Lu City urges more cultural funding after Jazz Festival performance

Celebrated Saint Lucian music duo Lu City are calling for improvements in both physical and social infrastructure to create more avenues for creative expression on the island. Their comments came after the pair energised the World Beats mainstage crowd on Saturday, May 9, at the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival at Pigeon Island National Landmark.

In a post-performance interview with the media, both Ryie and Luja emphasised that they do not want upcoming local talent to face the same struggles they endured before achieving international success. They believe that decision-makers and influencers must be deliberate in fostering a culture where creative entrepreneurs can thrive.

“We need more studios and we need more, more free studios and more funding. We need actual music programming in the school. We need, like, real music programs in the school,” Ryie said.

“We have the people, we have the engineers, we have the producers. We have the youth—them fellas these days making some crazy beats, they’re getting so good…so we need a building just for music. We need a music building just for the youth to come and make beats, sing, be around each other, and just make music. We need camps. We need to get serious, you know what I’m saying?” added Luja.

The duo are not only speaking about what needs to be done; they are also willing to contribute to the change they envision. As Luja highlighted:

“We just need to take it to another level, so whoever’s willing to help with that, let’s talk. Let’s make it happen.”

The article Lu City urges more cultural funding after Jazz Festival performance is from St. Lucia Times.