A FRESH approach to airplay is what Guyana’s newest radio station, 92.1F.M. “Ring bang” radio is promising the public as it gears to launch in the coming months.
“Bringing you the latest hits and classics 24/7”, the station owned and operated by music sensations, brothers Rudy and Eddy Grant, is already drawing attention for its soothing flow and maximum exposure of local tunes; old and contemporary.
Rudy Grant told the Guyana Chronicle that he hopes to give Guyanese music access to fair airplay so that their talents could be recognised. He said that there is a lot of great music coming out of Guyana, but Guyanese themselves are not aware of who the artistes are because their music do not get adequate airtime.
“I try to give Guyanese music the opportunity it deserves.” Grant, who currently selects the music, was enthusiastic, saying that he plays, “what the people want to hear.”
He reminisced that during his stint at the National Communications Network (NCN), his program ‘Best by Request’ afforded him the opportunity to interact with people as they called in to request their favourite songs, allowing him to make a connection between the people and what it is they enjoy.
Grant said that the radio station plays American music, Jamaican music, Caribbean and all that is requested by the people. The station is most proud however to play the local music that is deserving of airplay. According to Grant, in many cases where local songs are played on radio stations they are played for short periods and aired less times.
Grant said what he does however is mix Guyanese music with that of other countries to make the point of quality local music.
“I would put up our local songs against the foreign songs and there is no difference.” He said if you were to put up a song by Guyana’s own, the late Aubrey Cummings against one that is from America for example, people would not know the difference because the music is done well.
“When a song is done well, it deserves to be played whether it is local or foreign.” Grant expressed another view using local soca artiste Kwasie Ace. He said Ace is talented, but observed that he had sang a very popular soca song that got a lot of air play and reactions. He said the man’s second song was also a head banger but it received very little play from the radio stations and even when it was played, it was not entertained as long as the music from popular Trinidadian artistes.
Grant said it will not be the same for Guyanese music on 92.1 F.M., boasting that his station plays more local songs than NCN. He promised balanced, enjoyable music and a special place on the radio stations playlist for “good Guyanese music.” A wide variety of music could be heard on the station; ring bang, extempore, soca, chutney, reggae, dancehall, rap, hip hop, jazz and many others.
Grant hinted to programs and other segments to fit into the station’s program but noted that the final touches are being made for the agency to officially make its step onto the market. The Grant brothers are well known for their individual musical artistry and has gained international recognition and praise. 92.1 F.M. is located at 227 South Road, Georgetown.