Tag Archives: Calypso

Marketing our music

By Raffique Shah
February 25, 2012

Raffique ShahON Ash Wednesday, two articles in the Express perked me up. In the first, Planning and Development Minister Dr Bhoe Tewarie, interviewed in the Grand Stand, told reporter Anna Ramdass that soca star Machel Montano “should be leading the charge in selling Trinidad and Tobago internationally”. Vowing to pursue this quest at Cabinet level, Dr Tewarie added, “…I think Machel is in a class by himself… we should try to support an external thrust led by Machel in the world outside…”
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Carnival and Culture

By Dr. Selwyn R. Cudjoe
February 22, 2012

Dr. Selwyn R. CudjoeI was stuck by Michael Narine’s post, “Culture is a ploy for more state money” and Newsday’s headline “Calypso gets $1M.” With that came a justification from Dr. Hollis “Chalkdust” Liverpool: “This is good for calypso. Calypso is the father of all different genres of music, so they must ensure that calypso gets a good prize. All these other genres of music: chutney, soca, they came out of calypso, so it’s only fair that calypsonians get a good prize.” I will not argue with the doctor’s thesis except to say that at the beginning of the 21st century we may have to revise our accepted concepts of the genre, its influences and the musical forms it has spewed.
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Remembering the 1968 Chicago Convention, the Riots…and KAISO?

By Corey Gilkes
June 16, 2011

Harry BelafonteWe Trinis are truly a self-contemptuous bunch. This is why I often hold the view that we need to be humiliated and re-colonised for we own good. What we have must be taken away and benefit someone else (well, more than what’s already happening), cause we really eh know or value wha we have. Cobo cyar eat sponge cake nah. And why I getting on so? Real simple.
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Jack: Not me and Skinner Park

By Cecily Asson
February 28, 2011 – newsday.co.tt

Jack WarnerSaying that he will never be part of the crowd that gathers each year in Skinner Park, San Fernando for the National Calypso Monarch semi-final, Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner yesterday hailed the bravery of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar who on Saturday received loud boos from patrons when asked by master of ceremonies to acknowledge her presence.
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False Rumours about Death of Sparrow

NAPA Fest: Celebrating our Calypso Monarchs 1939 - 1980
NAPA Fest: Celebrating our Calypso Monarchs 1939 - 1980, presented by the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism
NAPA Fest in pictures

July 29, 2010

Sparrow doing well after surgery
Renowned calypso icon Slinger Francisco, popularly known as Sparrow, is resting comfortably at a private hospital in Maryland, United States, after undergoing emergency surgery.

…Sparrow well after surgery
Slinger Francisco (The Mighty Sparrow) was yesterday in good spirits and recuperating well following emergency surgery on Sunday to treat an incarcerated right inguinal hernia.
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Kamla: No property tax

Crazy the calypsonian, 'Manning must go, must go...' and UNC leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar
Trinidad and Tobago News Blog

Kamla: No property tax
UNC political leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar last night promised to repeal Property Tax legislation introduced by the PNM government as she pledged a UNC/COP government would not levy such a tax.

[audio:crazymanningmustgo.mp3]

Exits and entrances
Hearing my voice, the long-time Laventille resident (about 40, I’d think) leaned over my wall of a fence and sang after Crazy, the calypsonian: ‘Manning must go, must go…’
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United Force: UNC and COP

COP and UNC's Alliance
Trinidad and Tobago News Blog

United Force: Kamla selected as prime ministerial candidate
It is final – Trinidad and Tobago’s leading opposition parties and some trade unionists have agreed to unite and contest the May 24 general election under a single banner.

Kamla to focus on women’s issues
IN her first official speech following the announcement of an election date, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Friday vowed to focus on the issues of work and family life affecting local women.
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May 24 is Decision Day

PM Patrick Manning and Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar
PNM Patrick Manning vs UNC Kamla Persad-Bissessar
T&T goes to polls in 38 days
T&T will go to the polls to elect a new Government in 38 days, on Monday May 24, 2010.

May 24 is decision day for the electorate of Trinidad and Tobago

Election bell!
PRIME Minister Patrick Manning yesterday named May 24 as 2010 General Election day in what he has ensured is to be one of the snappiest of snap elections.
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