Hosay in St. James
The commemoration of Hosay is a Shiite Muslim commemoration of the death of Imam Hussein and his brother Hassan (both grandsons of the Prophet Muhammad) at the Battle of Kerbala in Persia, now known as Iraq. The word Hosay comes from the name ‘Hussein’. Elsewhere in the Islamic world, on the day of Ashura, Shiites also commemorate the death of Imam Hussein.
Caribbean Indian Actors in Cinematic Movies
Twenty-eight years after the screening of the first Hindi movie, Bala Joban [Sweet Youth] in Trinidad in the Caribbean, an immigrant law student in London made his debut in a British-made cinematic movie. Basdeo Panday became the first Caribbean Indian to be an actor on the big screen in Nine Hours to Rama (1963). Panday’s part as the laundryman in Nine Hours to Rama was brief, but it was a speaking role that earned him notable credit among stars like Horst Buchholz, José Ferrer and Valerie Gearon. The movie about the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi was nominated for the BAFTA Film Award in the Best British Cinematography Category in 1964.
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.
Wayne ‘Rafiki’ Morris Speaks: We are the solution
Wayne Morris, better known as Rafiki, is an accomplished muralist, painter, writer and poet. He was born in October 1956, and at the age of four years he was already revealing his artistic and literary potentials. In 1968, at the age of twelve, Rafiki was taking art classes at Morgan State University in Maryland, U.S.A. and covering the family home with his first murals. His professional artistic endeavors began in 1974 with the founding of “The New World Poets” and continued over the years into countless major programs and campaigns both nationally and internationally. Rafiki’s paintings have been exhibited in Washington, D.C., Baltimore and New York City. His local murals are located at U.W.I.’s (The University of the West Indies) JFK Memorial Auditorium; City Hall Port of Spain; San Fernando Art Center; Rudranath Capildeo Learning Resource Center, Couva; the Fairfield Complex and Bacolet Tobago. Rafiki is currently serving as Artistic Consultant and Designer for ‘The East of the River Pilot Project’, ‘Pan Theatre Project’ with Trinidad All Stars and the Ministry of Culture, the ‘Dragon’s Nest Project’ with the National Carnival Commission and the ‘Crosstown Carnival Committee’. Rafiki is also currently preparing to publish his second book of poems and short stories entitled, “Space Between the Hard Lines”.
Origins and Nature of Parang Music
Parang Music has long been associated with Christmas festivities. The word parang originally came from the word ‘paranda’ meaning merry making. Traditional parang bands made up of parenderos consist of singers and musicians who play the guitar, the mandolin, the cuatro, the violin, the maracs, the clapper, the box bass, the tambourine, the scratcher (güiro) and the toc-toc (claves). Other non-traditional instruments such as the dolak and the steelpan are sometimes included but this has caused some controversy within the Parang fraternity.
Rudolph Edwards: Journey with Desperados
Mr. Rudolph Edwards has offered, in this piece, his history and the history of his involvement in the internationally acclaimed steelband movement, Desperados. Mr. Edwards is one of the founding fathers of the Desperadoes pan organization and has enjoyed many victories with this pan-side. Along with his outstanding awards and achievements, it has been said that Mr. Edwards is the oldest and longest playing panman around. Surely, his contributions in terms of his commitment to the Desperados pan movement as well as the pan movement in general must be recognized. Mr. Edwards now shares with us his journey with the Desperados pan movement and some of his life lessons acquired along the way.
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.
The Story of Hosay: Dancing the Moon
Mr. Michael Goring is considered one of the most informed Elders on the St. James Hosay. Our recorded interview with him allows us to share his story of the local Hosay. Mr. Goring also shares some of his views on life in general.
‘Disturbances’ of the 1970s
By Leslie
Posted: June 13, 2005
The period of the 1970’s was a remarkable epoch in the history of Trinidad and Tobago and indeed the world over. This was a time when tensions peaked once more after earlier struggles to relieve Black people from the physical bondage of slavery and after two world wars, which had left an indelible impact on the world’s people. In fact, Trinidad and Tobago was granted Independence just eight years before in 1962. However, this appeared to be Independence in name only as Trinidadians and Tobagonians were dependent on white capitalists and imperial powers such as the United States, Canada and Britain for their sustenance.
Read more on ‘Disturbances’ of the 1970s…