Pay attention to hard-core dancehall - Bishop Escobar

For approximately three years, local selector Bishop Escobar has been using the tagline 'Di New Act for Tourism' in the efforts to promote his work and brand Jamaica more specifically dancehall.

The selector is known for gimmicks, high energy and speaking whatever comes to mind, while performing. He said that this might be part of the reason he is not an official ambassador for the promotion of Jamaica's culture.

Although Escobar is aware of the existence of the government's Tour Support Programme under the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport and the Artiste Ambassador Programme initiated by the Tourism Ministry, he admitted that he has not examined the details in terms of the requirements.

"I would not know where to start. I may be ignorant to the facts, but I do not know the various local ministries to align themselves with dancehall entertainers, especially hard-core practitioners like myself," Bishop Escobar told THE STAR.

"It is just the image I have always portrayed, and since I received my work permit, through travelling more, the career and tagline actually synchronise."

OFFICIAL AMBASSADOR

Although he was the one to proclaim himself as someone who is promoting Jamaica's music, the selector said that he is open to the idea of becoming an official ambassador, "if the offer presents itself."

"The ministries need to pay more attention to dancehall (hard-core or not). It is attracting foreigners. The fact that I never had a visa when persons started to take an interest in me, that is what made me a new act for tourism," he said.

Escobar added that persons overseas who contact him to secure bookings constantly ask for information on the arts, entertainment and vacation options available across the island, which he willingly provides.

So far, the tagline has worked in the promotion of his Tri-state tour in the US and his tour in Florida.

He also said that selectors and disc jockeys who plan to take their careers seriously need to focus more on the future, as it will affect not only their pockets but local entertainment and brand Jamaica.

"These upcoming selectors or persons with laptops considering playing music only see di money pull up that comes from playing the hits, but they need to study the grassroots of music, local and international genres," he said.