Chutney Monarch Finals

The wild card in the decision making process for the Chutney Monarch finals was the text voting that was allowed from where ever a phone call could be made. Indeed the music has evolved with elements of Soca and Chutney and Hindi blending to create a music that is unique to Trinidad inside out - "We Ting!"

T&TEC Gayatones provided the music and it was very good indeed.  The entire show was well staged and could rival the International Soca Monarch in a few years.  Talk about progress and growth... the rest of the music community should take note because the people really came out and supported this show. 

Here is the order the artistes that made the finals performed:

  1 - Kenneth Salick - KES 

  2 - Ravi Bissambhar - RAV 

  3 - Omadath Maraj - OMM

  4 - Derrick Seales - DES 

  5 - Soca Elvis - ELV

  6 - Lalchan Babwah (Hunter) - HTR

  7 - Andy Singh - ANS

  8 - Neesahn Prabhoo (Hitman) - NEP

  9 - Kris Persad (KI) - KIP

10 - Heeralal Rampartap - HER

11 - Rikki Jai - RIJ

12 - Moses Charles - MOC 

The results are as follows:

   First Place - Ravi Bissambhar 9,527 votes

   First Runner Up - Rikki Jai 4,872 votes

  Second Runner Up- Moses Charles

  4. Kris Persad (KI)

  5. Omadath Maraj

  6. Lalchan Babwah (Hunter)

I must tell you that the winner was unexpected at such a large margin. I personally believe that most people believed that Rikki Jai won the competition tonight.  However, the performance of the younger Ravi B and the popularity of the band Karma (that he performs with) may have been the engine that drove home the votes for the eventual winner.Congratulations to the producers of the show, it was fantastic!

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The Folklore of Trinidad and Tobago Part 1of 3

So you’ve heard the stories and you never forget to end your story with “Crick Crack Monkey break he back for ah piece ah pomerac’ because you don’t want any evil spirits to be following you – good for you. Well if you like tall tales then Trinidadians can spin a good yarn and mesmerize you with the stories of old. Just as the Carnival celebration colors the landscape with the fuchsia of dancing colors so too in the country districts one can be caught with one’s mouth open as the old folks paint very colorful stories of jumbies and unsavory characters that wait in the dark to scare your soul straight to hell.

So now is the time for us to take a brief look at some of these famous stories that are legendary to Trinidad and Tobago. As we proceed you will notice that some of the names given to the characters are that of French Creole which was the dominant language spoken before the English took control of the Islands. The cosmopolitan make up of the Islands meant that a little was added from each culture to create these famous characters but the majority of the characters are of African origin. We will start with one of my favorite characters Papa Bois.

Papa Bois or Daddy Bounchon (hairy man) is the custodian of the forests.  His body was half human (waist up) while the lower half was that of a goat. He ensured that the flora and fauna of the forests were not abused by people coming to harvest lumber or hunt the animals.  However, people were allowed to take what they needed to live but never in excess.  If Papa Bois realized that the hunters were killing for fun he had the power to change into an animal (a deer or wild hog) that would lead the hunters deep into the forest. He would then change into his regular form and warn the hunters about their abuse then leaving them confused and lost. Sometimes it is said that he make them pay a heavy price by marrying Mama Dlo but that is another story.

Mama DLO was also called Mama Glow derived her name from the French term “maman de l’ eau” which translates to mother of the water. In other words she was the flip side of Papa Bois and she was responsible for the care of the rivers and streams. If anyone was caught polluting any of these natural resources then she would wrap them with her snake like tail and take them to the bottom of water. In many other islands it is reported that she is regularly seen combing her hair at the banks of rivers. It has been said that she could transform into a beautiful lady to captivate unsuspecting men. However, one could get protection by “taking off your left shoe, turn it upside down and quickly walk backwards until you reach home.

