By José Gandue @Gandour
Editor's note: We are still retrieving some of our articles from the archives., in order to recall positions we took a few years ago and which, we believe, deserve to be analyzed in contemporary times. This article, originally published in 2013, brings us back to a topic we enjoy discussing with our audience: how do we relate to Latin America, to what binds us as a continent, from the public sphere? Hopefully, this review will be supported by sound arguments, even after several years since it was written. Nevertheless, some things have changed, some things have improved., But there's still a long way to go.
At a time when it is supposed that some of the highest governmental bodies in our continent are finally understanding the importance of strengthening ties between the Latin American peoples, What can we do from the side of the music sectors to ensure that this goal is achieved?
When we created Zonagirante.com a few years ago, our constant intention was to talk about what was closest to us, that is, Latin America. There was always a curiosity and a stubborn refusal to understand why, at that time (we're talking about 1999), it was easier to get information about an underground Belgian band, to give a bizarre example, than about the 99.9% of musical artists working between the US border and Tierra del Fuego. Our arguments were further supported by the logical circumstances of the matter (We speak the same language here, we have many qualities and problems in common, and we pride ourselves on having similar feelings.) and yet the Belgian group (or any nationality not at all connected to our daily lives) sounded more.
Well, nowadays, not much progress has been made in that area, has there?
Of course, now it's easier, if we're curious, to find out what's happening in every city on the continent with just one click. But there is no open and joint policy to promote the talent of all our countries in the media., giving sufficient space for the dissemination of good contemporary music produced here (yes, in all countries, from Mexico to Argentina) on public frequencies.
Let me put it more clearly: I believe that public contemporary music stations (those financed by a state entity and supported by the taxes we pay) They should allocate at least 75% of their programming to promote Latin American talent. If you want, 50% for the local scene and the other 25% for the other countries on the continent.
More than one person must be wondering if I've gone crazy, if I've now entered into an anti-American campaign, or if I'm looking for trouble with Europeans. Nothing of the sort. But I wonder: Should the work of these public institutions continue to focus on ensuring that the music of London or New York is played on our radio dial rather than that of Bogotá, Lima, or Caracas, to give an example? Because?
A few years ago, in a talk organized by the Ministry of Culture of Colombia, Brazilian businessman and independent musician Fabricio Nobre He was talking about the present times, saying that these are no longer times to think about the “Do it yourself”, but rather to begin thinking in terms of “Do it together.”. Okay, that's a thought that can fit with what we're saying here: Only if Latin American music scenes recognize and support each other can joint cultural consolidation be strengthened. And that must start from a government initiative, and be followed by active participants in the music industry throughout Latin America.
Someone might ask, well, why stop listening to American or European products on our radio stations? I have several observations on this:
-First of all, I only suggest this measure for public frequencies. Private broadcasters do whatever they want, and although in some countries there are laws that require them to give a percentage to locally produced music, we already know that in most cases they still think that the only extraordinary music worthy of being programmed is made many thousands of kilometers away from their station's headquarters.
-Do you remember the remaining 25% in my sum? Well, if mathematics were implemented in the way I propose, Programmers would be pressured to be more selective about what they sell us from abroad. I am sure that the quality of the material would improve on average.
-Here the process would be reversed: Just as a Bogota resident, to give a close example, has to do the search to learn more about Chilean rock, those interested could do the same operation to delve deeper into what the English do. That's not censorship., That's just changing the position of the roles, nothing more.
Do another mental calculation: If more Latin bands are playing around Latin America, Don't you think there would be more artists from the continent touring our countries? That, when it comes down to it, is moving the cultural industry around in the most convenient way for us. That's called circulation in the truest sense of the word.
On this side of the world, there's enough talent and good songs to fill thousands of public radio programs. I'm just throwing that out there and suggesting we open the discussion. A good discussion could be coming. This is just a taste. We can go deeper. It's time to pressure the government agencies of our countries to open their airwaves for this purpose.And if they don't have stations focused on contemporary music, they should implement them without delay.Let's think about what can truly bring about change in our culture (and our economy). As Nobre said, it's time to unite and act together. There are no more excuses.