Nonprofit supports Grenadian musicians through pandemic with multiple projects

A group of Grenadian musicians under the leadership of ​Music&Beyond​, a non profit organization with the goal to support musicians, created not only possibilities for earning money but also very successful events in a time when events were and still are totally banned.

With the onset of Covid-19 the entire entertainment and music industry all over the world came to a sudden standstill – no shows, no concerts, no entertainment for tourists in the hotels. It also quickly became clear that the industry would be the last to be back on track again.

Behind the scenes, ​Music&Beyond moved into action seeking music initiatives adversely affected by the pandemic and requiring a way forward.

The first of such projects was Sabrina Francis’ “Wide Open” concert for Easter Saturday.  Banner announcements coincided almost exactly with Covid-19 lockdown restrictions causing havoc with this and other plans and projects.  Music&Beyond​ stepped in right away and a couple of weeks later, a live stream of the “Wide Open” concert on Easter Saturday was announced.

This experience nurtured “Let’z Keep Greenz’ Music Alive” – a series of three live streams featuring Grenadian artistes offering viewers the opportunity to donate to the cause named in the title.

Acceptance by several artistes to collaborate was backed by Netherlands Insurance, a longstanding supporter of the arts, who embraced the opportunity to encourage much needed innovation in the industry in these difficult times.

Between the 10th of May and the 7th of June fifteen singers and musicians have reached and entertained 45’000 viewers from all over the world.  Over ECD 7’500 have been collected for further projects to support Grenadian musicians.

Dieter Burkhalter, founder of Music&Beyond​, was surprised and pleased with the success of “Let’z Keep Greenz’ Music Alive”.

“It is amazing what new opportunities technology is offering us. We tried to bring the live stream at an elevated standard and to make the interaction purposeful. The response from the audience shows us that this effort is very much appreciated.”

The positive energy of this experience proved fertile ground for yet another musical initiative – a CD compilation with artistes involved in “Let’z Keep Greenz’ Music Alive”.  More specifically, the CD is intended as a keepsake for when Grenada reopens its borders.  As Hollice Mapp aka ​Mr Killa​, one of the participating artistes, puts it:

“Grenada is the island of spice, of taste, of music. You taste the spice in your food, and now with this CD you can listen to the spice.”

Thamara St.Bernard​ backs this notion saying:

“My music is a little bit like an oil down, our national dish. It has a little bit of everything.”

The production of the CD named “This is Home” after the well known and loved single recorded several years ago by Sabrina Francis, is well under way. Nine contemporary artistes, Zorina Andall​, ​Cryave​, Thamara Songbird St.Bernard, Mr Killa, ​Sonika​, ​Tamantha Chole​, A#keem​, ​Laura Lisa​ and Sabrina Francis are showcasing the power of current musical talent of Grenada. The title song, Sabrina Francis’ “This Is Home”, gives an emotional point of gravitation not only for the artistes, but, Grenadians all over the world and visitors alike.

Producers of the CD, Dieter Burkhalter and Sabrina Francis, proposed a re-recording of “This is Home”, sung by several artistes together highlighting one of the purposes of this project. Francis says:

“We finally get a moment to come together which we don’t get the chance to do that often. It’s fantastic camaraderie. Working together is a great bonding feeling.”

It has been 20 years since such a collation of Grenadian songs has been put together. While previous compilations would have featured mainly soca, the new CD “This is Home” proves that Grenadian music is alive and more diverse than ever before.

The outstanding photographs of Grenadian creative ​Teddy D. Frederick​ will be used as album cover art and the booklet within the CD will reflect the beauty of Grenada to make it even more attractive for visitors as a keepsake.

This story – let’s call it “Against All Covid-19 Odds” – is still only just at the beginning.

The momentum of the live streams will be maintained through a launch of the next series by Sabrina Francis. On Sunday at 2pm, the 28th of June, the 12th and the 26th of July three live concerts will showcase even more of Grenadian musical talent. The first live stream, on the 28th of June can be watched either on facebook or on youtube.

The Facebook link is https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=191081208958549  and the Youtube link is https://youtu.be/_mVI_5JjOcI

The artistes will seize the chance to promote the upcoming CD release and give everybody a chance not only to donate but also to pre-order the CD “This is Home”. It is expected that the CD will be released end of July.

​Music&Beyond is immensely grateful for the financial support provided by ​Netherlands Insurance​, ​Le Phare Bleu​ and ​Island Fever Grenada ​noting that cognisant that the experience of not only withstanding but learning and growing in challenging times with support is priceless.  Music&Beyond remains committed to taking action that maintains positivity and empowers musicians in Grenada in innovative ways.