Belize's popular Punta star, the legendary Supa G whose music and talent has taken him from the local to the international stage, performed at the Belize International music festival last weekend and got a chance to share the stage with his other fellow local artists. So how was it from the artist's perspective? Today on Sun Up Supa G told the hosts that he was concerned about the treatment of the local artists during the festival, claiming that their accommodations were poor in comparison to the accommodations made for the international artists.
Supa G, Punta Artist
"Lots of things haven't been exposed as yet. You know like for example, when Belizean artist get there, we usually go through the back area whenever we performed for private promoters. Now, we expect the same treatment going through the back entrance. We were told if you don't have a pass you cant go through here, because this area is only for the international artists."
"I felt so disrespected for start. When we get there, one tent and all the rest of tents - the other 4-5 tents had AC units. They told us okay, these tents are not for you all, these are for the foreign artists. It's this one with the 5 chairs that doesn't have any covering. So if we wanted to shift off and change up, we had to shift off in this tent. Maybe somebody feel sorry for us and allow us to enter one of the foreign artists tents."
"Then they have the restrooms, the potable restrooms - they have each one of the foreign artists' names on the restrooms. So, I notice my Belizean artists had to go behind the restroom to use that, because none of the restrooms are for the Belizean artists. Disrespect."
Supa G has been performing for more than 25 years globally. He says that the BTB has much to learn about coordinating large festivals, especially when it comes to the treatment of local artists.
Supa G, Punta Artist
"I think BTB's intention is good. I think having an event like this is really good and somebody posted that they should have an event with only Belizean artists. I don't agree with that. I must say that, I don't agree with that, because from the moment you name it international, it has to have some element of international in it. You have to have some international artists of course, but it should be to build Belizean artists. So, it should be more about showcasing Belizean artists. Having international there, yes, but teach people how to treat Belizean artists, because even with the advertisement, its more about the foreign artists than the Belizean artists. I think Belize needs to learn, BTB needs to learn. The intention is good, but the execution they need to work on that and I hope they don't take this as an insult or any personal, but it's just to work on it and make it better for next time, even if I will not be on the show, treat the Belizean artists right."