The La Diablesse or devil woman was the one story that scared me as a child. It is said that she is an evil spirit who sometimes takes the form of a beautiful woman to lure unsuspecting men to their death. She walks the country roads looking for victims but she always walks with one foot on the side of the road on the grass to conceal the sound of her cloven foot.  The beautiful Creole woman is sought after my men who try to catch up with her but are unable to meet her. She keeps beckoning to them to follow her and not long after they find themselves lost and confused or for the unfortunate ones death come swiftly.  It had been said that if you believe that you have seen the La Diablesse then to protect yourself you must take off your clothes and turn them inside out and put them back on again then go home. I believe that the story of the La Diablesse was created to keep young men at home and away from young women.  In Trinidad mothers are very protective of their young men and would prefer that they stay at home instead of moving out. We will end this segment with the Ligahoo or as some say lugarhoo.  Most of the older folks will address them as Loup Garou.

The Loup Garou or Lugarhoo was considered to be a shape changer. Some said that he was an old man who was respected and feared and had the ability to change his form usually to a ferocious animal. He had power over nature and had the ability to cast spells and charms and knew all the bush medicines for any malady – I am sure you knew someone like that in the village but you never knew what he could have been. There is an odd saying about having the ability to see the Lugarhoo with being see. It has been said that if you take the ‘Yampi’(eye crust) from the corner of a dog’s eye and put it in your eye then peep through a key hole at twelve midnight then you will see the Lugarhoo but not be seen. Yuk!

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Trinidad and Tobago's Groovy/Power Soca Monarch Finalists

The Caribbean flavor has expanded and by extension the International standard has been set this year and as a result we could very well see a winner coming from one of the islands of the Caribbean other than Trinidad and Tobago  this year, 2K10. Who is your favorite artiste and what is your opinion about Fay Ann's chances of repeating as champion again?

International Groovy Soca Monarch Finalists 

Defending Champion is Fay Ann Lyons Alvarez (Trinidad and Tobago)

Kerwin Dubois (Trinidad and Tobago)

Shurwayne Winchester (Trinidad and Tobago)

Patrice Roberts (Trinidad and Tobago)

Chucky (Trinidad and Tobago)

Rikki Jai (Trinidad and Tobago)

Zoelah (St. Vincent & the Grenadines)

KMC (Trinidad and Tobago)

Lil Bitts (Trinidad and Tobago)

TC (Barbados)

Nnika Francis (Grenada)

Ainsley King (Trinidad and Tobago)

International Power Soca Monarch Finalists

Defending Champion is Fay Ann Lyons Alvarez (Trinidad and Tobago)

Blaze and JW (Trinidad and Tobago)

Farmer Nappy (Trinidad and Tobago)

Blaxx (Trinidad and Tobago)

Tallpree (Trinidad and Tobago)

Shal and Screwz (Trinidad and Tobago)

Super Jigga TC (Trinidad and Tobago)

KMC and Ronnie McIntosh (Trinidad and Tobago)

Iwer George (Trinidad and Tobago)

Daddy Chest (Dominica)

Tian Winters (Antigua)

Skinny Fabulous (St. Vincent & the Grenadines)

Mr Killah (Grenada)

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The BBC has put its stamp on Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival

Tony Fraser, a son of the soil, had produced a wonderful piece about the history of our Carnival that was featured on the BBC. The article is entitled "The True Cradle of Trinidad Carnival".

Here is an excerpt from the article to wet your inquisitive nature:

"Today, the empty soca jam is representative of where we are getting to, because we have unconsciously taken on the interpretation of others of what the carnival should be about: wine back and jam; meaningless beach wear and the limiting of the great steelband invention to the margins of the festival as we allow the electronic sounds, the technology created by others, to take over the mas."

The entire article can be read at the link provided here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/caribbean/news/story/2008/01/080131_fraser_carnival.shtml

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The Magic and Creativity of Peter Minshall

Peter Minshall's Tan Tan and Saga Boy

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Kamla Is New UNC Political Leader!

