PAYOLA FORUM FOR THE MUSIC

PAYOLA FORUM A HUGE SUCCESS
Brooklyn, April 28th, 2011…If the overwhelming majority of respondents attending the CPR forum examining the Payola Plunder on Tuesday, April 26th are to be believed, this forum was the best one to date. Organizers were very pleased with the turnout but it was the quality of the conversation that had the respondents beaming. “People left the forum more enlightened than when they first arrived,” says Carlyle McKetty, co-founder and president of CPR, “one objective of the Community Conversation Series is to foster a sense of community so that we can have healthy discussions like what took place on Tuesday night at the 3Ten Lounge and we are very pleased with the outcome.” The forum which was part three of the “Who Mash Up Reggae Series” looked to “tally the toll of pay for play” which has become a scourge on the music industry not only in Jamaica but within the Diaspora.
According to panelist, Cordel Green, executive director of the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica, “These conversations are taking place all over the world, but they are not being led by Jamaicans.” He went on to say that, “The work that CPR is doing is very important as CPR is using the preservation of reggae as a platform to deal with many social issues.” Echoing Mr. Green’s sentiment was veteran reggae singer, Freddie McGregor who said he was pleased to be a part of the evening’s conversation. McGregor added that, “Only people who care about our craft and care about us would do what CPR is doing.” Panelist Mandingo, who resides in the United Kingdom, was very forthcoming. He pointed out that “These discussions have to be continuous in order to maintain the integrity of the music. If we don’t maintain the integrity of the music the whole thing will wither and die.”

Forum commentator Carter Van Pelt, was impressed with the turn out and the quality of the discussion which took place. “It was the best forum to date,” he said, “Cordel Green was absolutely brilliant in the way he spoke and laid out the issues.” Pat Meschino, agreed, adding that, “there needs to be a part two.” The Billboard writer, presented on the issue of editorial payola and her presentation was well received. “This was a very interesting and positive discussion,” she added. Jubba White, leader and co-founder of DubTonic Kru, winners of the Best Band in the World Championship which was recently held in Malaysia, was a welcome surprise at the evening’s proceedings, and added his voice to the discussion. He spoke of the need for more people to speak out and not be pressured into staying silent. In closing he stated that he was pleased to see that, “the movement to preserve the music industry continues through dialogue.”

Like CPR, Cordel Green encourages folks to become advocates. “People need to write and call in to the stations, lobby, and do whatever it takes to make your voices be heard,” said Mr. Green, “The Broadcasting Commission needs to hear from you.” Lloyd Stanbury, agreed with that as well. Speaking as an industry insider at Tuesday’s event, the entertainment attorney brought clarity to the issue by explaining how different stakeholders interacted with each other around the issue of payola.

Now in its third season, the CPR Community Conversation Series is fast becoming the benchmark for industry advocacy and agitation not only within the United States but in Jamaica as well. The next forum takes place on Tuesday, May 24th and will examine the influence of Reggae on African Liberation. For more information on the CPR forums call 718-421-6927 or email, [email protected].