Lewis meets artists across independent lines

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By LÉANDRA ROLLE

Journalist of the Tribune

[email protected]

After several artists from the Bahamas expressed concern over this year’s Independence Day celebration, Youth Sports and Culture Minister Iram Lewis said he would meet with local artists to address their problems. ..

Lewis spoke after many artists in the Bahamas expressed concern over this year’s celebration to Independent Secretariat chairman Mark Humes.

The group is angry that event planners have omitted a mix of prominent local secular acts, especially in favor of more Christian themes.

While the artists support the general theme, they believe the event can include social artists as well.

“As you know, due to the pandemic, the last year has been difficult for artists and employment has fallen to its lowest level in history,” the letter said. “We look forward to festivals and independence celebrations for regular employment and the opportunity to showcase our talents.

“Therefore, it was surprising and very embarrassing to find out that this year’s celebration did not use the best performers in the world and in gospel music. Insulting the injury, the songs used were written locally. It is said that he was neither injured nor produced. Does this mean that our material is not enough to celebrate our own independence?

“We support the idea of ​​thanking God for God’s blessings over the past year, in a very artistic way with songs and performances by the best local gospels and lay artists. And the Bahamian people in general, ”the letter read.

Lewis was aware of some of the artist’s concerns yesterday and told reporters he would meet with stakeholders to resolve the issue if possible.

He told reporters yesterday: If corrections are needed, we will investigate and find ways to make sure we accept those who feel helpless.

“Mainly, there was an artist who called me and he asked me to hold a meeting. I told him to bring everyone, I told him to bring everyone. Focused on listening to all stakeholders and all aspects of my ministry (youth, sports, culture). I have not yet met all the federations and various organizations, but with everyone The meeting is my goal. Listen to their concerns and respond to them as needed. Once again, I want to promote, open the door and maximize our potential in all areas. Because I want. “

In a recent interview with Tribune, Humes acknowledged that this year’s celebration will be more Christian-oriented.

Explaining the rationale for the move, authorities said they wanted to do something different this year and last year, with an emphasis on “mundane” conduct.

“One aspect of who we are is rooted in our religious beliefs. We are a Christian state. So that’s the aspect. In celebrating this year, we are Bahamians. I pay tribute to that aspect, ”Humes said when contacted last week.

“We did something mundane. It was trivial – we have emphasized this over the past four years. For at least a year we can pay homage to Christians, we are a nation, the Christian state. I think, spend time like that and pay homage to God. “

When asked if the music was locally written or produced, he explained that the song used was “universal” religious music with a message.

“What we’re doing this year isn’t new (or) unusual, so I hope people don’t try to put it together as contrary to Bahamian culture… when we go to church Watching the songs that I have sung before, they are not songs from the Bahamas Either way. When I go to Methodist church, there are not a lot of Bahamian songs that we sing, but they are all songs that we accept . “

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