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161586382 http://www.trinidadandtobagonews.com/

The Trinidad and Tobago Express reports: "The Lion is dead. Long live the lioness!" Trinizagada says it is time to move on... don't fuss over it.  Now we have a new era for Trinidad and Tobago politics.  Let's cut to the chase and ask the big question: How long do you think it will take for the UNC  and COP to unite as one political entity and who will be the new leader of the united front?  Do you think it will happen or will there be a movement afoot to ensure that Kamla fails? The real political comess is about to start... get ready for bacchanal and I am not talking about the coming Carnival celebrations.

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UNC Election Day!

Today is the big day for the UNC loyalists to choose their new leader! The choices are Basdeo Panday (the incumbent leader), Ramesh Maharaj and Kamla Persad-Bissessar.  Many believe that the Silver Fox will pull it off but the tide seems to be shifting towards Kamla who most people hope will be able to unite the party with the COP to fight the next general elections. No one seems to have given Ramesh Maharaj a chance in this political dead heat of a race (Bas and Kamla)... it should be a very interesting result.

Now if Kamla wins the makeup of the party will surely change because many in the Panday camp, because of loyalty to Mr. Panday and simply because of their sexist ways, will not remain and support Kamla as their new leader. This could turn out to be a very uncomfortable situation for the UNC and a very good time for the PNM to call general elections!

The hope is that Kamla will win and that the COP and New UNC will eventually form a union to contest the next general election.  Some people think this is a joke and that the PNM will remain in office.  However, just remember that in the last election the PNM won the government but lost the popular vote. Yes the majority of voters did not vote for the PNM.  Politics in Trinidad could be heading for a showdown that could leave its mark on the political landscape and ruin the careers of many high profile politicians.

However, Kamla had to draw first blood and strike at the heart of the UNC today. However, it turns out we are in for some very interesting speeches in the days ahead.  Get ready for political mischief!

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What Is Your Opinion Of This MusicVideo?

This is the official video for Donaeo's Party Hard - Sweet, sweet music from this musically talented young man. The online version contains exclusive bonus footage not seen on Television.Enjoy - It is hot, hot, hot!

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More Steel Bands Will Move On To The Panorama Finals

"Pan Trinbago has announced an increase in the number of bands qualifying for the National Panorama Finals 2010.

As a result, there will be ten finalists in each of the three categories-Small (single pan), Medium and Large Conventional Bands. This is a change from previous years, in which there were eight bands each competing in the Conventional category finals of medium and large.

It is understood the change was agreed to as a result of a meeting between Prime Minister Patrick Manning and the new executive committee of Pan Trinbago on Tuesday.

According to Pan Trinbago president Keith Diaz, ’We approached the Prime Minister for financial assistance to improve the number of finalists in the three categories and he agreed. This is truly a good signal coming from the Prime Minister.’

Diaz also said Pan Trinbago has approached corporate Trinidad and Tobago and the response has been slow, but some are contributing."

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161585029

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What song, when you hear it, makes you feel homesick?

I recently started a thread on Islandmix.com (http://www.islandmix.com/backchat/f16/what-song-when-you-hear-makes-you-homesick-209779/) that asked a simple question about feeling homesick.
Specifically what song, after hearing it, makes one feel like dropping everything and heading back to the land of your birthplace? You know the story of the cascadura and those who ate the cascadurea... that eventually you will, like the salmon and the turtle head back to the place of your birth (not to procreate... not a bad thought though...lol) but for the purpose of recharging your soul to bring you back at one with nature and to make you feel at peace within. I chose the song "Sugar Island" by Carl Jacobs and Roger George; someone chose "Nah Leaving" by Denise Plummer while another person selected "Portrat of Trinidad" by the Mighty Sniper (Mervyn Hodge).
However, someone posted "Ole Time Days" by the great Nappy Myers and it reminded me that this is one of my favorite songs. I have posted that person's selection here but the version by Levi Myaz is also very beautiful. I hope it reminds you of home and at the same time encourage you to leave a comment on the song that does the same for you.

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Haiti: Guns or Food?

Breaking News: Aftershock temblor shakes Haiti sending people scampering into the streets for safety.

