The Trinidad and Tobago Music Company Limited (MusicTT) is delighted to announce and congratulate the 11 music professionals who have been selected as recipients of MusicTT’s Music Business Development Grant.
These grants aimed at supporting local music industry stakeholders, provide micro-grants to facilitate business and professional development, fostering professional growth, creating commercial opportunities, and ultimately increasing revenue within the industry.
The Music Business Development Grant initiative is part of a concerted effort to empower and nurture the talent and potential within the local music scene. By providing financial support and resources, this program aims to catalyze the growth of the industry and ensure its sustainability for years to come.
Selected through a rigorous application process, the 11 recipients represent a diverse array of talent and expertise within the music industry. From independent artists and musicians, producers, managers, steelpan manufacturing and education; each grantee brings unique skills and perspectives to the table, enriching the eco-system. The awardees are Stephon Gabriel, Keshav Chandradath Singh, Ralph Ashok Deonarine, Rellon Brown of Dominant Seventh Productions, Akua Leith of MITTCO, Stef Kalloo, Xavier Edwards, Adanna Asson, Carla Hobson, Andre Donawa and Brandon Best.
At a collaborative Grant Distribution ceremony between the Ministry of Trade and Industry, MusicTT and ExporTT hosted on March 25th 2024, Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon shared that “the funding provided by these grants are indicative of the ongoing support for the small and medium sized businesses in the priority non energy sectors which the Ministry of Trade & Industry deals with and is testament also that the grant recipients have demonstrated confidence in the incentives and services provided.”
Ms. Melissa Jimenez, MusicTT General Manager says, “This initiative underscores our commitment to nurturing and empowering local talent, fostering growth and innovation within the music industry of Trinidad and Tobago. The Music Business Development Grant isn’t just about funding; it’s about unlocking doors to success as recipients dive into a world of possibilities. It’s not just about creating performance opportunities for artistes; it’s developing local talent and creating capacity across all sectors of the local music industry to create additional streams of income and foreign exchange by putting T&T talent on the world stage. If we’re talking export of the music sector, we have to be in the rooms internationally to make a memorable mark – we can’t do it sitting in our living room. ”
The grants cover a wide range of activities, including but not limited to:
- Artist development and mentorship programmes
- Training workshops, seminars, conferences, camps
- Networking and collaboration opportunities
- Showcasing at Festivals or Fairs or Tours
Grant recipients are provided with the opportunity to expand their skills, reach new audiences, and forge valuable connections within the international industry, wherever their music takes them. By investing in the development of local talent, the Music Business Development Grant program positions T&T as a hub of creativity and innovation.
For more about the grantees and their individual awards and experiences, please follow MusicTT on Instagram and Facebook @musicoftt.
