THE JAMAICAN music industry recently took an important step with the formation of the Recording Industry Association of Jamaica Limited, (RIAJam). The inaugural board comprises some of the more prominent names in Jamaican music, with the chairman being Cleveland 'Clevie' Browne from the famous Browne family and of production team Steely and Clevie fame. Other members are Lowell 'Sly' Dunbar, Lloyd Stanbury, Danny Browne, Richie Stevens, Frankie Campbell, Gerald Belnavis, Janet Davidson, 'Computer' Paul Henton, Jeremy Harding, Chris Cargil, Steven Ventura and Makonnen Blake Hanna.
GENERAL MEETING
RIAJam will soon be calling a general meeting to present the association to the wider recording industry, with a view to inviting applications for membership. However, RIAJam has already made contact with the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the International Federation of Phonographic Industries (IFPI) and meetings with representatives of these international associations are being planned. The Recording Industry Association of Jamaica Limited (RIAJ) is a members trade organisation, incorporated as a company limited by guarantee under the Companies Act of Jamaica.
The association was established to represent the interests of companies operating in Jamaica within the recording business. Membership is open to registered companies involved in music production, recording studio operations, music publishing, music video production, music distribution and the manufacture of records, CDs and tapes containing music.
The association will be governed by a board of directors, to be appointed annually by paid-up members in a general meeting.
Members will be required to sign a membership application and pay annual dues to retain membership on an ongoing basis.
The association will seek affiliation with the recording industry Association of America (RIAA) and other similar associations in Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.
The association will work very closely with local private sector and government entities in an effort to advance the interests of its membership and the music industry as a whole.
RELEVANT ISSUES
The association's activities will focus on a number of relevant recording industry issues, including the following:
- Music piracy
- Local, regional and international marketing and distribution of recorded
music
- Technology and Internet issues affecting the music industry
- Standards, charts and certification
- Public relations and public education about the business of music
- Training and capacity upgrading for members
- Participation in local, regional and international music industry trade
fairs
- Tax incentives and import regulations
- Any other relevant recording industry issues as the membership and/or board
shall determine from time to time.
