Dishonest European promoters hurt reggae
Borjan Tisma
After recently slamming several local reggae artistes for their unprofessionalism, Borjan Tisma has now turned his attention to the dishonest promoters applying their trade in Europe.
Just over a month ago Tisma, who is based in Poland, stressed that some of the artistes are killing the reggae music business due to their unethical ways. He also warned them against recording hate music towards homosexuals because Europe has grown to become less tolerant.
Now Tisma, who does bookings for Lady Saw, Anthony B, Konshens, Gyptian, RDX, Iba Mahr and several others, has shifted his focus on to his own counterparts stating that their dishonesty is also contributing to the decline of reggae music.
"Some of the EU reggae promoters are unprofessional because many do not have the budget to keep a high show with high profile reggae artistes, which leads to tour cancellations," he said.
Whenever this becomes the case, Tisma reveals that the promoters then try to be cunning by relying on presale tickets which may or may not sell quickly.
"Without a proper budget and funding the promoters cannot promote properly and try to promote shows with only Internet promotion," he added.
Because of this, booking agents such as Tisma feels the burn. "With a limited budget, some promoters try to avoid a booking agent and work directly with the artistes. Whenever they cannot fulfill their obligations they simply disappear and cannot be found," he said.
Some promoters are also reluctant to meet the demands of the artistes they seek. These range from accommodations, food to backstage requirements.
"Jamaican artistes have special dietary concerns and some European promoters don't understand this. Also, the unity is not there and so we have dates clashing," he said.
Tisma is currently working with Contractor Music Marketing, owned by Sean Edwards, to coordinate several tours with some of Jamaica's biggest reggae artistes.
"Without a proper budget and funding the promoters cannot promote properly and try to promote shows with only Internet promotion,"