Dougla Rhythm? Sokah? We now call it Soca!

I have heard so many people lay claim to Soca and many have tried to emphasize that it is a fusion of American soul music and calypso - they are all wrong and clearly misrepresent the facts to suit their selfish desires!

The soca music that we know today (Power Soca and Groovy Soca) is not the same that was created by Mr. Garfield Blackman aka Lord Shorty - the music has evolved but the base rhythm is the same.

Many have also declined to acknowledge that East Indian music in Trinidad had a very major impact on the creation of the music. No one outside of Trinidad was responsible for the creation of Soca.  Who was? As I indicated in the opening paragraph and every Trinidadian knows that Garfield Blackman aka Lord Shorty (he later changed his name to Ras Shorty I) created the Soca beat and the rest of the World should know this to be a fact!

Ras Shorty I then Lord Shorty had a purpose when he was experimenting with blends of East Indian and Calypso music. As Shorty stated, (during the period 1969-1970) it was his hope that the music could bring both cultures together - Trinidadians of East Indian and African ancestry.

So what is Soca? In Ras Shorty I's words it is the combination of East Indian and African Rhythms which he termed a Dougla Rhythm. It was not American soul music but the "Soul or Trinidad, the soul of Calypso" that came out of the music.

Shorty stated that it all started with 'Indrani' when he first recorded this new beat. This album "Love Man" failed with poor sales figures. He was accused of trying to sound Indian when he used the Dholak on the ten recorded songs of that failed album. This is where the beat started and after the failure of this album he moved on to his next project named "Endless Vibrations". It is from this project that he incorporated the rhythmic structure from the Dholak and incorporated it with the drum set and gave it the name SOKAH. He stated that the "KAH" represented the East Indian finger print or as Shorty stated East Indian influence on the music. However as faith would record it Ivor Ferreira a journalist working for the Punch newspaper, misspelled Sokah in print using Soca. He stated that he did not mind the error in spelling because it was all about the rhythmic structure of the music and not about the spelling. He wanted it to be known that it  is was about the 'soul of calypso' and not Soul and Calypso.

Regarding the new direction the music he stated that in 1977 when Maestro sang Savage and Kitchener sang Sugar Bum Bum, he knew that it was time to step away from the change that was taking place.  He created the music but never envisioned it going it this direction. He knew that something had to be done and as a result he went ahead with his new project taking the music along the path he wanted to see it go.

The birth of Jamoo music (Jehovah’s music) which is the soul of calypso blessed with the spirit of God in the music came to fruition.  This is what he termed born again Soca. I have included the 1995 interview from the G.B.T.V CultureShare Archives that was sourced from YouTube. Please watch this video take note of the words of the creator of the music. Never again should any Trinidadian put up with the nonsense claims by others regarding Ras Shory I's creation of Sokah the music that we know today as Soca. Ras Shorty I died on July 12, 2000 of multiple myeloma (a type of bone marrow cancer).

Now sit back and listen to Ras Shorty I (the creator of Soca) tell you  how it all happened: 

Addendum: 

Now after reading the article above and watching the video it is apparent that the article was written with a clear bias to Shorty as the creator and innovator of Calypso into Soca. Most people tend to believe the claim that Shorty created Soca.  We do know that he gave a class of music the name Sokah that was eventually misquoted as Soca and the name stuck. So the major question is this, is the music that Shorty experimented and created so many years ago the Soca that we know today? In other words what are the elements that make a song a  Soca song and can you identify those traits in the music Shorty created and named Soca?

Dimitry Subotsky puts forward an interesting case for King Wellington as the person who impacted the move from Calypso to Soca.  Here is a snippet from an article that appeared in the Trinidad Guardian newspaper:  "I tried to think of what records I had heard from the early to mid-’70s that stood out as being different, and my mind was drawn to two particular albums by the same calypsonian. Examining his prior work led me to believe that this man played an important part, if not the most important part in the development of calypso into soca. That man was King Wellington."
Here is another paragraph from the article: "The influences of American soul and funk, giving space to the musicians, the prominence of the electric bass, the extended instrumental play-outs and the move away from the big band sound are all key elements of early soca, and they are evident in the recordings of King Wellington more prominently and earlier than that of any other artist.
We will take a look at these and other matters of significance regarding the move from Calypso to Soca and the many claims to ownership regarding the creating of this music genre.
Listen to the man and his music:

Vibrations Groove - Lord Shorty

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CHOGM 2009

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"We Ting?"

Dey Say…

We created it and as a result no one does it better! Does that still hold true? From the heart and soul, from the bosom of mother Trinidad Pan was born and nurtured into a wonderful instrument and also as an orchestra that fascinates people around the World. We have not stopped in the development of the pan and have now introduced the G Pan to continue this fairy tale story. However, we have not treated this instrument and the men and women who labor at it with the respect they deserve.

Indeed we can boast that  Trinidad is obviously the University of Pan with geniuses like Len ‘Boogsie’ Sharpe, Ken ‘Professor’ Philmore, Jit Samaroo and a host of others creating and arranging music to fascinate and drive people delirious during the Carnival festival. There have been many great arrangers who have passed on and many will rise to the top of the art form in the future. Panorama is 'de best' as most Trinis would say. So it is with interest that I recently read about a few Trinidadians studying music at the University of Illinois.  They are studying Pan as part of their music major. Why there and not in Trinidad?

I am curious and interested in knowing about the ‘Pan Major degree’ that the students were part of at the Northern Illinois University. Maybe it is the presence of Liam Teague (Pan Master) and fellow Trinidadian's accomplishments that has lured Mia Cormandy and other Trinidadians to the university.  However, this situation still needs to be questioned - what a shame (that we can't provide the same services at home). If that is the case (studying for a music degree majoring in Pan) then, why is it that Trinidadians have to leave the birthplace of pan (the true pan university) to get a degree?

Why doesn’t "UWI" offer this course of study? Ok, I am not naïve and understand that the study of music is a part of most American Universities and may not be that important in the Caribbean region. However, something about Trinidadians attending a foreign university to get a degree in Pan leaves a burning sensation in my stomach.

We are talking about Pan –“we ting”, as most Trinidadians like to say.

So can someone please enlighten me, help me to understand this concept where Trinidadians must leave the homeland to study Pan in a foreign land? It is interesting to note that Mia Gormandy (an attendee of this course) is the niece of one of the steel pan's genius arrangers, Len ‘Boogsie’ Sharpe. My ignorance has once again befuddled me and warrants your enlightenment. The video clip provided beneath is that of Mia Cormandy playing a concerto for the steel pan. Do you see this as the future for "Pan" or does this belong to another society? Is this the future for this, our national  instrument?  On the other hand, as a Trinidadian can we see beyond the "Panorama" competition in the Savannah and put the pan on the same level as the violin or piano?  Let's hope that with the new Performing Arts Center and the numerous Universities dotting the landscape in Trinidad that we could awake from this slumber and provide the courses and degrees in the land that gave birth to the instrument and art form. The players don't beat pan anymore so let play to a new drum beat because the nation  deserves it!  We can only hope.  What is your opinion?

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"Come Leh We Go To Tobago"

So you want to get away and the Caribbean was recommended, then Tobago is a must visit place to lay back and unwind. Tobago is part of the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. So "come leh we go, let we go to Tobago;that Paradise found by Robinson Crusoe ..." You will not be disappointed.