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck Haiti this morning at 6:03 a.m. Eastern time about 13.7 miles from the capital of Port-au-Prince. It was reported to have been 13.7 miles beneath the surface. This only adds to the chaos and confusion that the people of Haiti are experiencing. No one knows what the future is going to be like for these suffering people.However, the international effort continues bringing some relief to the survivors.

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Machel and the HD Crew 2K10

Artist: Machel Montano
Title: Thiefin/Bumper to Fender
Album: Album 34
Year: 2010
Genre: Soca
Origin: Trinidad and Tobago

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Soca Semis 2K10 Trinidad and Tobago

BMOBILE BLACKBERRY INTERNATIONAL SOCA MONARCH & PLAY WHE GROOVY SOCA MONARCH COMPETITIONS SEMI-FINALISTS 2010 (POWER)

1. Asha Kamachee
2. Benjai
3. Blaxx
4. Blaze & JW
5. Brenty
6. Carlene Wells
7. Cassi & Shoalin
8. Da Mastermind
9. Damon Hinds
10. Denise Belfon
11. Erphaan Alves
12. Farmer Nappy
13. Formal
14. Iwer George
15. Jamesy P
16. KMC
17. Lucky
18. Makamillion family
19. Nnika Francis
20. Olatunji Yearwood
21. Patch
22. Patrice Roberts
23. Peter C Lewis
24. Philman
25. Raj Katurshingh
26. Ramie
27. Ricky T
28. Rita Jones
29. RKG
30. Ronnie Mc Intosh
31. Sean Caruth
32. Shal Marshall
33. Shurwayne Winchester
34. Shyann Bailey
35. Solomon Dythe
36. Super Jigga TC
37. Tallpree
38. Tamie Spring
39. Terry Seales
40. Tony P
41. Tony Wylie
42. Zamika Gabriel
43. Zuki & Tim Tim

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No Radio Airplay for some Soca Songs

There are a myriad of issues that could lead to a station not playing an artiste's song. However, the first issue that needs to be addressed (in the case of Trinidad) is the amount of local music that is played on the stations.  Most of the stations in the country cater to an American flavor and only during the carnival season do they play any local music (calypso, Soca and chutney flavors).

OK, in Trinidad there is one consistent "total local radio station" and that is WACK Radio 901 Fm (http://www.wackradio901fm.com) and they too  have issues with certain artists and songs not being played.

They really try to play as much of the new music but many songs fall through the crack. Here are some things to consider:

1. Payola is an issue with some stations.  I am saying this not because I know for sure but it is a fact of life in the music industry and I don't this it is any different in Trinidad or the rest of the West Indies. Pay for pay is a reality!

2. Some stations don't have a list of songs on rotation and leave it to the on air personality to play the music.  Some of these DJ's are limited with funding and their personal tastes will dictate whom they play.

3. The stations should have a music pool from which the DJ's can get the music to play

4. The artistes too need to go themselves or send someone to "drop off" their music (hey these are the islands of the Caribbean Ok).  Just go to the station and present your music in person; sometimes you may find yourself on air introducing your music with the DJ.

5. Some stations play mostly Soca with limited Calypso; some are chutney based with limited Soca and minimal Calypso. Know the stations and what they push before laying blame at any station footsteps.

6. Internet radio is big... send your music to these people... most of the time they will play your music

7. Get your fans to call the station to ask for your music ... fans listening to the station is the lifeblood for advertising dollars earned by these entities.  That goes for the internet stations too (more important for the more established ones).

8. Think outside of the box don't lay blame on anyone - go out there and get your music heard.

9. Soca Mafia? Maybe... but that means that people are paying for this to happen! It also means that it is the artists destroying each other (those who have the income to do it)

10. People are already tired of poor lyrics and repetitive rhythms. The new music is too robotic. They need to get back to musicians in the studio to present a better sound. Whether or not you agree the quality of the music (lyrics and music) has deteriorated!

11. Hey people want to hear Soca and much of the music being presented is not really Soca but masquerading under the banner of Soca!

12. Too much inter island pettiness (I noticed this on Islandmix.com where there is a hatred for Trinidad/Trinidadian culture).

