|
|
According to this article in the Guardian, a group of Brits sat in a pub and invented the genre of world music.
...[O]n June 29 1987, a group of music enthusiasts involved in the running of independent record labels met in a London pub, The Empress of Russia, to discuss how they might market music from around the world. The group - which included DJ Charlie Gillett, Ian Anderson (now editor of fRoots magazine), record producer Joe Boyd and Iain Scott - decided on a joint campaign to put "world-music" boxes in record stores to promote their products. This would cost just £3,500, financed by 11 indie record labels.
It was a simple decision - but the result has been remarkable. African bands found a new global market, as have Latin musicians (notably Cuba's Buena Vista Social Club) and artists from Asia and Europe. The annual Womad festival (held this year from July 23-25) is always sold out, while Radio 3 devotes considerable air time to world music and hosts the annual world music awards.
The word chutzpah comes to mind. And lots of it.
Thanks to Alex for the tip.
Posted by Casper at July 5, 2004 10:45 PM