A Little Tobago History:

At the time of European contact, Tobago was inhabited by Island Caribs. The first European visitors appear to have been English in 1580. According to the earliest English-language source cited in the Oxford English Dictionary, Tobago bore a name that has become the English word tobacco. The first settlers were Courlanders in 1654. It changed hands 33 times between Courland, Spain, England, France, Sweden, and the Dutch Republic until in 1814 it became part of the British Empire. In 1889 Tobago was united with Trinidad into a British crown colony. In 1962 they became an independent Commonwealth nation of Trinidad and Tobago, in 1976 a republic.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tobago
Tourism:
Tobago is the tourist haven, tourist paradise that big brother Trinidad dreams of but will never achieve. Tobago's ocean waters are not affected by the rivers of South America as it Trinidad's because of its (i.e. Trinidad) close proximity to the South American mainland. Tobago is also well know for many unique traditions. The famous Tobago Goat and Crab races are examples of these unique and very unusual traditions. 
Amazing places to visit/things to do:

The World famous Bucco reef are a must see/must visit whenever one visits Tobago. The nylon pool is another amazing place to visit. After traveling in a boat out to see you arrive at a place that can only be described as a swimming pool in the middle of the ocean. One can come out of the boat and actually walk on the ocean floor - very amazing indeed.

Diving enthusiasts will truly enjoy the water off Tobago that have a few ship wrecks for those who like to explore.

Ecology.

Here is a snippet from Wikipedia:

The Tobago Forest Reserve (or the Main Ridge Reserve) claims to be the oldest protected forests in the Western world. It was designated as a protected Crown reserve on April 17, 1776 following representations by Soame Jenyns a Member of Parliament in Britain who had the responsibility for the development of Tobago. It has remained a protected area ever since.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tobago

The Tobago Heritage Festival:

If you want to get a good idea of the Tobago way of life then you need to attend the Tobago Heritage festival that is a showcase for the islands culture, food, music and dance (witness the Tobago Hell and Toe and Jig dances) and the famous Tobago story telling.  This festival is growing in popularity with Trinidadians making the trip for the festival that is held on the last week of July and the first week of August.

The Tobago Jazz Festival:

This unique experience now has a new name, it will now be know as the "The Tobago Jazz Experience".  This new experience will showcase pan and jazz as well as showcase the ocean experience. This festival (yes that's what it is) also has popular American performers and many music celebrities visiting the island for this show that is held in April. Check with the Tobago Tourism website for details at:

http://www.visittobago.gov.tt/load_page.asp?ID=73.

Tobago:  The Place To Be:

Tobago has a lot to offer but take it from a Trini who has visited Tobago there is nothing better than Tobago's curry crab and dumplings - yummy. Also you have to try the Bennae balls - just try them. This article can only provide a glimpse of Tobago but if you have plans to explore the southern Caribbean then Tobago is the place to be - See you there!

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La Vega

La Vega Estate is located at 726 Gran Couva Main Road, Trinidad. Contact: 1 (868) 679-9522. email: info@lavegaestate.com

Located in central Trinidad, La Vega Estate is a 250 acre paradise with outdoor activities and interests for the whole family. Originally a cocoa estate, La Vega is now home to a unique combination of a garden centre, plant nursery, nature and recreation park.


La Vega is much more than a business venture to owner, Bertram Manhin, whose lifelong love affair with plants and nature led him to purchase the estate in 1983. An avid plant collector, Manhin soon established a nursery which he stocks with plant material from both local sources and his travels around the world.


Also a great lover of fruit, Manhin has successfully introduced and cultivated a wide variety of rare and exotic fruit in Trinidad. Among his favorites are rambutan from Malaysia, giant dongs and sweet carambola from Taiwan, abiu and giant peewah from Brazil and Costa Rica. If anyone reading this post has seen or even tasted this giant peewah I am very interested in knowing if the taste is the same as the traditional peewah, better or just a bit over rated.


You can read the rest of the information by visiting the offical website @
http://www.lavegaestate.com/index.htm

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Trinidad's Pitch Lake

via www.videocrux.com

This is an area covered with tar and rich with history. It is also one of three such lakes in the world. Knowledgeable tour guides are recommended. Costing are as follows: children 6 - 12 yrs TT$12.00 each adults TT$30.00 each free for children under the age of 6. Contact info: (868) 784-3817; (868) 648-7697

via www.tourism.gov.tt

"Not even the Trinidadians recognize this treasure." "A must see when you visit Trinidad." Those are two quotes I saw when I came across the site "Trip Advisor" (http://www.tripadvisor.com/).

Those quotes prompted me to write this post. I could have approached the subject and dealt with the very first quote that is so true - we don't treasure our natural resources in Trinidad & Tobago and that means everything that is unique to the Republic of  T&T including our musical culture. However, that is a discussion for another post. We shall take a brief look at the La Brea Pitch Lake and present some information that would encourage you to dig deeper for more information on the subject. There is a wealth of information on the various websites that talk about the history of the lake. If you want to see more video footage then go to YouTube where visitors to the lake have posted their video footage and experiences at the lake. 

This is not just any ordinary lake and it is not for bathing even though some people believe that bathing in the water from catchment areas in the Pitch Lake has healing properties. They claim that the water has healing attributes and guarantee that it cures rheumatism, arthritis, joint pain and many other ailments.  The importance of this lake of asphalt came to prominence in 1595 when Sir Walter Raleigh came into contact with this natural phenomenon. He quickly realized that it could be used to stop the leaks in his ship and from that point onward the legend and notoriety of the Pitch Lake started.

This natural wonder is the largest of the three known deposits around the World and is located in the southern end of Trinidad in an area known as La Brea (See map). The 'lake of pitch’ is approximately 100 acres in size with an estimated depth of 250 feet.  It has been estimated that at the present rate of extraction this lake can provide raw pitch material for the next 400 years - now isn't that an amazing fact?  The actual capacity of the Lake is estimated to be between 6 - 10 million tons. One must also take into account that this deposit is being constantly fed from its source beneath the earth. This means that the supply of this emulsified black gold will be with us for generations yet to come. The other known lakes are located at Lake Guanaco in Venezuelan and the La Brea Tar Pits in California, U.S.A.  Trinidad's natural lake is the only one that is presently mined for export and is the largest and most famous of the three pits. The pitch is exported around the World and is used in the construction of roadways and other important projects. Today the asphalt is exported in pellet form as compared to the liquid form in drums. Trinidad Lake Asphalt is constantly working to find better ways to produce and export this natural wonder.

There are many theories regarding the formation of the Trinidad Pitch Lake with the scientists explaining that the Lake is the result of interaction of the Caribbean Plate as it related to Barbados Arc causing pressure that forces the asphalt mix to the surface. The Chima Indians have their own explanation about how the lake came into existence and it all has to do with the Colibri (Humming) bird.  It was related that after they had fought and defeated their enemy they celebrated in the area where the lake is presently located. However, they got carried away and broke the sacred law of the land. In their exuberance they got carried away and killed, cooked and ate the sacred humming bird.  