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Pam's Trinidadian Caribbean Kitchen Seattle, WA

This was sent to me by our very dear friend Anne Chisholm aka Gailos. Thank you Gail! Take and look and see how our food is making waves in the Seattle area. We already know that Trini food is boss in the Brooklyn and Queens areas and it is good to know that we are having an impact in other areas. Now for all Trinis living in the area and don't know about this restaurant... Shame on you!

Bon Appetit...

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US $10,000,000 To Spare Anyone?

82 Acre Oceanfront TOBAGO Estate + 10 Acre Private Island (Queen's Island)- Development 

A Caribbean Real Estate Dream! Nestled on the south eastern coast of the beautiful sun drenched caribbean island of Tobago, offering a perfect panorama of the Atlantic Ocean, is a caribbean real estate dream of 33 Hectares (82 Acres), undulating, windswept land known as Indian Point Estate. This property is situated a mere 25-minutes from the capital city, Scarborough, and the Crown Point International Airport. Also included in the sale price is a 10 Acre Private island (Queen's Island) which can be linked to the estate with a bridge.
This piece of caribbean real estate is on a re-entrant valley oriented to the western side of Indian Point; a parcel of land with ocean on three sides. The Louis D'or river mouth is at the northwestern base of the headland while the valley is drained by a natural spring near the head of the valley. read more about this gem of caribbean real estate 
The Location »
This caribbean real estate dream is situated approximately 1km east of Roxborough and 0.5km south of the Windward Road opposite the Propagation Station at Louis D 'Or.
This caribbean island property comprises of the land between Queen's Bay and King's Bay, being the territory south of the Louis D'or Estate.
http://trinidad-and-tobago.homesgofast.com/properties/82-acre-oceanfront-tobago-estate-10-acre-private-island-development-land-P564845/

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Continuing Haitian Tragedy

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Haitian Catastrophe

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US Navy Presidential Ceremonial Honor Guard

The US Navy Ceremonial Guard Silent Drill Team was invited to compete in  Norway  in May of 2009. The Navy competed against military units from all over NATO and won first place. After watching this video, it's clear why they won.
http://www.whc.net/rjones/USN/USN_team.html

Sent to me by Richard Ramlogan via email.

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Devastation in Haiti

How much more can the inhabitants of Haiti take? This nation, the first independent nation in the Caribbean region has suffered under brutal administrations and slight of hand assistance from the developed nations and numerous hurricanes and natural disasters. Now with this tragedy that has struck this nation again can we expect a change of attitude from the developed nations? It is my hope that we get some real change in the development of this "cursed nation".

"The earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 7.0 and was centered about 10 miles (15 kilometers) west from the Caribbean nation’s capital of Port-au-Prince, the USGS said. It had a depth of five miles (8 kilometers). Also issuing an immediate response was US President Barack Obama who said his prayers are with the people of Haiti and the United States government is monitoring the situation and stands ready to assist in the coming days. An Associated Press videographer saw the wrecked hospital in Petionville, near Port-au-Prince, and a US government official reported seeing houses that had tumbled into a ravine. No further details on any casualties or other damage were immediately available."

http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,114049.html

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Exuma - "Do Wah Nanny"

The original music video was removed from YouTube. As a result, I have replaced it with the audio clip for your listening pleasure. Do Wah Nanny from Buddah Kama Sutra Records | 1971. Please press play to listen to the song.

Exuma - Do Wah Nanny

Some of you may remember this song from "Exuma" but here is an interesting exercise for you to consider. After listening to the music, what music genre would you put this song?

The next bit of information was taken from wikipedia:

"Macfarlane Gregory Anthony Mackey, who recorded as Exuma, was born in the early 1940s on Cat Island (Bahamas) to Ms. Daisy Mackie and died in Nassau in the Bahamas on January 25, 1997.

