Guyana’s music industry, though growing, remains troubled with copyright issues, a deficiency of original, quality material, and the financial hurdles that stagnate studio recordings. Notably absent is any serious recognition of the real local talent that does exist; the artiste is basically ignored.

But Arrowhead Promotions aims to change this with its Accolade Awards, not only recognizing artistes but uplifting them through a sustained effort. The idea is to reward those who work hard and rarely feel appreciated.

“It really is overdue and the first year is tedious given that we have to set the foundation for what is to become one of the most respected and anticipated events in the country,” Executive Director Kwame McKoy said.

McKoy has stepped out of public relations and politics and into entertainment, which he describes as something he has been passionate about for some time now. Accolades is something he had discussed in the past with people in entertainment and eventually they decided to take it beyond the level of discussions and act.

There is a certain focus, McKoy explained, and that is to develop the local music industry by building up the persons driving it. He said there is real talent here and the time has come for it to be highlighted and appreciated.

Within the past two months, the hype around Accolade has intensified as the team rolls out a promising schedule. McKoy hooked up with designers, Michelle and Trevor Rose to create the link between music and fashion and already there is a buzz surrounding the upcoming, Genesis Fashion Rhythms event set for September 28.

According to him, people have developed an appetite for Genesis that has exceeded expectations and as the days progress it gets bigger.

“There is an amazing amount of interest in what we are doing and everything surrounding Accolade. It can only help us in the process and allow us to execute in the manner that we hope to,” McKoy said.

In the coming weeks, Genesis is on the agenda followed by a music symposia at the International Conference Centre on October 13 that is aiming to draw a wide cross section of local artistes to discuss the current state of the industry and their roles in moving it forward.

Corporate interest in Accolade is growing as sponsors climb on board, McKoy said, pointing out that the team was still in talks with companies that are likely to join. He said the hope was that Guyanese would support the initiative and come September 28 at Genesis a ‘Let the music flow’ fund would be launched.

McKoy said that an unbelievable number of persons who share the same passion about local music have come together and are working as the Accolade team.

“This is a fantastic bunch of people who support local music and are desirous of seeing it going someplace,” he added.

Awards will be handed out on November 30 at the National Cultural Centre but a presentation ceremony has been scheduled for two days prior so that some of the awards can be given out in advance.

Accolade is a red-carpet ticketed affair and ticket prices are to be announced shortly when the tickets are available.

Nominations in the various categories were announced on Wednesday during a live broadcast on the National Communications Network (NCN) and Hits &Jams TV.