Dear Editor
It is my view that Vishnu Bisram in his letter captioned “Hindi songs are loved globally though people do not know the language” (08.01.20) tarnished an otherwise excellent observation on the discussion of the abundance of Indian music on local radio, by ending with a racial uppercut, which is a total disrespect for African Guyanese. How else should I interpret, “I think authorities should accommodate the music of Africans in Guyana. No harm will be done replacing calypso, dub, reggae, etc. with Swahili songs?”
Mr Bisram knows fully well that African Guyanese are not particularly interested in Swahili songs per se, although it is indisputable that Africans and their traditional music have influenced the standard of music in the world today, more than that of any other culture. Mr Bisram should apologize. Nevertheless, Hindi music is coming on strong. There are already attempts to incorporate African beats and rhythms into the music. I am not sure if Hollywood or Bollywood initiated this move but I am sure Hollywood and the American music industry have their eyes on the vast Indian market place, which includes the population of India and Indians in the Diaspora.
A recent Spike Lee film, The Inside Man, staring Denzel Washington, began with a Hindi song. There is potential big business for Hollywood if they can bring in a few Indian stars and mix their movies with Indian music. There is a lot of recognition for Indian music if African beats can be incorporated and the music gets into the American market place. Let’s wait to see how this plays out.
Meanwhile, Guyana needs more radio stations. That is the only sensible solution.
Yours faithfully,
F. Skinner