Exuma was known for his almost unclassifiable music; a strong mixture of carnival, junkanoo, calypso and ballad. In his early days in New York's Greenwich Village, Tony McKay (his self-given name) performed in small clubs and bars. Later, along with his then-partner and lifelong friend, Sally O'Brien, and several musician friends, Tony launched EXUMA - a 7-person group that toured and recorded albums, starting with Exuma: The Obeah Man in 1970 and ending with Rude Boy in 1986.

His songs invoke influences from calypso, junkanoo, reggae, African and folk music with his lyrics dealing heavily with Obeah {VODUN}. His backing band known only as the Junk Band has included names such as Sally O'Brien, Bogie, Lord Wellington, Villy, Mildred Vaney, Frankie Gearing, Diana Claudia Bunea, and his good friend Peppy Castro."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exuma_(musician)

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Billy Ocean - He still has that Sweet Golden Voice!

Here are the lyrics... Sing along with Billy and reminisce...

I used to think that love was just a fairy tale
Until that first hello, until that first smile
But if I had to do it all again
I wouldn't change a thing 'cause this love is everlasting

Suddenly

Life has new meaning to me

There's beauty up above and things we never take notice of

You wake up and suddenly you're in love

Ooh...ooh...ooh...ooh...yeah...

Girl, you're everything a man could want and more

One thousand words are not enough to say what I feel inside

Holding hands as we walk along the shore

Never felt like this before now, you're all I'm living for

Suddenly

Life has new meaning to me

There's beauty up above and things we never take notice of

You wake up and suddenly you're in love

Each day

I pray

This love affair would last forever

Ooh, hoo

Suddenly

Life has new meaning to me

There's beauty up above and things we never take notice of

You wake up, suddenly you're in love

Ooh

There's beauty up above and things you never take notice of

You wake and suddenly you're in love

Ooh...hoo...hoo...hoo...

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Lord Kitchener - The Greatest Ever

Aldwyn Roberts [1922-2000], was a calypso composer and performer born in Arima, Trinidad and Tobago. Born on April 18th to a blacksmith father named Stephen and a homemaker mother named Albertha, he is best known as Lord Kitchener, a sobriquet he derived from the valiant and formidable British soldier whose name was famous in Trinidad at the time Roberts started his career as a calypsonian. He was also sometimes called just “Kitchener” or fondly “Kitchie” by those who knew him well. Kitchener was a musical genius whose calypso recordings became famous for their popularity as chosen songs for steelbands to play at the Panorama competition every carnival season in Trinidad and Tobago. Kitchener also made a name for himself as Road March Monarch by dominating in this competition for many years, winning this title given to the most popular song on the “road” for the Carnival many times.

Some of his Road March winning songs:

“The road make to walk on Carnival day”

“Mama this is Mas”

“My Pussin’”

“Mama Look a Band Passing”

“Lai Fook Lee, Lowsee Ay”

“Margie”

“Sixty-seven”

“Mas in Madison Square Garden”

“Rainorama”

Kitchener produced musical compositions that were original and entertaining. Sometimes they were topical, relevant to a particular current event, and other times they reflected the genius of his ability to create vibrant

melodies and engaging compositions from simple themes. He is regarded as one of the greatest calypsonians of the 20th century. His recording “Sugar Bum Bum” is noted as one of the first soca recordings ever made, making Kitchener one of the innovators of calypso who contributed to the evolution of the calypso format into the popular form in which it exists today as Soca.

The Calypso Revue was Kitchener’s calypso tent where he mentored younger calypsonians such as Calypso Rose, David Rudder (who became a triple crown winner in his solo debut,) Black Stalin and Denyse Plummer, all of whom went on to win Calypso Monarch titles in their careers.A bust of Lord Kitchener honouring the Arima son who basically put the small Royal Chartered Borough “on the map” stands tall on Hollis Avenue in Arima, near the Arima Municipal Stadium and the new promenade. Lord Kitchener’s son Kernel Roberts is poised to take his place as Road March King following in his eminent father’s footsteps. He has already composed a Road March winning song for Machel Montano and Patrice Roberts for 2006 titled “Band of the Year” and his compositions continue to be top quality demonstrating the genius he inherited from his prolific and ultra-talented father.