The humming bird was significant to the Indians since they believed these birds carried the spirits of their ancestors.  Legend has it that "Pimlontas" (their winged God) became angry because of their actions and created the lake that they called Piche (pitch) to swallow up their entire village.  No one had disapproved this claim to date! One thing we know that is a fact is that the lake does have a reputation of swallowing up any helpless animals that come into contact with the soft areas.  The remains of animals including the mammoth and native Amerindian artifacts, including pottery, have been retrieved from the lake. It is a recorded fact that in 1928 a huge tree estimated to be more that 4,000 years old was pushed up from the bowels of the lake only to be swallowed up again. However, a cross section of the tree was cut off and saved for posterity. Some of these facts were obtained from this website:

http://www.trinidadlakeasphalt.com/home/history/legends-a-myths.html

The Trinidad Pitch Lake creates employment in the mining of asphalt as well as providing a constant flow of tourists whom are curious about the lake. Many persons visiting this area are fascinated while others leave confused when they see the large barren gray colored area with that unusual smell. Most of the persons who enjoy the visit to the Pitch Lake do so because they used the official guides for the site provided by the La Brea Pitch Lake Visitor Center.  Maybe you can be one of those who can say without reservation that you have visited and touch the pitch lake. If that is the case please leave a comment regarding your experience(s). Please visit the Trinidad Lake Asphalt website for more information about this eight wonder of the world at:

http://www.trinidadlakeasphalt.com/home/

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Follow up to Trini Myths

Trini Myths.  Just the name leaves one with the feeling that the conversation that follows is not true and as stated a myth, a tale of sorts. However, there are times when certain things happen and we are left with that uncertain feeling that something is 'up' and doubt sets in. Well most of us (those whom are honest) can reflect on something that has happened and made us question what others simply won't give the time of day. So here we are questioning the validity of beliefs held as bible truth for many years when pitch oil lamps brought light to many living rooms in Trinidad.  'Trini Myths,' are these facts or fictitious claims?  To be honest, it is not easy to get me to believe in these things akin to Folklore and of course the classic myths. I am not alone but there are others who believe because of their experiences.  I can't fault these people but will leave it up to you to conclude as you see fit.  The text in quotation was submitted by Gail following Sandiego Lee's post on 'Trini Myths'.  It references the so called myth that "if you iron clothes and bathe immediately after so doing you will catch the cold or even worse get a stroke" - You be the judge!
"Long ago if you iron it was said that you will catch a cold or sometimes it resulted in death. To me this is not a myth but a fact in those days. I remember as a young child people in my village used to iron with a coal-pot and iron (iron was placed on the hot coals)  and in those days one had to endure a lot of heat especially with the large bundles of khaki pants, shirts, sheets, pillowcases;  I know some women even ironed their husbands underwear. I remembered 2 women dying after ironing all or most of the day then bathing outside in the afternoon. It was said that they caught Pleurisy. I had a great uncle who worked in his garden in hot sun all day then went down to the Blue Basin river to bath and died within 2 hours. It was said that he caught Pleurisy after being in the hot sun all day then bathing in the cold river water... So was this a myth or fact???"   November 20, 2009 8:45 AM - 
OK,  that was Gail's experience but now most of you may be wondering what exactly is pleurisy and can it really cause death that quickly? If you want to learn about pleurisy here is a link that would help: http://www.medicinenet.com/pleurisy/article.htm

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Say Hello to Chatango Mini

Please take note, your cote ci cote la and wack radio shout boxes and now available at this link: http://www.dlime.blogspot.com/.
This is a message for those who used the Chatango service that was previously installed on the side bar of this blog. As you have noticed, I have removed the chat service. This action was taken because the same service is now available at the WACK Radio home page. When they installed Chatango I realized that the service that was provided on this site would become unnecessary. This hit home hard and quickly. This Saturday someone left a 'nasty' message in the chat box celebrating the fact that I left a note stating that I intended to end the chat service on my site. That was unnecessary. This site has good intentions and I intend to move forward with the same goals in mind. I have not gone away from Chatango totally. I have installed Chatango mini in the side bar and it was done so that persons wishing to leave a message will be able to do so. It is the same service and when the Parang starts (referring to the pops when a post is made) I will know that someone is chatting with me. I hope that everyone understands. Everything changes and sometimes change is forced on us. As someone said recently we need to adjust to the circumstances we encounter from day to day. So now that this lemon day has come my way, I have chosen not to complain too much but to go ahead and make lemonade.

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What is the Best Mamaguy yuh ever heard or experienced?

Trini Dictionary: Côté ci Côté la.

To 'Mamaguy' someone is to fool that person with smart talk or slick reasoning. It can also be a case of misleading actions to set up a 'sucker punch’. Another situation would be “to make fun of or to ridicule another person. To give someone 'fatigue' means to tease or roast that person. However, it is never a pleasant experience to be the person receiving this teasing, this mocking is never a pleasant experience. There are many occasions when these situations resulted in fist fights. Well not these days in Trinidad because disputes today are settled in felonious ways. 

This is your chance to get involved. I am not using my limited brain cells today to create anything but you; yes you can create a post that could be very funny.  I will take your 'comments' or "mammergisms" and add them to this post. So what are you waiting on? Come on get involved.
Mas Man Redux (Director's Cut), Peter Minshall, Trinidad Carnival Artist

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Smithsonian Folkways Recordings

Well I guess most of you surfing the World Wide Web for calypso music must have come across some very interesting sites. Recently I was looking up information about calypso during the formative years and came across some interesting sites. One name that kept showing up was the Smithsonian. The link provided at the end of this note takes you to the Smithsonian Folkways Recording site.  At that site you can look up information about Lord Melody, Lord Invader and many of the other ‘Griots’ of that period and listen to the recordings of these musical heroes. Even better is the fact that you can purchase copies of the recordings and start a collection with music from some of the greatest ambassadors of the art form.

If you have already taken the opportunity to purchase music from this source or some other site, please don't hesitate to leave a comment about your experience.  Giving others the opportunity to find these classic tunes is something that we should share.  Trinidadians need to take a look back at our rich heritage and compare the artists and substance of the music to the current crop of singers today. Do you believe that the calypsonians today have the talent of those who came before? Do you think that the current Soca artists can create a calypso of substance or has the jump and wine mentality ripped the heart out of the calypso art form?
http://www.folkways.si.edu/index.html

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Trini Myths

Some Trini Myths:

If yuh drink rum and eat ah fig, (banana) yuh sure to die. (I think that is is the Moko or Mata Burro)

If yuh walk in the hot sun and eat mamieseparte(mammy-See-Pote) yuh sure to die.

If yuh iron clothes and bathe after, yuh cud catch, cold or even ah stroke.

If a picker or something jucks yuh and breaks under your skin,  it will travel in your blood and get to your heart causing your eventual death.

I guess if I swallowed a picker today I will welcome it as a source of fiber.

Well if you or  someone you know is aware of this situation please leave a note explaining the situation and the eventual outcome. Did it result in death or did they  simply laugh at you!?  Well yuh know all trinis are doctors and lawyers.

Submitted by: Sandiego Lee (SDL)

I will add this one to Lee's list:
If you eat Tonka Beans you will get 'Short Breath'

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Meh Nabel String Bury Here!

