“Music is a form of communication and storytelling,” says Sherwinn Dupes Brice, a Vieux Fort native and one of Saint Lucia’s most enduring musical voices.
“When I think about memories, one of the easiest ways to recall something or the most memorable parts of life, [is] through music,” he told St. Lucia Times. “Musicians play the role of keeping those stories alive – a form of escape and therapy for others. So actual musicians keep the art form, the practice alive and pass on the skill, the tradition and the stories of us as a people.”
As Saint Lucians prepare to mark Saint Cecilia’s Day on November 22, the spotlight turns not just to the patron saint of music, but to the musicians themselves. From school showcases to the Cultural Development Foundation’s flagship event, MIZIK: A Celebration of our Musicians, the day has become a rallying point for recognising the power and purpose of music in society.
Martin Alson James, CEO of the Eastern Caribbean Collective Organisation for Music Rights (ECCO), echoed Brice’s sentiments.
“Musicians shape our cultural and emotional landscape. Their roles in society are fundamental and diverse,” he said.
“Musicians are our storytellers and historians. Long before writing became common, people passed down history, stories and values through song. Today, a musician’s lyrics and melodies capture the spirit of their time, reflecting its struggles, joys and hopes. They voice feelings we find hard to express, creating the soundtrack of our personal and communal lives.
“They create emotions and build community. A single melody can calm a restless mind, energise a tired body or comfort a grieving heart. Music gives us a safe space for our feelings. Think of a national anthem sung together, a folk song at a family gathering or a crowd swaying at a concert. In these moments, musicians break down barriers and create a strong sense of shared identity and belonging. They remind us that we are not alone.”
Both advocates agree that while music is a powerful force, the people behind it need protection and fair compensation even more than applause.
“We must recognise that music is more than just a finished product,” James said. “It comes from significant investments of time, passion, sleepless nights and lifelong commitment. When we talk about protecting musicians’ rights, we acknowledge and safeguard that investment. It’s about fairness and dignity. Just as a journalist deserves payment for their work, so does a musician. To deny this reduces their labour to a mere hobby, which undermines the profession.
“Furthermore, protecting these rights is an investment in our cultural future. If musicians can’t make a living from their art, they will need to focus their talents elsewhere. The flow of new music and new sounds that challenge and comfort us will eventually stop. We defend their rights not only for the musicians of today but for those of tomorrow, for the songs of future generations that have yet to be created. This keeps the artistic environment healthy, allowing creativity to thrive as a real option.
“At ECCO, we believe that supporting the creatives helps society move forward. Protecting musicians’ rights is the key to a sustainable, diverse and rich cultural landscape, not a barrier to access. We all share the responsibility to ensure that those who create the soundtrack of our lives can live with dignity and continue their important work.”
Brice, a collaborator on British singer Mahalia’s latest EP, Luvergirl, added, “Supporting musicians goes beyond just coming to see us. Pay us, think of us first when music is needed. Advocate for us. Educate yourself on how our business works. Support radio stations and venues that actually pay their licenses to ensure musicians get paid.
“Remove the stigma that music is not a business. There is a mindset that it’s not a real business; yet the world makes billions from this art.”
It’s within this context that Saint Cecelia’s Day finds its modern meaning. Though rooted in the legend that a 3rd-century martyr who sang to God in her heart at her wedding, celebrations have evolved. In Saint Lucia, a predominantly Catholic society, they are now interwoven with secular observances that extend beyond the boundaries of the church.
As the local music industry continues to grow, so too must appreciation for the practitioners driving this progress if we are to achieve true sustainability.
