Young soca artistes not getting the exposure they deserve – Fireman

This country’s seven-time soca monarch Delroy “Fireman” Hooper is of the opinion that upcoming artistes are not getting the exposure they deserve from the local media.{{more}}

According to the 14-year soca veteran, the lack of love in the music industry is what is hampering the progress of some artistes here.

Using the example of the widely acclaimed soca monarch show, one of the highlights of Vincy Mas, Hooper said patrons mostly show up to see his performances and those of Gamal “Skinny Fabulous” Doyle.

Over the last several years, Fireman and Skinny have maintained a friendly rivalry at the soca monarch show, which has attracted fans of the artistes to Victoria Park to see who will emerge victorious.

“It’s not just me and Skinny alone does do soca monarch. There are some artistes who, when they go on stage, people be asking who they are and what’s that song, because they never heard them played on the radio stations or in the newspapers of even on the television stations.

“The media has a great role to play in exposing these young talents. Skinny and I are not going to be here forever. So, we have to groom and appreciate what these other guys are doing,” the former soca monarch stated.

The artiste stated that “most people,” including “radio personalities,” have lost the love for music produced here.

Fireman believes that with “love for the music,” young artistes can achieve more.

“These days we are actually playing more music produced outside of the country,” he said.

“We need to promote more of our own, you understand? Only around carnival time do you hear a lot of local soca music being played in vans, parties or on radio stations.

“We need to show more love for our own music, because the artistes are not going to be motivated to do more, if only one set of artistes is getting pushed and their songs are playing all the time.

“Come on! I love and listen to all kinds of music; don’t get me wrong, but soca is my line of music and it hurts me when other young talents here can’t get the recognition they deserve,” he added.

“I will continue to walk my straight path in terms of producing music with love. I have no problem with a new artiste coming on stream and wanting to do music because me alone cannot do music.

“We need to do music with love and embrace what we have!”

In relation to Vincy Mas 2013, the LIME Soca Dan has already released three songs: Granny Whine, Whining Motion and Facebook Pic.

Last year, the former soca monarch did not compete and to date, he is tight-lipped about whether or not he will compete this year.

“My mother is who makes that decision. If she says do it, then I’ll do it. If she says not, then, its no,” the artiste said with a mischievous smile.(AA)