I have heard my favorite radio personality, Mr. Damion Melville of WACK radio, ask in everyday 'Triniglish' (Trinidad English), "I could ever leave here?  I eh leaving Trinidad for nothing!"  One can even extend the idea by bringing up the cascadura theory that once you eat the cascadura you must return to your place or birth   -   homeland Trinidad and Tobago.

So how did we come to this point? Is it  loyalty to the place of our birth or is it simply a birthright?  We have a habit of saying Trini 2D Bone or Trini 2DMarrow and it rolls of our tongues with ease without ever giving a thought to its significance. Is this really important and can we ever get to the bottom of this feeling of national pride? Now talking about getting to the bottom of it, listen to Papa Neeza eh because the truth is once yuh mother bury yuh nabel string in Trinidad dats it, your faith is sealed.

Now you see how easy that was to explain.  OK, so what do Trinbagonians mean when they use the phrase, "Meh Nabel String Bury Dey?"  All Trinis know the answer but for the benefit of the international readers if they were able to get past the Triniglish in this story, I will explain the phrase. "It is an expression used when someone shows a highly unusual attachment to a certain place".

Here is the origin of the phrase: "The practice of burying the "Navel String" or umbilical cord under a fruit laden mango tree to ensure the child's eventual 'fruitfulness' or prolificacy".

Yes Trinidadians are superstitious and believe in jumbies and douens and the burying of the navel string to give one a feeling of belonging.  In a nutshell that is the gist of the conversation; it really comes down to feeling wanted and giving one a sense of belonging. If you want to add to this please use the comment feature beneath the post.

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Paramin Gold - This One is for you Gailos!

Have you have ever driven to Maracas beach? Well if you are a true Trini then you must have taken a dip in the salt – Maracas Bay we talking about eh. Well the road to Maracas Bay (travelling South-West) takes you through some winding roads and if you did not know it you passed through Maraval; in this area are nestled three villages, one of which has a reputation that rivals any in Trinidad. That village goes by the name of Paramin and it is famous for many things that I am sure after reading this Gailos will address me and state that I missed out on this and that and the other. Well I am from Arima and will be forgiven. The focus of this post is to present some information about the village of Paramin and eventually do the same for other villages in our beloved Trinidad and Tobago.

Paramin like the other villages in the area is nestled in the hills of Maraval that provides a unique climate for the area. This gift of nature is responsible for the famous gardens that produce the well known Paramin seasonings. Can you smell the thyme and chives? Well, let me start by posting a link to a recipe for the famous Paramin seasoning. Oh, and please take note that Paramin is considered to be the “herb basket of Trinidad” - this is no idle boast my friends.

http://www.astray.com/recipes/?show=Paramin%20seasoning%20from%20trinidad

Obviously nothing beats going into the area and getting the seasoning from the source. The Mist that descends on the gardens leaves the vegetation green and lively and is never beaten down by the tropical climate. This mist can be considered a gift to the farmers of the area. Paramin seasoning is not only famous island wide but it also making an impact in the Caribbean area.

So who are the people of Paramin? Well this community has a strong Spanish influence but not from Spain. Many Venezuelans came to Trinidad to settle and in this area created cocoa plantations and a farming community that their decedents now cultivate and cherish with great pride. I like to refer to them as "Cocoa Pyols" and this is not meant as an insult at all. Trinidad men love to talk about “they Cocoa Pyol omen”. These settlers not only brought their farming skills but also their traditions. One of those traditions gave rise to Paramin becoming famous for their music - Parang music. The Parang singers travel from home to home playing music and singing nativity songs that are still a tradition of this community even though it is fast disappearing in other communities in Trinidad. On the Monday before Christmas the community hosts a Parang festival that is well attended and keeps growing year after year. Parang and Paramin go hand in hand. When people are talking about Parang, Paramin gets loads of respect and adoration.

Carnival in Trinidad has many traditions that have been lost for some time now but in Paramin they are famous for a tradition that has almost disappeared from the carnival celebration – jab, jab. In Paramin they have kept alive the tradition with a twist and the now famous tradition of Blue Devils has even ended up in a documentary film. The documentary is 47 minutes long and was directed by Alex De Verteuil and released in 2006. Here is a link to see the trailer for the documentary. This is a must have for the culture enthusiast.

http://www.trinidadandtobagofilm.com/movs/jab.html

Every Carnival Monday evening the place to be is Paramin! Why you may ask? Well, if you want to experience this dying tradition then one needs to see and experience the celebration of  the Blue Devils of Paramin. Now please note “that yuh cyar want to play mass and fraid powder eh”. If you go to this presentation prepare to get some blue paint (colored wash) on your clothing so don’t put on yuh Sunday best to this baccanalish presentation eh.

For those whom are interested in things from the past there is “Our Lady of Lourdes/Guadalupe” perched on a very scenic terrace overlooking the valley. The church is about 150 years old and is considered to be an architectural wonder in the in the area – it just stands out with its green roof reaching out over the valley.

Finally it should also be noted that the area is also famous for its bat caves with eye catching limestone formations. It is reported that these caves are some of the most easily accessible caves in the island. I am not a friend of bats so I won’t be visiting those caves or any caves in the future. However, for the daring and enterprising traveler these caves should be a treat.

Parmin, a village in the Maraval area has given much to the Islands of Trinidad and Tobago but for us who hang out in Trinizagada we are most thankful for our very own Paramin Gold better known as Gailos. Thank you Paramin!

Addendum:
Here is a bit of information that I researched on behalf of an "anonymous comment",  Apparently Paragon Beach is one of those unspoilt areas that is well known by people living in the area. I am not sure how the beach is accessed but apparently it has the virgin feel because it is not frequented often by the general public.   In this area is an island named Saut d'Eau. Wikipedia has more information about the island and can be sourced at this URL: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saut_d'Eau

According to Wikipedia, "Saut d'Eau, French for "Waterfall", is a small island in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. It is located just off the north coast of main island of Trinidad (less than 1km) in the Caribbean Sea. It is one of thirteen government protected wildlife sanctuaries, one of two breeding grounds for Pelicans in the country." 


I hope that this update helps! If we work together we can provide information that could be helpful to others seeking for an exotic place to visit...  Why not Trinidad and Tobago?

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Good Ole Fashioned GPS

This post was originally done in 2007 for Trini2DBone and is still posted in their forum. I thought that it would be fun to let others take a read here on Zagada.

I really enjoyed listening to Damion Melville and his Bassa Bassa segments on WACK radio (www.wackradio901fm.com). I remember Damion introducing a topic that had everyone laughing 'dey pwefen off' - it was a rib tickling session. It all had to do with the things we did as kids growing up – the good ole days.  Cosel had me laughing with her “pee pee bottle” story that was started by Mr. Gus Logie in the classroom – dat boi scoring runs long before he got on the cricket stage.

Many stories were told and Smarty could recount them here but it seems that some of us are just too lazy to beat on the keyboard. So here is the deal – it is a rainy Tuesday morning in Manhattan and I have the time to put this bit together.  If I can do it anybody can.  I will tell the truth about the story I called in to the station and only gave Damion a taste of – the whole truth now. So if Smarty could come clean then I expect to read some rib tickling stories in the days ahead.

