Impact of Audiobook Innovation in the Caribbean: An Interview with Manick Siar-Titeca

In a recent episode of the Muna Kalati podcast, Christian Elongué interviewed Manick Siar-Titeca, the president and initiator of "One Voice, One Story," an audiobook publishing house that has significantly influenced the literary and educational landscapes in the Caribbean. This article provides insights from their conversation, highlighting the strides made by "One Voice, One Story" and the challenges overcome in establishing a unique space in the audiobook market.Introduction to "One Voice, One Story"Manick Siar-Titeca, president of the first audiobook publishing house in the Caribbean, introduced herself and her groundbreaking initiative. "One Voice, One Story," based in Guadeloupe, offers an application that delivers African and Afro-Caribbean stories to listeners. This platform aims to bridge the gap between traditional books and modern digital consumption.Impact on Literary and Educational LandscapesSince its inception four years ago, "One Voice, One Story" has had a profound impact. Manick Siar-Titeca noted a significant rise in the audiobook market across the Caribbean, including Guadeloupe, Martinique, and the English-speaking regions. This trend reflects a global shift towards audiobooks as bookstores face closures, and more people seek flexible ways to enjoy literature.Educationally, the initiative has been transformative. The platform works closely with schools, providing subscriptions that allow students to access a wide range of audiobooks. An innovative program encourages students to create their own written works, which are then recorded, fostering a fun and engaging approach to literacy. This method has been particularly effective in motivating reluctant readers, as the excitement of recording brings a new dimension to their educational experience.Challenges and SolutionsManick discussed the numerous challenges faced in launching such a novel project. Financial constraints were the most significant obstacle. Convincing potential investors of the project's viability was difficult, but securing European recognition and support was pivotal. This funding enabled the creation of an in-house recording studio, crucial for maintaining content control and quality.Legal challenges also surfaced, requiring strong legal frameworks to protect copyrights and ensure proper management of audiobook content. Manick emphasized the importance of having legal protection from the start to navigate issues such as unauthorized use of content.Combating PiracyPiracy remains a critical concern in the digital literary industry. "One Voice, One Story" has implemented robust security measures to mitigate this risk. All content creation is handled internally to prevent leaks. Additionally, the platform uses encryption and sound distortions to ensure that recorded audiobooks cannot be easily pirated or transferred to other devices. These strategies have been effective in safeguarding their content.Reflections from SILA and Future AspirationsReflecting on her experience at the SILA (Salon International du Livre d’Abidjan) event, Manick Siar-Titeca noted the widespread enthusiasm for audiobooks among various age groups. She emphasized the importance of strengthening connections with educational institutions to leverage audiobooks as effective learning tools, especially for language acquisition.Looking ahead, Siar-Titeca envisions a future where "One Voice, One Story" continues to grow, aiming for ambitious milestones such as having their audiobooks available on airplanes. She dreams of their content becoming a generational legacy, cherished and passed down like traditional book collections.Advice for Aspiring EntrepreneursManick concluded with words of encouragement for aspiring entrepreneurs in the audiobook field. She urged them to persevere and remain committed to their goals, emphasizing that there is ample room for everyone in the industry. Respect for others and unwavering determination are key to success.Siar-Titeca humorously remarked that all existing audio book platforms on the continent were led by women (Ama Dadson for Akoobooks ). She thinks this is due to the hard work of women but clarified that success is not about gender. It is about seizing opportunities and excelling in one's field.ConclusionManick's journey with "One Voice, One Story" underscores the potential of audiobooks to revolutionize both literary consumption and educational practices.  Listen to the podcast here.