DIMANCHE GRAS 2015
On Sunday 15th February 2015, Dimanche Gras was once again hosted on the Grand Stand Stage in the Queen’s Park Savannah. As patrons streamed through the gates, they were met by the youths of the Revelation Institute for Performing Education (RIPE) playing steelpan at the entrance.
KAISORAMA 2015
On Thursday 12th February, 2015, TUCO culminated a condensed whirlwind of kaiso competition on The Grand Stage in the Queen’s Park Savannah. It was indeed the night of champions and as calypso bards congregated backstage in preparation for the upcoming competition
NACC Generation Next Calypso Tent Judging Night
On Sunday 25th January 2015, the National Action Cultural Committee (NACC) hosted its Carnival Calypso Competition at the NUGFW building, Union Hall on Henry, Port of Spain. The live band of eleven musicians and the youngsters came out to represent in musical splendor…
Monk Monté – Machel Montano in Concert
I was introduced to Machel Montano’s music in 2013 when I started listening to Trinidad and Tobago radio stations. Songs like “Happiest Man Alive”, “Shameless” and “Ministry of Road” were played over and over. I soon learnt that Montano was a popular artist.
Cultural Development: Developing and Marketing T&T’s Cultural Sector
On September 17th 2014, the Ministry of the Arts and Multiculturalism hosted the launch of several documents on the state of culture in Trinidad and Tobago at the Hyatt Regency, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain. The title of the event was ‘Culturing Development: the Significance of the Arts and Cultural Industries in Trinidad and Tobago’.
Remembering Kelvin ‘Mighty Duke’ Pope
Departed Calypso icon the Mighty Duke (Kelvin Pope) got a true Kaiso send off in his home town of Point Fortin on Thursday 22nd January, 2009, at Coronation Park. Duke’s family, including his wife Rebecca and his children Wendell, Makeda, Kurt and Ossasie, friends as well as many members of the Calypso fraternity, were on hand to celebrate the life and times of the Mighty Duke.
Tribute to Lewicito ‘Cito’ Velasquez
Lewicito ‘Cito’ Velasquez, one of Trinidad’s most renowned Wire-bender/Masmen, passed away after suffering a stroke on 8th April, 2006, at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Champs Fleurs, Trinidad.
Cito, as he was commonly called, was born on 51 Frederick Street, Port of Spain, on 23 June, 1928. As a boy, growing up on Port of Spain’s St. Vincent Street, Cito learned to sculpt at his family’s doll factory. What he learned during the early period of his life, later served him well over the years in his profession.
Brother Valentino: Life is a Stage
The Grenadian born Anthony Emrold Phillip, better known in the Calypso arena as ‘Brother Valentino’, has proven his worth as a riveting performer, expressing his political and social awareness through songs such as ‘Life is a Stage’, ‘Stay up Zimbabwe’ and ‘Dis Place Nice’. Brother Valentino has expressed his love for the Calypso artform, the struggles of aspiring Calypsonians, as well as the behind the scenes ordeals of Calypsonians. Valentino walks us through his life experiences and the ups and downs of the Calypso world, which is largely unknown by those outside the realm. Valentino tells it as it is.
Black Prince: Life as a calypsonian not easy
Calypsonian Black Prince exemplifies persistence and determination in the calypso arena. This experienced calypsonian has been singing since the 1950’s and has graced the stages of a number of early calypso tents. Black Prince also appears on the Raw Kaiso CD: a recording of live performances, with other kaiso powerhouses such as Zandolie and Lord Blakie. At age 61, Black Prince continues to compose music and perform for appreciative audiences around the world. In this interview, he shares the highs and lows of his experiences in the calypso world.