As I related to Damion, back in the day when I attended the Arima Boys Government school we got up in the morning got dressed and did all the morning ablution stuff before leaving for school.  I hated listening to the radio because the song played was: “good morning gooood moooorning, how do you do my friend. Good morning goooood moooorning to you … how do, how do you do” … that meant that you were running late for school. Well a brown khaki pants and blue shirt and no jockey shorts!  You see long before “Free Willy” became a movie I had Willy living a free life swinging back and forth ringing the Church bells.  Now keep this in mind as I relate the story – no jockey shorts (for the sophisticated folks I am talking about underwear).

Ok so now I am at school and the bell rings – not for recess or anything, we were told to line up and go outside.  Everybody was wandering what was going on until we marched up the stairs into another classroom and were told to open up (yes it was time for the yucky liquid). This lady, dressed in white (yes a nurse) placed a drop of liquid on our tongues – chinaponium (spelling help needed here) – “dat was to kill D snakes in we belly”. Now that was not the end of it, we were ushered out of the building to a line that snaked around the school to the northern side where the majesty of the Anglican Church could be seen.  It was not a good site to behold – a table with cups of liquid and a teacher with a whip standing next to it – yes my friends it was Epsom salts – “to show D snakes, ahem worms, whey to pass”.  This place was a complete mess because several kids puked on drinking the Epsom salts – "some kids vomited as the liquid hit the back of their mouth".

Immediately after this traumatic situation we were sent home. However boys will be boys, we decided to have fun unaware of the repercussions.

First mistake: never purchase sweet drinks (soda eh) after taking chinaponium – every belch was like drinking it all over again.

Second mistake: Frank (Copper), Melville (Fraff), my brother and I decided to go to the Arima Girls Government school to see the show there (our sisters attended the school) and we were all from Olton Road.  Before we could reach the School Copper’s belly started to churn – he used an abandoned latrine in an empty lot to relieve himself – good ole copy book pages were used to do the clean up job – phew.  Plans to get to the school were cancelled and it was a race to get home.

Well my friends just to let yuh know, the Arima Boys Government School was in the town of Arima and Olton road was a good walk away.  Damion your sister knows the distance from the Veledrome in Arima to Olton rd because Cleaver rd is just after Olton road – it is a pull and of course we had to walk.

Oh gosh, it was trouble with the bois – hustling to get home.  Well midway home I started to walk like ah Chinee man – Kung Fu moves my friend.  I felt like D worms were nipping at the exit – like red ants biting meh in meh culo.  That was a classic because everybody was ahead of me – even meh younger brother.  It was pressure, ah started to sweat and did my best to pinch meh cheeks (not on meh face) tight tight tight to keep meh business inside.  Hello, "oh gawe ah go sh*t meself"! It felt like soap slippery when wet then all hell broke loose and the flood gates opened.

Oh Sh*t!

Now do you recall the beginning of the story and the fact that we did not wear jockey shorts as kids in elementary school? Yes, well if you did you would realize that it was mud down the khaki pants – oh gawd fuss ah shame!  I started walking like ah crab and in the process left a trail that surely brought out the Sh*t flies.  Now you will understand right there and the was the birth of GPS because anybody could have followed the trail to find me –ah shoulda patent that idea back then – steups.

I did my best to take all the back tracks that I knew to reach home.  By the time I arrived at home the ting had dried on my legs – yikes, what ah mess!  My mother said, “Oh my God; don’t come inside get under D pipe”.  The bathroom was outside with a tap outside the enclosure for washing clothes.  I was naked outside getting a mommy’s comforting bath – now ah wasn’t too big for dat.

My brother, poor fella, was running to the latrine to take care of business – what an experience, but you know what – those were the good ole days! Today that could be considered cruel and unusual punishment. Maybe that is the reason so many people get sick today. We just don't take care of ourselves and clean our insides the way it was done back in the day. So next time you go back to the islands remember what Relator said in song, "the worm grass does show the worm whey to pass".  Thank you for reading this was a little long... hope you smiled... that is good for the soul.

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The Rosy Mango that fell in the 'Picker Patch'

"Oh Gawd Ah Go Dead!"
In hind sight there are some things that only children seem to notice and pay attention too; and most of the time  these things slip past the adults who don't seem to notice or care about any of it. It could be that special mango or cherry tree or even a guava patch (guava patches were ideal for 'hanky panky' since there was no under growth - trust me this is experience speaking here. Now have you ever noticed that cocorete patches usually grow on the banks of ravines or streams? This is one of those things that only a child would notice because sometimes in the midst of the cocorete patch, a mango tree will flourish producing beautiful mangoes that makes one remember the garden of Eden and the forbidden fruit - "yuh will ketch yuh nenen, uncle and aunty to get those delicious and beautiful mangoes".

Well, now that I have your attention let me tell you a story that centers on a mango tree that grew close to a cocorete patch. Now this story may take some turns and drift away from the mango tree but it is the mango tree, in the first place, that sets the scenario for the rest that follows. Now let's go back to a special time when we were kids; just try and remember your childhood days and you will be a part of this story and actually see the events as you read on.

First let me set up the scenario:

It was one of those typical Caribbean sunny days and out in the back of the house one of my sisters was washing clothes, on a 'jooking board' of course, and a needle got lodged in her inner wrist and broke off.  The older siblings advised her to tie a kerchief above where the needle broke off because it could travel through her vein up to her heart and kill her. Do you think that this was/is a myth or fact? Yuh know as a child all you could understand is that "oh gawd, ah go dead!" Who cares if it was a myth or a fact, as a child you believed and that meant it was a life or death situation. So here we are chaos is about to take place everyone is scared and help is needed to save the life of my sister.

Between the screams and tears someone advised that my sister should be taken to the hospital quickly before the needle traveled to her heart causing a heart attack and her eventual death. We took the advice, she was rushed to hospital and the needle was extracted successfully - phew, she lived!  We were all scared to death thinking about what would have happened if she didn’t get to hospital on time, before the needle traveled to her heart.

OK, now let's move on with the story.  My oldest sister’s older kids and I grew up as siblings; I was the baby in the family.  I visited her house frequently since she lived a short distance away.  One day my nephews, niece and I was playing in one of our favorite play area - yes you got it correct, in this wooded area with a ravine running through it (just picture the cocorite patch with the mango tree - Garden of Eden forbidden fruit).  We would catch wabines, play cowboys and Indians and stuff like that. While playing we noticed a mango tree with mangoes and there was this particular rosy mango (here we go the forbidden fruit, temptation and punishment to follow). Gosh we just had to get that mango!  So we began pelting it with stones and I was the lucky one who nailed it right on the stem.

Would you believe this mango fell in a picker patch (cocorete patch)? Everyone ran towards the area where the mango fell to get it but had to pull brakes because of the picker patch. I was able to fetch it out since it fell close to the perimeter of the picker patch. Oh gosh to hell with Satan he did not need to tempt me at all because I went on to wiping it off on my clothes and began eating that delicious mango that belonged to me and me alone. Can you taste it? Just recall the best mango you ever ate - well this one was better than that one, ha ha ha.  In the process of enjoying this mango I swallowed something pointy. It felt like a fish bone when swallowed.  I dropped the mango immediately in fear because I knew then and there that I had swallowed a picker. I held my throat, "cough cough, oh God ah go dead!" Now it was my turn to undergo the same ordeal.

