CARIBBEAN MUSIC – which has gifted the world with a talented array of artistes and countless unforgettable songs – is again earmarked to be the source of another major international release.

Organisers of the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Cricket World Cup 2007 recently began advertising for people in the recording industry to compose, produce and record the signature song of next year's tournament.

ICC officials said they were looking for something that reflected the region's vibrancy and passionate, fun-loving lifestyle and its love affair with cricket.

The Request For Proposal (RFP) is open to all recording companies, consortia and producers worldwide with the stipulation that their submissions not only promote the region and awareness of the most prestigious international cricket tournament, but also include "Caribbean talent . . . and promote Caribbean artistes and music".

The winning song – which will be known as the Official Song of ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 – must be "heavily Caribbean in flavour", stated ICC CWC 2007 marketing manager Damon Leon.

According to the advertisement now appearing in newspapers across the nine host venues: If your company has first-class music production facilities, Caribbean artistes signed to your label or at your disposal and the ability to deliver a world-class song on time and on budget, send an email (cwc.anthem@cricket worldcup.com) to request the complete RFP document.

The RFP can be also downloaded from the jobs and tenders section of the event website (www.cricketworldcup.com). The deadline for submissions is June 16.

"While anyone in the music industry can respond to the RFP, we definitely want Caribbean input and the only people who can truly reflect the spirit, music and culture of the Caribbean must have Caribbean roots.

"Persons with a lot of experience in the music industry are likely to contend for this honour, but new and emerging Caribbean artistes also stand a good chance.

"This would be a great prospect for someone relatively new – or even unheard of – to come to the fore. . .," said Leon.

The official song, which will be used for promotional purposes, can be an original or existing work. (PR)