Following the staging of an online boycott of the St Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival last year, Lucian born, dance-hall artiste Mon-Cherie has once again come out in protest against what she deems as the SLTA’s disregard of the efforts and talents of St Lucian performers. The Alaskan based singer voiced her displeasure in a statement released on social media last week.
MonCherie, a long time collaborator of Jamaican dance-hall mega star Vybes Kartel, has released several chart topping singles that have received international acclaim. The video for one of her more popular tracks, Gates of Heaven, was filmed on island, featuring scenes from the iconic Diamond Botanical Gardens and Diamond Falls. Yet, the singer continues to be barred from the jazz stage, despite the booking of many of her contemporaries, including Jamaican artiste Shenseya. The artist says being denied the opportunity to participate in one of the biggest music festivals in her home country, feels like she is being punished by the powers that be.
According to MonCherie, the publicity surrounding the St Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival has done wonders for the careers of many foreign performers, yet home grown talent is not afforded the same opportunity. She believes that St Lucian artistes of every genre should be given a chance to grace the jazz stage, especially if they have been tried and tested on the international front.
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