Belizean music practitioners are to receive support honing their skills for the international music industry.

Artistes, promoters, and managers will get the opportunity to participate in a much-needed Business of Music incubator programme designed to demonstrate how to enter the music market and success; how to develop the right contracts and protect intellectual property rights. In addition, participants will produce tracks and perform at a live virtual music festival.

The Business of Music course is just one of the programmes in the armory of the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) to support the building of capacity of those in the music industry to commercialize and earn income from their talents.

“Music exports internationally continues to grow year after year, the execution of this programme will not only promote Belizean culture and music but will also aid in creating new niche jobs and increasing exports of Belizean music to regional and international markets. The rich indigenous music created in Belize is one that is most unique in the region from creole to mestizo, Garifuna and maya, Belizean music deserves worldwide recognition. At Caribbean Export we are committed to providing the necessary support, to help build the capacity of these music practitioners” expressed Deodat Maharaj, Executive Director at Caribbean Export.

The programme commenced June 3rd, 2021 and is open for emerging and established music practitioners keen to enhance their skills and knowledge of the modern music industry. The modular programme will be delivered in four phases; self-taught virtual training; face-to-face or virtual workshop focused on the digital pivot, publishing, pitching, and contract negotiations; coaching and mentorship for the completion of an export marketing plan and a music showcase to generate interest and support music distribution.

“While trade in services is a huge contributor to economic growth and development for many developing economies, including Belize, there is need for targeted support to service practitioners. Belize’s Music Industry is primed for development and offers a unique product to the world. The evolution of various genres of music in Belize stems from a cultural and historical perspective including a mix of Creole, Mestizo, Garifuna, and Mayan influences, with new fusions of contemporary and world music. BELTRAIDE remains committed to support Belize’s Music industry and will continue to be a key partner in their export journey” Expressed Dr. Leroy Almendarez, Executive Director at BELTRAIDE.

Those participating in this incubator programme will gain access to professionally produce in a recording studio and create music videos and/or perform at a virtual music festival.

‘Beside the significant earning capacity of a well-developed industry, music serves as a bridge that brings people together. We are happy to support this initiative that will help to highlight the richness and diversity of the Belizean culture and foster improvements in the business aspects of music creation in Belize,’ said Fredrik Ekfeldt, Chargé d’affaires, EU Delegation, Belize.

Caribbean Export, in partnership with the European Union under the 11th European Development Fund, is supporting the development of the music industry in Caribbean states. The global music industry is estimated to reach US$131 billion by 2030, providing an immense opportunity for job creation within the region. Music practitioners who undertake the course will therefore, come away having gained the valuable skills necessary to successfully engage and promote themselves in the international marketplace.

For additional information on the Business of Music Incubator/Accelerator Program, kindly contact the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) via email at [email protected] or at +501-822-3737.