Tola Radio VI making waves promoting local artistes
It is the first online radio station as far as research goes in the Caribbean that features strictly musical entertainment originating solely from one country. The lead person behind this historic venture is son of the VI soil and musical entertainer ‘Heritage HBH’ as he prefers to be called.
“The name of the station is Tola Radio VI. It was basically founded off of the initiative that we find that we have talented artistes here in the Virgin Islands but the problem is more really not being heard, [and] having a position in the global market where everybody is. Now at the click of a mouse everyone everywhere can have access to the music and also the different entertainment stuff that is going on here in the VI...That was the initial goal,” Heritage explained to Virgin Islands News Online in an exclusive interview.
What Heritage and his partners have done essentially was to create a platform where anyone anywhere in the world can go to the site and savour the entertainment produced here in the VI. While the station has been up and running about a year ago, it is set to be officially launched tomorrow January 15, 2015.
“If I had my statistical data in front of me right now you will realise that for the day five to six continents would have listened. So we see the goal of the project is already in full swing. We had to do this for the VI because we love global music here but our music is not supported worldwide so this is one of the small changes I as an artiste residing here, being in the music arena here for about 10 years now, this is one of the elements that I found that was lacking overall and something that I am glad to be a part of to contribute and hopefully this could take it a step further that when our kids come at least Virgin Islands would be a known market for music globally and they would have it a step easier in terms of reaching the masses and the global audience,” Heritage explained.
The site consists of approximately seven pages, including the home page where the entertainment news can be viewed and the events page which is updated regularly on the various events throughout the territory.
And then there is the artiste gallery. “That’s one of our major pages where we have a full listing of all Virgin Islands artistes that you can literally go there and research their music, book them, get in contact with them, follow them, become fans of them and that kind of stuff.
“I just want the youths to know that this is just another avenue that their talents in music can get exposure,” added Heritage.
Another first also for this new online radio is the fact the they have gone to the extent to partner with agencies like sound exchange which is a Performance Rights Company (PRO), along with the US House of Congress copyright board in Washington DC where the owners of Tola Radio VI will be paying copyright royalties to any artiste whose music is properly registered with the copyright board.
“This minute as we speak, if your song is played and you are registered, your money is getting built for your quarterly billing. So this is a first within the Virgin Islands and is really a way to give back to the artistes and not exploiting them and playing their music for free.”
The site features all genre of music made by Virgin Islands artistes with a playlist ranging from the early 80s back to Eddie and the Movements right up to present day.
With advertising and continuing to share its aims and aspirations, Virgin Islanders are expected soon to grasp its value and join the rest of the world in becoming a fan of Tola Radio VI.
Access the online radio website at http://www.tolaradiovi.com/
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18 Responses to “Tola Radio VI making waves promoting local artistes”
Umm Rashidi with Vivid Streaming was the first in the Caribbean to have a an online radio show... Bertrum, BVI's TOP GUNNER DJ even does a show on that station sometimes broadcasting from in CCT! VIVD STREAMING... good luck with tola Radio VI tho. good move for global recognition.
Vivid streaming was first. And their website is visionary-1.com for those who don't believe it. The online radio show also has its own app on iTunes and Google play market. Can also be found on Tune In Radio as Vivid Streaming. Two functioning online radio stations with one in st. Thomas and the other in st. Croix. One soon to be built in Tortola also with some guidance from CCT.
If what is stated in the article is true then it will be good for the BVI. good luck to you guys.
I hope you vet contemporary music to maintain quality while you educate the world about VI music.
Make membership a gold standard to strive for. And love the old music! thank you!
Very different to me. Good aim Youth
This can go far beyond just music... always look at the bigger picture and by all means don't quit.
Respect
Gumption