Nov. 9, 2007 — The vibe for the night was thankfulness as Tempo, the Caribbean’s musical and entertainment network, hosted a press conference Thursday at The Palms at Pelican Cove to launch activities for its second anniversary celebration — Tempo turns Two.
“The only word to describe this particular moment is thankful,” said founder Frederick Morton.
Visibly moved, the native Crucian spoke of his commitment to keep the network moving forward and the overwhelming amount of support that movement has received. “It takes a tremendous amount of love to build a strong foundation and there is so much love in the room that I am overwhelmed – – and thankful,” Morton said.
Mr. King, Morton’s inspiration for Tempo’s Badness Outta Style pro-social campaign, spoke of the network’s necessity and potential. “Music is one of the greatest teachers,” the reggae artist said. “Music is an important tool in re-culturing the youth.” King thanked Tempo and Morton for “making a local voice into a regional voice.” King said he will shoot the video for “Borderline” on St. Croix next weekend.
Thanking Tempo for aiding in “intra-Caribbean tourism” Brad Nugent, Department of Tourism representative, said it was “a no-brainer” for the department to sponsor the channel for the recognition it brought to the Virgin Islands.
Dancehall artist CeCile thanked Tempo for helping Caribbean artists get their music to their fans quicker. “Back in the day it would take almost a year to get new music (from other islands),” she said. CeCille joked that the exposure Tempo has given her has allowed her to start asking for more money when she performs.
An emotional Ziggy Rankin, whose music is best described as a blend of soca and dancehall, thanked the channel and its founder for the rapid pace of his success. “What would take one artist a lot of years to accomplish, Tempo have done for me in a year,” Rankin said.
V.I. reggae artist, Niyorah, described Tempo as a unifying force. “Tempo helps to gather the people under one love, one family vibe.” Niyorah, now on his second experience with Tempo, said that the advent of technology and Tempo has made it easier for music to be made, but there is still a struggle to become successful that only determination and love can overcome. “If you love something, it won’t seem difficult,” he said.
Danny I, a Crucian reggae artist, said he couldn’t wait for Saturday’s show and was thankful for the support he has received from his fans after taking a brief break from the V.I. reggae scene. “It’s an overwhelming experience to come back and still feel the support.” He hopes to shoot a video for one of his songs in the near future, but is enjoying the pace for now. “Things happen when they are supposed to happen, everything in Jah time.”
Two years ago Tempo, launched by Viacom's MTV Networks, erupted onto the Caribbean entertainment scene with a vengeance into homes across the islands giving faces to names many knew for years or had just begun to discover and making everyone “Feel the Tempo.”
This year Tempo turns Two beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Rudolph Schulterbrandt Agricultural Complex on St. Croix with performances by CeCille, Ziggy Rankin, Niyorah, Danny I, Mr. King, JDPP Jammerz, Ronnie Benjamin Sr., Jovi Rockwell, Jahman, Krosfyah, Mr. Vegas, Beres Hammond, and the incomparable Luciano.
Organizers hope the expansiveness of the Agricultural Fair Grounds will relieve the parking woes many had at last year's event.
Tempo is thanking ticket holders by giving them a chance to win a new Subaru 2.5 SI, courtesy of sponsor Caribbean Auto Mart.
“We're only just getting started,” Morton promised. “This is only the tip of the palm tree.”
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