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.
TUCO’s 2014 Boat Ride Interviews
On Saturday 8th November 2014, the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO) held its annual Boat Ride Party on board the Coral Vision Cruise Boat as the crowning close to Calypso History Month.
This year marked the thirteenth annual celebration of the organisation’s Boat Ride event titled, “Celebration.” This event is aimed at raising funds to further TUCO’s Welfare Fund.
Ray Funk in Calypso Craze: 1956-57 and Beyond
On Sunday 25th January, 2015, the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival featured retired judge and Carnival researcher, Ray Funk in Calypso Craze: 1956-57 and Beyond at NALIS. His presentation featured a lengthy discussion about the history of the Calypso Craze interspersed with several video clips of calypsonians, American actors and other musicians who were part of this trend.
Sparrow Receives Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
On Wednesday 11th June, 2014, His Excellency, President Anthony Carmona hosted a ceremony for the presentation of a National Award, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT), to Dr. Slinger ‘Mighty Sparrow’ Francisco at the National Academy for Performing Arts (NAPA)…
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.
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.