WASHINGTON, CMC – The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) says it is collaborating with Trinidad and Tobago local Soca artists in a project that aims to highlight the country’s music export potential, boosted by the ever-increasing role of digital transformation in creative and knowledge-based services sectors.
The Washington-based financial institution said that the artists, Hey Choppi and 5ILVA, have released the song “Call Meh” as part of the project, and it is available on all music streaming platforms globally and via Soca legend Machel Montano’s Monk Music record label in the link https://monk.smmlinkup.com/callmeh.
“Soca music is a cornerstone of Trinidad and Tobago’s indigenous, vibrant cultural and creative heritage. As the 2024 Carnival season begins to heat up, local musical talents Hey Choppi and 5ILVA join forces to drop a “Groovy Soca” track that radiates positivity,” the IDB said.
It said Hey Choppi’s soulful vocals effortlessly blend with the contagious guitar riffs and a captivating fusion of Reggaeton rhythms and Soca’s signature “beating iron” percussion. ‘Call Meh’ not only has a catchy beat and rhythm, but it also carries a heartfelt message.
“In tough times, it’s alright to seek support,” singer Hey Choppi shares. “Often, pride shrouds us in isolation, but ‘Call Meh’ is a musical reminder that help is just a phone call or text away.
The project maps the journey of a song through the conceptualization, production, and distribution of music, highlighting the transformative power of digital technology as a catalyst for trade and exports of this cultural product worldwide.
The IDB said it recognizes the cultural and creative industries, also known as the “orange economy” or “creative economy,” as a vibrant source of economic growth. This includes architecture, audiovisual arts, digital content and services, fashion, graphic and industrial design, handicrafts, music, video, and software development.
The “creative economy” was coined to illustrate the efforts to assess the economic impact of these sectors and refer to a productive model in which marketed goods and services have economic and intellectual value. It employs more than 48 million people and generates around US$2.25 billion in revenue worldwide. In Latin America and the Caribbean, it represents revenues of US$124 billion and employs 1.9 million people, the IDB said.
“In the digital age, the global marketplace offers unprecedented opportunities for creatives to reach diverse audiences, transcending geographical boundaries. International music trade, facilitated by digital platforms and streaming services, not only amplifies the exposure for artists but also enables them to monetize their talent on a global scale.
“It also allows creatives to engage in cross-border collaborations, which facilitate the exchange of ideas and cultural influences that enrich the artistic landscape, contributing to a more interconnected and diverse global cultural heritage.
“Additionally, trade-in knowledge-based and creative services fosters economic growth by creating jobs, supporting innovation, and stimulating investment in these sectors. Therefore, understanding and applying this is crucial for empowering artists and enhancing the resilience and sustainability of the creative industries,” the IDB said.
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