Eight aspiring music producers have successfully completed the six-month Music Production Incubation Programme, a rigorous training initiative designed to empower young individuals to independently create their own music.
The recent graduates, Lamar Stanton, Justin Whyte, Orlando Jagdeo, Jayda Jackson, Carissa Douglas, Samuel Calder, Rehaicia Romain, and Tasiyelle Paul, were celebrated for their hard work and dedication.
Six of the eight graduates received production studio equipment, including a desktop computer, studio monitors, sound card, headphones, condenser microphone, keyboard, microphone stand, and Studio One Music Software.
Tasiyelle Paul, one of the recipients who traveled from Berbice every Saturday, shared that the programme broadened her understanding of the music industry and solidified her aspirations to become both a singer and a producer.
The programme, made possible by a Creative Caribbean UNESCO grant secured by music producer and CEO of Kross Kolor Records, Burchmore Simon, emphasized discipline and respect.
Simon expressed his commitment to continuing support for the graduates via WhatsApp, fostering interaction and guidance as they embark on their careers.
The Ministry of Education’s Allied Arts Division also played a significant role in adopting the programme and expanding the selection process.
Nicolas Fraser, Head of the Allied Arts Division, emphasized the importance of skill-based learning initiatives for the development of Guyana’s youth and the music industry.
In addition to the Music Production Incubation Programme, three individuals, Marlon Austin, Ayanna Whaul, and Jeremiah Alexander, graduated from the Live Sound Engineering course, another initiative sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport aimed at promoting youth development in the creative industry.
In a special highlight, Jamaican artist Busy Signal, under the Grammy Award-winning music organization Creative Titans, donated a keyboard to Carissa Douglas as the best-improved student and a snare drum set to Samuel Calder.