By: Precious Mills
BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Wednesday 11th July 2018)-Chairman of the St.Kitts Music Festival Damion Hobson has identified five (5) areas linked to the “excellent” labelling of the recently concluded 22nd annual extravaganza held 28th to 30th June at the Warner Park Cricket Stadium.
At a post-festival press conference held yesterday (Tuesday) at the Ministry of Tourism on Port Zante, while reporting on the outcome of this year’s event, he credited Artiste Selection, Production, Finance, Volunteer Pool and Prompt Payment to Vendors.
“My philosophy in management of this Festival was based on five pillars,” he shared.
As expressed by Chairman Hobson: “I am very happy to announce that the 2108 Music Festival was one of the best editions in the twenty two years of history of the festival. This year was excellent. The crowd attendance for each night was super, the management was professional and the production overall was first class.”
In addressing the area of artiste selection, he commented: “This year we made a conscious effort to move away from the strict regimen of theme nights of Soca and Calypso, Dancehall and Reggae and Soul and R&B, Hip Hop and Rap. Instead we explored a new template that saw us featuring mixed genres on each night. For instance, we had Destra and Kes the Band mixed with Spice. We had Sizzla and Ishawna [and also] Patti Labelle and Fetti Wap.”
Next, on the point about production, he has this to say: “From very early I said to the committee that persons may complain about the long lines at the gates and difficulty to get a drink at the bars but they should never ever complain about the production. This year after the bidding process was completed, we selected Rent-A- Amp and I think we can all agree that the stage, lighting and sound this year were world class… exceptional. Rent-A-Amp brought with them a level of professionalism and dedication to the festival that was definitely needed.”
Hobson linked stage management as being the other part of production as he applauded the new team that came onboard.
“This year we put trust in [Raphael] Phonse and Team from Impel Marketing and Event [Management] and what a job they did. The show started on time, artiste changeover was at a minimum and the shows ended on time; all in all a great performance.
Additionally, in relation to finance, he thanks Minister of Tourism Lindsay Grant; Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr. Timothy Harris and the entire cabinet of St.Kitts and Nevis for support given.
“Last year we requested monies for the early launch of artistes and we were well received and got the support that we wanted and this helped to make a big difference.”
He expressed thanks to all value sponsors for support and revealed that Carib Brewery (St.Kitts-Nevis) Ltd. has already advised on its 2019 involvement.
Hobson went on to point out that this year, St. Kitts Music Festival Committee invested more in the training of all of the committees and volunteers especially the liaison officers.
“From all reports, I think it is safe to say that it paid off because the level of professionalism and service this year surpassed our expectations.”
On his last point which he praised for a successful 2018 festival was the prompt payment to vendors; a pillar which he says is “dear to me.”
Hobson highlighted: “You cannot claim to have a successful festival when weeks and months after, vendors are yet to be paid. Through sound and discipline fiscal management, we have been paying our vendors regularly and I’m extremely happy and pleased this morning…to announce that all payments to vendors for the 2018 Music Festival are ready to be distributed. I therefore encourage all who have not submitted their invoices to do so soon.”