Alejandro Alonso Frey: A New Chapter for Ajai
Alejandro Alonso Frey has recently stepped down as president of the Asociación de Jóvenes Artistas Independientes (Ajai) after several impactful years in the role. Although he will continue to be a part of the organization, his presidency is notable for making him the second president in Ajai’s history. A talented musician and leader of the reggae band Abora Reggae, Frey was also the first majorero to compete in the popular talent show “La Voz.” He reflects on his experiences with a sense of accomplishment and concern about the challenges facing local artists.
Achievements During His Presidency
When asked about his tenure, Frey is proud of the accomplishments under his leadership. “We accomplished numerous initiatives,” he reflects. “If more people joined the association and were eager to take on administrative tasks, we could have made even faster progress.” Frey’s time was marked by a plethora of activities ranging from workshops to technical support for artists on the island. One of the highlights was the fifth edition of the Fuerteventura Reggae Festival in 2021, an event that has always had Ajai’s support.
Goals from the Start
Upon joining Ajai, Frey aimed to create a collaborative platform for artists. “The administrative and governmental mechanisms often don’t facilitate as much as they should,” he notes. His focus during his presidency was on securing a proper venue where artists could congregate, collaborate, and flourish. He acknowledges the challenges posed by inadequate facilities, with the current space, although provided by the Cabildo, lacking essential amenities. Yet, with an upcoming venue in Puerto del Rosario, Frey remains optimistic about expanding their resources.
The Impact of COVID-19
The pandemic has created a seismic impact on the cultural landscape, particularly for local groups that were already struggling. “The cultural sector has been one of the hardest hit,” Frey laments. Despite tourism resuming, local venues have remained underutilized, leaving many artists without opportunities. He emphasizes that many musicians depend on bar gigs and have been significantly affected during the pandemic.
The Ongoing Struggle for Rehearsal Spaces
The absence of designated rehearsal spaces has long been a complaint from local artists. Frey criticizes the administration for not providing official local venues for artists to practice. While Ajai has fought to secure these spaces, the lack of structured support remains a huge obstacle. He believes this deficiency affects not only musicians but all kinds of artists, from painters to comedians.
Local Audiences and Festivals
Frey reflects on whether local artists have sufficient opportunities to showcase their talents in public venues. While there are tools available to reserve spaces like auditoriums, he points out the lack of awareness and promotion that inhibits local artists from utilizing them. “When it comes to festivals, there needs to be more scrutiny on the groups that are selected,” he asserts. He notes that many festivals tend to favor tribute bands over original local music, which stunts the growth of authentic artistry on the island.
The Issue of Cover Bands
Frey is candid about the preference many venues show for cover bands over original acts. He notes that groups often feel pressured to perform versions of popular songs to earn a living, leading to a cycle where local talent remains underappreciated. This trend, he argues, detracts from the cultural richness that Fuerteventura could offer.
Recognition After ‘La Voz’
Despite his unique status as the only majorero to gain recognition through “La Voz,” Frey finds that fame is fleeting. “There was initial excitement, but people forget quickly,” he notes, reflecting on how short-lived the support from local audiences can be.
The Legacy of Lebrancho Rock
The decline of the Lebrancho Rock Festival is a point of concern for Frey. Lauded for its vibrant display of rock and punk music, its absence has been felt deeply. “It wasn’t just about one year; the festival declined due to mismanagement over several years,” he explains, indicating that the lack of venues for certain music styles has driven artists away from Fuerteventura.
The Historical Context of Music in the Island
Frey notes a stark contrast between the music scene of the 1980s and 90s, when a plethora of bands thrived, and today’s environment. He attributes this decline to insufficient support for emerging musicians, stating, “Without a space to practice, many simply give up.”
The Role of Competitions like Maxoarte
Frey acknowledges that while competitions like Maxoarte exist, their effectiveness is debatable. He feels the focus has shifted too much toward awarding rather than fostering genuine artistic talent. “In the beginning, it really helped to promote local music, but now it seems more about the ease of presentation rather than the raw talent,” he explains.
The Current State of Abora Reggae
Beyond Ajai, Frey shares insights about Abora Reggae, which is currently undergoing a reorganization. After delays caused by the pandemic, he’s back to working on the band’s upcoming album. Frey is embracing a more modern approach to music releases, planning to share individual songs to keep the audience engaged digitally.
Future Aspirations
In his solo career, Frey is exploring various musical avenues, collaborating with different artists and even experimenting with jazz. With projects like a reggae trio and creative partnerships, he remains dedicated to evolving as an artist.
Emerging Local Talent to Watch
Frey concludes with a list of local talents to keep an eye on, emphasizing that despite ongoing challenges, Fuerteventura is still home to a wealth of potential artists. From musicians to visual artists, his passion for the local scene shines through, reminding us that Fuerteventura’s artistic community is alive and deserving of attention.
