{"id":240006,"date":"2025-06-08T14:30:45","date_gmt":"2025-06-08T18:30:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=240006"},"modified":"2025-06-08T16:05:38","modified_gmt":"2025-06-08T20:05:38","slug":"pm-browne-wants-asa-banton-and-local-artists-to-work-closer-together","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/pm-browne-wants-asa-banton-and-local-artists-to-work-closer-together\/","title":{"rendered":"PM Browne Wants Asa Banton and Local Artists To Work Closer Together"},"content":{"rendered":"
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PM Browne Encourages Bouyon Collaborations Between Asa Banton and Local Artists<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has voiced strong support for deeper cultural collaboration between Antigua and Barbuda<\/a><\/strong> and Dominica, including a call for Dominica\u2019s Bouyon star Asa Banton to work with local Antiguan artists.<\/p>

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Speaking on his weekly Pointe FM programme on June 7, Browne praised the growing popularity of Bouyon music across the region and said Asa Banton, who recently performed at an event in Antigua, is well-positioned to help elevate Antiguan talent to regional prominence.<\/p>

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\u201cThe Bouyon music seems to be the most popular music now,\u201d Browne said. \u201cAnd this is where I think Asa can probably collaborate with some of our artists, and to help them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He referenced a recent conversation with Antiguan soca artist Tian Winter, who reportedly took issue with comments Browne made comparing the success of regional artists.<\/p>

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\u201cI had a discussion recently with Tian Winter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apparently, he was hot under the collar because I said that he is more talented\u2014in my mind, I may be wrong\u2014himself and Claudette Peters, that they\u2019re more talented and they have a larger category of songs than Asa,\u201d Browne explained.<\/p>

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The Prime Minister said that despite his remarks being intended as a compliment, Winter was initially offended. Browne said he contacted Winter directly to clarify his comments, which ultimately led to a resolution.<\/p>

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\u201cI didn\u2019t say it with any animosity toward Tian or Claudette,\u201d Browne said. \u201cBut Asa seems to have been more successful in promoting his music externally.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He added that the exchange highlighted the importance of maturity and constructive criticism in the creative arts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs a country, we need to understand that when I call out people, it\u2019s not because I want to shame anyone. I want to see better,\u201d Browne said. \u201cI want people to do better.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Prime Minister\u2019s remarks come amid his broader push for greater integration and cultural synergy among Caribbean nations, especially between Antigua <\/a><\/strong>and Dominica. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He noted the warmth and camaraderie displayed during the recent Dominica Labour Party anniversary celebration at The People\u2019s Place, saying the event highlighted the shared identity and deep-rooted ties between both countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Browne\u2019s support for regional music collaboration aligns with his administration\u2019s wider cultural development goals and reinforces the role of music in promoting Caribbean unity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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