By Jasmaine Payne
BY consensus, it seems that 2016 has not been kind to most, and local entertainment company, Pulse Entertainment is no exception. In fact, Pulse CEO, Robbie Singh says that elements such as the curfew and other factors have made 2016 the hardest year ever for business, but despite these adversities, and like a true entertainer, he is determined to make Pulse bigger and better in the year ahead.
In an interview with The Buzz, Robbie said that among the factors that affected their performance was the fact that they did not participate in Mashramani this year, which was held in May instead of February to accommodate the country’s 50th Anniversary celebrations.
And unlike previous years, the company did not host any stage shows. “I really look forward to starting the year off right by launching our Mash band for 2017; and we will continue to do our signature parties and give the public the best of what we do,” he said.
THE CURFEW
Reflecting on the past year, he said that while signature parties like Cupid’s Chokehold and the Thriller Halloween Party continue to be big attractions, the 2 O’Clock curfew has significantly affected nightlife. “The curfew is affecting us… To look different and be different, it costs money, and people don’t see the justification of spending that kind of money just to come out for an hour or two,” Robbie said.
“We know the recipe, and we know what people want in terms of entertainment, but we don’t get that response we use to get,” he added.
Added to the fact that there is sometimes no shortage of parties at other locations on the weekends, such things further affect attendance, Robbie said.
To tackle these difficulties, Pulse Entertainment will seek to revamp its operations in 2017. “We have to change the concept next year; Guyanese should look out for more outdoor events with more food, more drinks, and more entertainment at a more affordable cost,” he said.
Many of these events will, of course, start earlier to accommodate the curfew, he said, and will also come in the form of more fetes, which will be held every two months.
“We will try to make it better for the new year; and once we get the cooperation from our sponsors, the government and the patrons, we can have a great 2017,” he said.
Such cooperation from the government includes lifting the curfew for bigger events. For this Christmas season, the curfew has been lifted for specific events, a move Robbie said is highly appreciated in the entertainment world.
NEW MARKETS
Meanwhile, Pulse will also seek to expand in other markets to offset the difficulties being encountered. These include infiltrating other markets in the entertainment business. Guyanese living in Miami and New York will, therefore, finally get to attend a Pulse party as the company will seek to host parties in those parts of the US in the new year.
The events will feature live entertainment from Guyanese artistes and DJs who will also be given increased exposure in these bigger markets.
The company has recently tapped into the Online Shopping arena, a venture which has thus far been very fruitful.
“We are very happy that we entered into this market; and now we intend to change the way people shop Online in Guyana,” Robbie said.
Fast Food has also recently been added to Pulse’s forte, with their Grill2Go business doing quite well in the past months since its launch.
He hinted, too, that the company will soon be bringing a new franchise to Guyana that is sure to gain immediate approval by Guyanese.
“We hope that everyone still had a great 2016. Guyanese can definitely look forward for more to come from Pulse Entertainment,” Robbie said.
And as the year winds down, Pulse will still go out of its way to throw two large events to take advantage of the lifted curfew. Tonight, you can party all night at Jouvert at Palm Court, and tomorrow, ring in the New Year at Moulin Rouge at 704.