Even so ... the number of EXPATS who could provide MEANINGFUL contributions to the progress is EXTREMELY LIMITED. And the number of LOCALS who could even come to the table to have a discussion is miniscule.
All the GLOBAL PROGRESS for PAN came from EXPATS. So until the EXPATS find a way to link up with the LOCALS there is going to be ZERO PROGRESS for PAN. The real problem is the arrogance of the LOCALS because they believe that they understand the FOREIGN PAN MARKETS -- when in fact they do not have a clue.
I have made a lot of references to the MERRYMEN OF BARBADOS in the last couple of years. And I have called Emile Straker's name many times. But he is the MOUNTAIN TOP example of an EXPAT (a mini EXPAT by comparison) who went back and educated the LOCALS on the MASSIVE MARKET for CALYSPO MUSIC globally. And those guys made MILLIONS off the CALYPSO MUSIC with the least talent that I have ever seen. At the same time it is not just about talent. Diplomacy, humility, gamesmanship, business acumen, discipline and tolerance all come in to play if you want to grace the international stages and perform for KINGS and THE RICH AND POWERFUL like the MERRYMEN have done.
Because the MERRYMEN retired do you think that the INTERNATIONAL MARKET for that CALYPSO died? NO!!!! The demand is still there but TRINIDAD lacks the talent to fill the void. And when it comes to PAN MUSIC we are decades behind (mentally) in terms of promoting the music globally.
Nobody on this forum ever see me WAVING NO PAN FLAG about how much I LOVE PAN. But I have had time, presence and opportunity to see the demand for the music and I am convinced that there is a GLOBAL MARKET for PAN MUSIC (LIVE and RECORDED) if the skills are there along with the MENTALITY I described above.
I tried to support XL4PAN! But to be honest -- they don't have the elements of success that I am looking for!
So leh we go back to the OLE TALK. Because this is ah OLE TALK forum as I have said so many times before.
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No one knows what this group will accomplish and their success depends on how well they work together. I don't think the XL4PAN part means that they will be on WST talking about what they are doing.