I was privileged to be part of the live audience at the Courtleigh Auditorium in Kingston, Jamaica, on the night of Sunday September 19, 2010. As I looked in the eyes of Dalton Harris after his victory announcement at the conclusion of the Rising Star 2010 finale, I saw that he was in no way prepared to be 'the most popular artiste' in Jamaica. Divers who come up to the surface too quickly are always in danger of suffering from 'the bends'. So too is the social equivalent of the rapid transition from deprivation to 'stardom'
When I saw his mother crawl out of nowhere up onto the stage and back into his life after her years of absence, I saw his confusion and pain. The return of his father further compounded the confusion.
He may be one million dollars richer but he probable has as many issues and conflicts to unravel.
Digicel should immediately put some systems in place to protect and assist him. If not, the Child Development Agency should step in. He is deep waters and surrounded by 'sharks'. This is a child in need of care and protection. This is an awesome talent to be nurtured and preserved.
I have not followed this season of RS. Its impact on the "performing arts" landscape is in need of review.Making instant and mostly short term "Stars" of cover artistes among the issues. Cannot comment on Dalton though he did appear quite popular.Still, taking your points in general, one central question is : What can we demand of sponsors as their responsibility to budding artistes over and above the prize money? Another might be age limitation. If they are too young to cope with the consequences of winning, maybe they are too young to enter.
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ReplyDeleteAge is not the key factor in one's ability to cope with winning Digicel Rising Stars, or with fame for that matter. We've seen its effect on adults too. So it's fine that he was able to enter the competition, and indeed win. It is the socially responsible thing to offer additional or necessary support to persons, of all ages, who might need it. But....is this what Digicel signed on to? Should they be expected to play that role?
ReplyDeleteDigicel is excellent at risk and project management. If they take the same approach to covering all the bases around the competition, they might indeed find it worthwhile, appropriate, and even necessary to provide additional support to Rising Stars after the lights fade.
However he is also passed over to a management company….so the ‘responsibility’ also rests with them.
BUT…since we have all noted this potential problem…and since he is a minor, and we are part of his village….the responsibility also rests with us.
There is no doubt that the Digicel "Rising Stars" competition has provided excellent opportunities for the promotion of talented singers. I however have great reservation about the overall impact of this project on artist and music industry development in Jamaica.
ReplyDeleteThe competition and its support mechanisms are in need of serious review. A great deal more could be accomplished for Digicel, the artists who compete, and Jamaica's music industry if an informed revamping of the contest were to take place.
One love
Wow
ReplyDeleteWords come to pass
Wow!! Great article Doc!!
ReplyDeleteAmazing prediction. Spot on. He now needs further care and protection because the sharks have now increased. May God bless him
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