Fear struck me instantly because I immediately thought about the needle scenario with my sister.  I began to cold sweat and my knees got weak. I told my nephews & nieces that I had swallowed a picker and it will travel to my heart and kill me.  We immediately took off for home and I told my sister what had happened.  She said, “Boy don’t be stupid, here have a piece of magnesia and everything will be okay”. Well I went home, went to bed and was happy to be alive the next morning.

I lived.  LoL.

Submitted by: Sandiego Lee (SDL) | Edited by Santiwah

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Terri Lyons ft Ataklan - Smile (2010)

I simply love his song and music video! Terry has shown that she has the talent go move beyond the calypso genre. Mr. Rapso, Ataklan, compliments Terry and fits in "Jus' Right" in this video clip.

I just love the way Terry runs her hands over the lighted deyas as the video come to a close. Oh, and yes... This love song makes me "Smile!"

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Curry Tabanka - Trinidad Allstars

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Dat Damn Thiefing Parang Band

Christmas is just around the corner and for this reason we are featuring some Trini Christmas videos. The Youtube link will also give you access to related videos. Please remember to mute the radio audio (right side bar) when playing this video.

This one is sweet so sit back and enjoy Christmas Trini Style. The thiefing portrayal is just for the video and is not a representation of Trinidad culture.

Source:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elnzBRsYqB4

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Scorned and Descriminated by both Blacks and Whites

From the Diary of Giselle aka Peppersauce - Too Light or Too Dark?

I actually thought that I was a fairly good writer, but I’ve realized that there are many things that I have overlooked in the process of my writings. The first couple essays we had to write, my paper always came back with the comment that my essay yearned for more examples and I thought if I put any more examples my paper would be too long. It was only after an in-class workshop I realized that instead of using the space to write about what I felt I would use an example to portray my feelings. This way my paper would be more interesting to the reader and would also get me a better grade.

I chose essay #3 despite the fact that I didn’t know if I had gotten and check plus or check minus on it. I felt strongly about what I had written on that essay not only because of the issue of racial discrimination it covered but because to write the essay and use such examples, I had to relive and drag up a lot of old embarrassing and even painful experiences. It made writing this essay more personal to me and something that I really wanted to do.

It’s a difficult task trying to find a safe place between the American way, and the way in which I was brought up. My native West Indian heritage is an important part of who I am despite the fact that I now live in an American society and the values and traditions are as different as night and day. I’ve realized that to assimilate into mainstream America it’s important that I don’t forget from whence I came.

When I moved to New York, it was a culture shock, to begin with I had never in all my life seen so many white, black, Hispanic and many other cultures in one place, at one time and not in one accord. Where I come from we are all Trinidadians black, white, yellow, brown, red, a multi-racial, multicultural island in the Sun that is one way we describe our country. A “Trini” is a “Trini”, no matter what your skin color was or your economic background. I had never in all my life had to deal with the concept of racial discrimination or the fact that I was too light or too dark.

For the first time in my life I was discriminated against by whites because I was black period and discriminated by blacks because I was too light and the question of “what are you?” always came up. Never before did I ever wish to be darker so that I could fit in somewhere. After all, if I was not accepted by my fellow black brothers and sisters what was my place if I had one. I hated winter because during this time everyone looks pale and colorless and I was no exception, during the winter months I look even lighter that I usually do and this didn’t make the struggle to fit in any easier.

St. Peters, which was the school I attended in Staten Island, was pre-dominantly white. Everyone got along quite well with each other but underneath all the fun and laughter the distinct racial barriers divided us accordingly .Beyond the classroom we were different people with different backgrounds and opinions. We talked about our differences and racism openly but our relationship never went beyond that. I remember during one discussion, a white classmate openly said that even though she was not racist, she would never date a black boy. No one was shocked and made her feel terrible about what she had said. We understood each other, and respected the fact that because we were of different races there was that imaginary line drawn between us that we weren’t allowed to cross.

I’ve lived in Brooklyn ever since re-locating to New York City so every day I would take the ferry back and forth and after doing this for some time and meeting the same people every day we developed a friendship. One morning while on our way to Staten Island we were all sitting together talking. Harold, a dark skinned boy, held onto my hand and entwined his fingers through mine. After comparing the difference in complexions he said to me and everyone else that was sitting there “Don’t we look like jungle fever couple?”Everyone thought it was funny but I was offended by his statement .I personally don’t have anything against interracial dating, in fact I view it as something positive and beautiful. What I had a problem with was that he didn’t consider me for the person I was. A black girl. He viewed me as someone, something in-between.

Five years ago, if someone had made the same comment I would have laughed also. I was lighter than someone else, what was the big deal? Here I find myself struggling to hold onto “we are one family” and “you are white, I am black, we are different” A struggle to hold onto what I grew up with and my new found obligation to be politically correct. There is a line I draw for myself and I try not to get too caught up in what was and what was not an act of discrimination. I try not to but then I’m viewed as not being politically aware.

There is a distinct difference between the way we live and the American way and now that I live here I have to find a balance that is comfortable for me. I have to live in that space between the American way and the values, morals and traditions that I grew up with. It doesn’t matter how many of the American traditions I would have adapted to after years of living here, my West Indian roots are deep within me and they are a part of who I am, a West Indian woman in America.

Giselle (PepperSauce)

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Panorama Tunes for 2010

Pan Enthusiasts aka Barrel Lovers please take note of the songs listed here. This list will expand as new music is released for the upcoming Carnival season 2010. Get to know these songs because your favorite steelband may just be playing one of them. The winds of change have already swept through Pantrinbago and just maybe we may be treated to something a little different this upcoming season. So tune in to the radio or get out there and purchase the music, listen, absorb and get ready for a 'pantastic' season.

Songs/Music:
"Ah Love Meh Pan" sung by Crazy; composed by Terry Figuera;lyrics by David Goddard
"Battle Zone" sung by Anslem Douglas - music by Edwin Pouchet.

"Breakdown" sung by Keith "Designer" Prescott; composed by Kevin Browne; lyrics by Kevin Browne
"Flash" sung by Frosty Brooks; composed by Muguel Reyes

"De Last Band" sung by Peter D’Royce - composed by Miguel Reyes
"Doh Meddle Wid Me" sung by Kurt Allen, composed by Earl Brooks, Lyrics by Alvin Daniel
"Flash" sung by Frosty Brooks, composed by Miguel Reyes
"For Carnival" - sung by Crazy - composed by Orthneil Bacchus

"Large is Large" sung by Crazy; composed by Leon "Smooth" Edwards and Larry Harewood
"Lava Coming Down" sung by Eddie Charles; composed by Brian Joseph
"Lightning Strikes Twice" sung by Eunice Peters - music by Edwin Pouchet.

