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| ROC Quotes from our Artists |
Ras Mo, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
"It has been five years since we began planning this project. The enthusiastic support of fellow artists brings a joy beyond compare. The song material that has been pouring in is testimony that Dominica has produced some of the greatest talent on Earth, We look towards completion of the CD and fulfilling our vision of providing musical education, training and opportunities to the youth of Dominica. I am proud of Dominican artists and to be associated with the ROC project"
Ras Mo
Website: www.rasmo.net
Free Joseph, Concord, New Hampshire, USA
"Dominican musicians in the Diaspora in their quest to fulfill their musical dreams had to leave their beloved homeland because of lack of opportunity to live professionally as artists.. This means that they made many sacrifices, yet the desire to express their love of country and promote Dominica and provide opportunity for Dominican youth have manifest them coming together to create the ROC compilation project.
"Through the ROC we are creating opportunities at home for our youth so that they won't have to experience some of the hardship and sacrifice that we faced through migration. In a global economy we want to make it possible for them to develop skills at home and market them worldwide without having to migrate unnecessarily.
"When the musicians in my age group grew up there were no recording studios. There was a scarcity of musical instruments yet one guitar in a neighborhood produced scores of musicians. I often think that maybe our ancestors who we hold sacred passed on the creative germ that survived the middle passage.
"Our nations mainly made up of the first peoples Karifouna (Caribs after whom the Caribbean was named) and African peoples. We are capable of undertaking the task of nation building. Repatriation for those of us abroad should always be a positive consideration.
"The musicians have long been aware that collective security brings unity. Through this project the fruits will ripen even faster and the youth shall reap the harvest. Music is one of the highest arts and sciences. The healing effects impact mind body and spirit. Just think of the relaxation that comes from sitting by the waters that surround and flow on our island and listening to Dominican music.
"This compilation CD is the best gift to and from Dominica as we celebrate our 25th anniversary of independence. Thanks."
Free Joseph
Email: fariland@worldpath.net
Website: www.freejoseph.net
Cameron (Rizo) Pierre London, England
"Until the powers that be stop looking upon music making as a hobby and start treating it as a serious a valid art form and business every aspect of Dominica's Culture will continue to suffer. Therefore we the people must take the lead and support projects like this."
Cameron (Rizo) Pierre
Website: www.cameronpierre.co.uk
Paula Letang of Experience Creole, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
"As one of the few Dominican female artists based in North America, and a member of the creole music group Levitasyon, I always strive to share Dominica's music with the rest of the world.
"Without hesitation I eagerly support and participate in a project of this magnitude and foresight. Funds raised will no doubt benefit Dominica's youth, and help keep Dominica's art-forms alive and well in the hearts of not only Dominicans, but the world. God Bless."
Paula
Email: creolevibe@yahoo.ca
Website: Experience Creole
Wendy Robin Toronto, Ontario, Canada
"I would like to express the joy and enthusiasm of working together with fellow Dominicans on this project. Dominica and Dominicans have meant so much too me and I feel a sense of pride giving back a small piece of myself.
"My advice to the upcoming musicians and lovers of music is don't be afraid to dream, no matter where your dreams take you which is sometimes many miles away, go for it. For example I am writing this from Bangkok, Thailand. Dominica is filled with very talented people and we all need to support each other because we might just be grooming the next SUPERSTAR....One Love."
Wendy Robin
Website: www.wendyrobin.com
Algernon Syncae Rabess, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
"There can be no denying that music education is essential and therefore training should be given in formal and non-formal settings to the young who will be the innovators.
"Music education and training includes music business, performance and tech skills. Within this context the ROC compilation will demonstrate the diversity of music styles available in the Dominican culture. Imagine the future compilations that will showcase the talent of young trained musicians coming out of these workshops. Each one teach one and all for each and each for all. I think that there's a lot more that we can learn from each other".
Algernon Syncae Rabess
Reggae Cowboys, Toronto. Canada
Website: www.reggaecowboys.com
Levi," Super L " Loblack
"For someone to take the initiative and responsibility to expose Dominica's culture to such a level that identifies its pioneers shows the tremendous cultural awareness of an individual who has recognized the necessity of keeping culture alive. As a Dominican artist I feel that I am not alone in promoting Dominica's rich heritage. We as a people have come a long way musically, culturally and politically. But for Mr. Moses - "Ras Mo" and the other artists like myself, and my group Levitasyon, that have contributed to this particular project - this is a strong statement that will benefit those who look for strong cultural leadership.".
Levi "Super L" Loblack
Levitasyon, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Email:creolevibe@yahoo.ca
Website: Levitasyon
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