues and Jazz festivals, CCMA will one day be at a stage where they will be able to have Country Music festivals,” he continued.

Tannis is also optimistic that the association will be able to develop its own style of Country Music.

In her remarks, Minister of Culture Rene Baptiste, encouraged the team to “take their time” as the challenge for the time being is to keep the organization alive.

“Persons may want to pass the learning curve and become a professional” Baptiste said, adding that she had seen organizations “disappear” because of a lack of will.

“Always keep the goals and objectives at the forefront,” she said.

Jaye Albright, Director of the Country Music Association in the United States, offering solidarity remarks, spoke of the initial challenges that came with the formation of that entity back in 1958.

“It took the CMA a while to develop, but with persistence things started to happen,” Albright said.

“Success is assured once you practice that dedication.”

Albright added that it was also her wish to see local talents emerge, especially now that a formal association is in place.

“Tell your own story and follow the international pattern; make sure the music exemplifies local values,” she said. (DD)