"Music In My Ear" sung by Keith ‘Designer’ Prescott - composed by Miguel Reyes
"Musical Fire" sung by Anslem Douglas, music by Atiba Sherwood, lyrics by Gerard Brian William & Alvin Daniel
"Out on the Greens" sung by K.V. Charles; composed by Nigel Diaz; lyrics by Amrit Samaroo
"Pandemic" sung by Shanaqua, composed by Gary Codrington, lyrics by Alvin Daniel
"Pan and Calypso" sung by Crazy, composed by Nigel Diaz, lyrics by Amrit Samaroo

“Pan Injustice” sung by ‘Tunapuna Scanty’ - composed by Miguel Reyes

"Pan in D Land" sung by Hayden Lynch; composed by Hayden Lynch
"Pan in de Mas" lyrics and vocals by David Michael Rudder, Composed by Pelham Goddard

“Pan on Fire” sung by DeFosto - composed by Winston Scarborough
"Pan Pushers" sung by Xposer; composed by Munroe Moses
"Pan Revolution" sung by Gia Telesford; composed by Carlyle Roberts
"Pong It" sung by Carwash, composed by Dunstan 'Carwash' Lawrence
"PowPow, DoiDoi (Bad Boy)" sung by Mark Roberts; composed by Mark Roberts
"Rewind" sung by Destra Garcia; composed by Ken "Professor" Philmore and Mark Loquan, lyrics by Destra Garcia.
"Scratch Attack" sung by Crazy; composed by Kurt Edwards
“Smooth Sailing” sung by DeFosto - composed by Winston Scarborough
"Somewhere in Tobago" sung by Steve Sealy; composed by Avis Bruce  and Amrit Samaroo
“Something Special” sung by Derrick Seales - music by Brian “Bean” .
"Spreading Hands” sung by ‘Oscar Benjamin’ - composed by Kenrick & Kenneth Headley; lyrics by Anthony "Lexo" Alexis
"Surrender" sung by Destra Garcia; composed by Ken "Professor" Philmore and Mark Loquan; lyrics by Destra Garcia
"Time" sung by Keith "Designer" Prescott; composed by Alston Jack; lyrics by Samantha Jack & Chris Jack
"Trinbago Ting"sung by 'Chucky'; composed by Kurt Edwards
"Two Sticks in Meh Hand" sung by Percil Nock-Boyce; composed by Percil Nock-Boyce

"When Steel Talks" - composed by Winston Scarborough and sung by Crazy
"Wild and Free" sung by Kadeem "Rasta Grammy" Alleyne; composed by Andre White and Kadeem Alleyne
"You Too Hot"  sung by Xposer; composed by Monroe Moses
"Young Arrangers" - sung by 'Chuky; composed by Carlan "Panman" Harewood; lyrics by Kevin Browne

Source:
http://whensteeltalks.ning.com/forum/topic/show?id=2534462:Topic:39727&xgs=1 (Songs can be heard at this link).

When Steel Talks is dedicated to pan worldwide. It is an initiative designed to promote the history and culture of the Steelband globally.

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It Is Time To Release Carnival From Its Religious Yoke!

Controversy and Carnival always seem to go hand in hand especially when it comes to the outcome of judging the various competitions. Having said that, I would like to add one topic for discussion that should not be controversial or be a contentious subject to be judged by the public. I don't wish to add to the bacchanal but the current arrangement that has the carnival dates linked to the religious calender seems to be a bit bit outdated now that the country has matured as an independent state. It is my opinion that a  fixed date for the carnival celebration (one that extends the season) would be welcomed by everyone without question.
Have you ever wondered why the Carnival dates are fixed to the Lenten dates? There are many articles online regarding Carnival and most point to the Greeks who started it all. We now have to ask ourselves how we ended up with the dates set to the Monday and Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday. The church and carnival have nothing in common so why fix the dates based on the Roman Catholic religious calendar? Crop Over in Barbados is set for late July into early August and it has no connection to any religious calendar. No one will question the financial viability of the Carnival season is for the Calypso, Soca and Chutney artistes along with the Band leaders and Steel Orchestras. Taking this into consideration, wouldn't it be better to have a fixed date for the festivities that the participants could properly carter to year after year?
Carnival is an industry that generates income for everyone involved in the business of the festival. Some years the Carnival season is very short and this is not financially viable for those who depend on the festival for the majority of their income. A short season means that the calypsonians who rely on attendance to the tents will miss out on generous sums of income due to the limited time for the season.  What is your opinion about a fixed date for the Carnival celebrations and what is the set date that you think is best suited for Trinidad and Tobago? Why can't we separate the Church from the festival? It would be a financial bounty for the country and everyone else who can earn income from the activities of the festival. However, doing so may anger the religious zealots. I am certain that this has been considered before but I believe it should be revisited for consideration – now is the right time to get it done. I personally believe that a date in April would be best suited for everyone. The Government and those involved in the planning of the carnival celebrations should be able to come up with fixed dates that would be agreeable to everyone – this would be a move in the right direction.

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Sprangalang's GDP - Will Sprang get to the Throne on time?

Now we will find out what happens after the Trini 'Poomed'!

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJlLwwwON1A
Thank you Kisscake
Mas Man Redux (Director's Cut), Peter Minshall, Trinidad Carnival Artist

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Is it a Fart or a Poom?

As only Sprangalang would say, "oh goom like something dead living here or what". Yes my friend I know "dead and living" does not make any sense correct. But hold on now if you consider West Indian farts and pooms, "something dead could really be living dey and could be the difference between a fart and a poom.

Now there are farts of varying degrees but a cartoon death could result from a classic 'slippery when wet' poom. Everyone farts and only the highly sulphuric diets results in the room clearing poom. When someone rips one don't be scared just steups and tell dem manners maketh man but in this case the individual exhibited no 'broughtupsy'. However this is not to be feared, it is the silent ones who defy logic. Look and listen carefully and most of the time it is the person who exclaims, "nah nah nah dat eh right go and take ah purge man" could very well be the culprit. Then again you could be travelling in a taxi into Port of Spain and the silent wind of death emanates fouling the air. Someone exclaims, "somebody needs ah purge in here". More that likely that person is crying out for help. In this case give him the number for  the Took-ah-looks man for some herbal cleansers eh. Now let's take a look at what really causes an individual to fart.

The Genesis of the Fart:

Just remember that humans are all the same so the same goes for the genesis of all farts. Oh and by the way the cute ones do it just the same as the not so good looking (the eyes of the beholder eh). Well apparently the air we swallow from the foods we eat, gas seeping into our intestines from the blood, bacterial activity and chemical reactions in our intestines are the main agents for the production of gas and the inevitable fart. The composition of the fart gas can be highly toxic. Just be aware that most of the gas reaching the large intestine is nitrogen (hmm just think of Hiroshima...oh gosh I know).

So what makes ordinary gas on its way to be expelled from the body as a fart become the classic poom. It is the sulphur contents my friend. Now if you continually eat foods that are a rich source of sulfur then you will be a carrier of endless pooms (the ones that stifle people) - yes your silent fart aka a poom will stink! You know beans have a bad reputation when it comes to farts but they simply create a lot of noise on the way out. However, foods like cauliflower, eggs and meat and well known agents in the creation of pooms - so buyer beware and guys stick to vegetarian ladies eh.

The silent and very deadly farts are classified as wet farts and are created by bacterial activity in the intestines. In this case the rip is not heard but the pungent swell of that silent assassin with surely wake the dead. Take the advice of those who know and eat live active cultured yogurt to inject "good bacteria" into your stomach and ensure that you get enough roughage to enable a solid and workable push when seated on the throne.

So let's hope that we have a ripping laugh the next time the bubbles of gas emerge to let us know that we are alive. Eat well and limit the sulphuric food, exercise and take your probiotics and life will be a breeze.

