![\"A](\"http:\/\/www.triniview.com\/imgs\/crL2710158678.jpg\")
A group of calypsonians and guests at the president’s annual calypso reception<\/p><\/div>
\nOn Tuesday 27th October, 2015, President Anthony Carmona hosted a cocktail reception for calypsonians and others involved in the industry, at Queen’s Hall, St. Ann\u2019s, Port of Spain, as part of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation\u2019s (TUCO) Calypso History Month celebrations which runs from October into November.<\/p>\n
![\"The](\"http:\/\/www.triniview.com\/imgs\/crL2710158240.jpg\")
The Hendrickson family upon arrival at Queen’s Hall<\/p><\/div>
\nThe evening began with calypsonians, musicians, other cultural stakeholders and their guests gathering at Queens Hall\u2019s atrium and mingling with their peers before being escorted to a tent set up in an area in the back of the main building for the formal proceedings. <\/p>\n
![\"President](\"http:\/\/www.triniview.com\/imgs\/crL2710158311.jpg\")
President Anthony Carmona and his wife, Reema Carmona greet veteran calypsonian Emerald “Brother Valentino” Phillip<\/p><\/div>
\nOn entry, they were greeted by patron of the event, president of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Anthony Aquinas Carmona and Mrs. Reema Carmona.<\/p>\n
![\"Left:](\"http:\/\/www.triniview.com\/imgs\/crL2710158704.jpg\")
Left: TUCO president Lutalo “Brother Resistance” Masimba President Anthony Carmona and Mrs. Reema Carmona<\/p><\/div>
\nThe first to provide formal greetings was TUCO president Lutalo Masimba, who lamented the lack of support for the arts from governments past, and expressed his wish for general improvement with this new political administration. Masimba implored the government of the day to give the calypso art-form more focus and assist in its development both financially and otherwise.<\/p>\n
![\"Cross-section](\"http:\/\/www.triniview.com\/imgs\/crL2710158644.jpg\")
Cross-section of the audience of the president’s annual calypso reception<\/p><\/div>
\nAlso extending greetings on behalf of the Prime Minister was Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts Dr. Nyan Elizabeth Gadsby-Dolly. She stated that she sympathised with Masimba\u2019s concerns and promised to work together with TUCO and other cultural advocates to ensure that Trinidad and Tobago culture flourishes and continues on its evolutionary path.<\/p>\n
President Anthony Carmona also known in the calypso realm as The Prophet of Sisyphus, a sobriquet he attained while singing calypso as a student of the University of the West Indies, addressed the audience next. He reminded the audience of his accomplishments winning the calypso crown in both Jamaica and Barbados. Although bemoaning his inability to make it to the \u201cBig Yard\u201d at the Queen\u2019s Park Savannah, he praised the calypsonians who were able to attain such a feat stating that it takes industriousness, perseverance and genuine talent to make it that far. Carmona also praised calypsonians who attained prestigious awards for their work including Dr. David Michael Rudder\u2019s recent attainment of an honorary doctorate from the UWI and the receipt of the Humming Bird Medal by Composer, All Rounder and Lord Superior for their contribution to culture. He stressed that the main difference between the success of reggae music and calypso in the international realm is marketing stating \u201cour kaiso can match reggae step by step, walk by walk.\u201d He ended by advising calypsonians to continue to play their part so that we could claim our \u201crightful place in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Aaron Duncan performs “Can You Feel It?” in front of an enthusiastic audience<\/p><\/div>
\nFollowing the addresses were calypso performances by the third, second and first place winners (in that order) of the Junior Calypso Monarch competition and their 2015 contributions. Sharissa Camejo, from Holy Name Convent, started off the performances with her song \u201cEdward the Predator\u201d followed by Desle Julien, from St Mary\u2019s College with his song, \u201cD\u2019 King\u201d which paid homage to Slinger ‘Mighty Sparrow’ Francisco, the calypso king of the world. Aaron Duncan who won the competition during his stint at Trinity Junior School and who now attends the Queen\u2019s Royal College sang \u201cGrammy Awards\u201d as well as his 2016 soca contribution \u201cCan You Feel It?\u201d The audience was evidently captivated with the performances of these young ones and expressed full support singing along and cheering them on.<\/p>\n
![\"Cross-section](\"http:\/\/www.triniview.com\/imgs\/crL2710158846.jpg\")
Cross-section of the gathering of the president’s annual calypso reception<\/p><\/div>
\nThe reception, which was well-attended, ended promptly after the performances. Given the enthusiasm displayed by the guests of the president this year, in 2016 one should anticipate even greater things to come.<\/p>\n