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Sparrow - Calypso Maestro

Track listing: 

• Steelband Music
• Cuatro Man
• Don't hold me
• Slight mistake
• Neurosis
• Wine back
• Ah diggin horrors
• Song of your land
• Wife and Boat
• Poopsin Poopsin

This LP on the RA label was recorded in 1974 at the Caribbean Sound Studios in Trinidad. Calypso is beginning to turn into Soca ( Soul of calypso ) with its more up-tempo disco beat and use of synthsisers etc. I much prefer the earlier acoustic sound but still we have some amusing songs here despite the synthetic sounding instruments and production.

The following information is from the site http:\\vinylrecords.ca.
"With his ultra-sweet vocals and lyrics that speak of romance and topical politics, Mighty Sparrow (born Slinger Francisco) has risen to the upper echelon of Trinidadian calypso. Best known for his hits "Jean And Dinah" in 1956 and "Carnival Boycott" in 1957, Sparrow is an 11-time winner of the calypso monarchy and an eight-time winner of Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival Road March competition.

Born to a poor working class family in Gran Roi, a small fishing village in Grenada, Sparrow moved to Trinidad at the age of one. Learning to sing in the boy's choir of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, he became the head choirboy. At the age of 14, he formed a steel band to perform at the Carnival, sparking his interest in calypso.

Teaching himself to play guitar, Sparrow began to write his own songs. Winning the Carnival competition with "Jean And Dinah," he received a grand prize of 40 dollars. In protest, he wrote a scorching indictment of the Trinidadian music industry, "Carnival Boycott." Despite his refusal to compete in the Carnival contests for the next three years, Sparrow became one of the Caribbean's most successful artists."

Source:http://www.vinylrecords.ca/sparrow-calypso-maestro-canada-issue-p-10275.html

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Do You Remember This Sparrow Christmas Collection?

Christmas is here once again with Parang music in control of the season. However there was a time when traditional Christmas songs gave one the spirit and true feel of Christmas. The calypsonians also got into the act and of course they sang traditional North American Carols.  Take a look at the record jacket below and just maybe you may have one in a box at home or you simply  remembered the album jacket. This is the way it used to be. This is part of Old School Trinidad and Tobago. If you have similar ones at home send in a photo showing the front and back of the album jacket and a listing of the songs on the record.

Sparrow Christmas Songs (1964)
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
There's No Place like Home for the Holidays
Frosty the Snowman
Winter Wonderland
I Saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus
Sleigh Ride
Santa Claus is coming to Town
White Christmas
I'll Be Home for Christmas
Silent Night
Jingle Bells
Hither, Thither & Yononder

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Legacy Flag or Mismanagement or our Resources?

Flag Oman: "No Boi it is the National Winer Gyul Flag Pole"

“Life is a stage and we are the actors – we all have ah part to play” So sang Brother Valentino in his classic kaiso. Well it seems that the present administration under the leadership of archdeacon Patos is hell bent on playing the part of the gambler who does not know when it is time to stop placing bets that simply don’t reap any rewards.

The ‘Legacy Flag’ is the topic of conversation with some Trinis already proclaiming that it is a ‘Stripper Pole’ with a Trini flag draped at the top. Now when yuh think about it this could be the aim of the designers of the pole that hold the national marker. It is smooth, we are talking about A-36 carbon steel and what pole dancer you know who would not like all that smooth silky carbon between her legs as she slithers down the pole. Just think about it, draped in the national flag she swirls around the pole as she descends to the base where that rigid shaft is cemented in a “20-foot by 20-foot by 15-foot foundation with 400 tons of reinforced concrete and 200 tons of steel”. Rigid, and secure at the base, that pole will be the delight of many pole dancers as they dance in bacchanalish frenzy to celebrate and commemorate this project that “was part of the Government’s strategic national plan, Vision 2020”.

Read more »

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Love Hate Relationship with Elementary School!

School Dayz! A Post by SDL

I was thinking recently about elementary school and reached to the conclusion that I didnt' enjoy it like I should have. However before I present some reasons why I think that I should relate  some memories of how the school day started.  I attended a two story E.C. school, and every morning before we went to the classroom everyone had to line up for hygene inspection. A designated teacher would walk through the lines and inspected how tidy and clean you were dressed (not a good way for a child to start the school day). As the teacher approached you became nervous anticipating the worst. You  were asked to extend your hands  for inspection.  Dirty finger nails could result in getting wacked with a ruler on your knuckles... you know that drill. I believe every child who grew up during that period got smacked on their knuckle for one reason or another. After inspection all classes marched to there respective class rooms.Why we even said an Anglican prayer before we settled down for the day,and at the end of the school day to this day is something I wonder about... do you know why?  I wonder if that is still practiced today?

 The problem I had with elementary school was that most teachers would beat the hell out of the slow learning kids and expected them to learn from a beating because of the teacher's inadequate teaching method. I was really fearful of some teachers for that reason. Looking back I believed kids excelled when they had a teacher that was mellow and loving to their students. The teachers who seemed to enjoy whipping kids always had their favourites who never got a whipping. Then again, there were the suck-ups who would bring a tamarind switch for the teacher.  It was always a pleasure when the suck-ups got whipped with their own whip, sweet justice, ha, ha, ha...

There were times when the school would have a movie day, some selective movie like "Spartacus, King of Kings, or The Sound of Music". The days following the movie at recess we would act out scenes from that movie. For instance, lets say it was Spartacus, a bunch of boys would form two teams: The Romans and Spartucus and his rebels and play out  the war scene in that movie. Of course everyone wanted to be Spartacus.

I remember that there was a play ground above the school and we would take water to the hills and create a muddy slidy area and slide down with your bata jim boots. I remember one day after sliding down that hill that my jim boots fell apart, I went home with toes hanging out.  I am not sure what I wore to school the next day.  After all you olny got one bata jim boots for the school year.

More memories to follow.

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Trini Cartoon - Vendor Rivalry

This video was forwarded to me by Richard Ramlogan aka Rich and Joy from the WACK Shoutbox. Thank you Richard!  To quote Richard: "This will make your day, especially to all my Trini-foreigners out there!!!"  

A casual encounter soon escalates into a battle royale, as two local vendors get pushed over the edge. An animated take on a day in the life of two trini, caribbean vendors, as an initial battle of words is transformed into a kung fu showdown in the busy streets of Trinidad.
Source:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JHfltlgCoU&feature=player_embedded

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Eleven Reasons Why Trinis Cannot be Terrorists!

This was forwarded to me by Brandon David (Something to make you smile)

1. We are always late; we would have missed all 4 flights.

2. We would talk loudly and bring attention to ourselves.

3. With free food & drinks on the plane, we would forget what is the reason for our
     being there.

4. We talk with our hands; therefore we would have to put our weapons down.

5. We would ALL want to fly the plane.

6. We would argue and start a fight on the plane.

7. We can't keep a secret; we would have told everyone a week before doing it.

8. We would have put our country's flag on the windshield...

9. We would have postponed the mission because a cricket match was going on that
    day.

10. We would all have fallen over each other to be in the photograph being taken
      with one of the hostages.

11. We would be tired because of the mission briefing fete the night before.

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