Quote from Kitchener: I was born a calypsonian.

Sources

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord_Kitchener_%28calypsonian%29

http://www.nalis.gov.tt/Biography/History_LORDKITCHENER_PeopleOfTheCentury.htm

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American vs Trinidadian|Triniglish!

This was sent to me by Vanessa Hernandez - She received it via email... I don't know the author of the document but I believe it deserves to be posted - Gosh it is very funny!

USA: Such tasteful Hors d'heurves, sumptuous finger foods, wow!
TnT: Whuddy ass is dis? Whey de blasted food?

USA: Here Kitty kitty... get down from that roof munchkins.
TnT: Ey yuh ole dutty stinkin cyat, come down from de friggin gyalvanize
before ah drop two stone in yuh ass!

USA : Aren't those pants a bi t short?
TnT: Yuh expekin flood or wha?

USA : Sir, please don't throw my luggage like that.
TnT: Buh wha trouble is dis? Boy,...... stop flingin meh grip so.

USA : Lift the hood of the car for me John.
TnT: Yute-man, fly open de bonnet deh!

USA : I love you
TnT: Ah rell check fuh yuh, yuh know.

USA : Oh the poor little boy is handicap.
TnT: Look at dat lil brooko foot boy dey...

USA : It's time for a perm.
TnT: Gyul , yuh head need straightenin bad. Yuh doh see all dem gren-gren showin.

USA : I have a stomach ache
TnT: Oh gorm...............meh belly gripein meh.

USA: He has no manners.
TnT: He doh have no broughtupsee.

USA: WOW!............he  has such a bad body odor
TnT: Yuh doh bade? Oh shit man...... yuh smellin stink!!!

USA: Josh is suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder.
TnT: Dat chile too dam harden.

USA: He has a touch of Dyslexia.
TnT: He duncee fuh so.

USA: I need a bottle of Peptobismol...my stomach hurts.
TnT: Ah need ah purge bad...ah cork up.

USA: It's been a long time since I've seen you girl.
TnT: A A …. U still alive gyul?

USA: Oh my goodness, we have lost electricity.
TnT: Jeezanages!!.......current gorn again.

USA : This meal is not too bad.
TnT: Wha doh kill does faten and what doh fatten does purge.

USA : Oh my, your feet are so ashy.
TnT: How yuh foot an' dem look like yuh was kickin flour so? Yuh couldn't a rub l'il coconut oil on yuh foot.

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Roaring Lion - Classic Stuff!

At the 1994 Caribbean Music Awards in New York, Eddie Grant presented a lifetime achievement award to The Roaring Lion for his accomplishments as the Dean of Calypso. The Lion bemoaned the fact that he received recognition and appreciation for his achievements abroad instead of his homeland.  We have heard similar statements made in many different ways by so many sons and daughters of the homeland. It is about time that we, as a nation do better in this regard. "Yes We Can!"

"One of the major figures of early calypso music, Roaring Lion recorded copiously between the 1930s and '50s, and was instrumental in spreading the international popularity of calypso. His vintage sides are what many listeners think of as calypso at its best -- infectious rumba rhythms, lighthearted (sometimes nonsensical) lyrics, and a combination of Trinidadian musical elements with Anglo pop sensibilities.

Roaring Lion was born as Hubert Raphael Charles around 1910, although he later changed his name to Raphael de Leon. Already a writer of poetry as a boy, he launched his career as a singer in 1927, when -- much to his surprise -- he won a calypso competition. The event also occasioned his nickname of Roaring Lion, inspired by his style of vocal delivery (although if he was indeed a roaring lion, he was a pretty gentle and charming one).

In the '30s, Roaring Lion (with help from partner Attila the Hun) was crucial to the development of calypso, devising the calypso duet and calypso drama, and introducing new melodies to a style that originally had very few. Between 1934 and 1941, he was the most prolific calypso recording artist, cutting nearly 100 singles, including some of the music's most popular standards, such as "Mary Ann," "Netty Netty," and "Six Feet High." One of his most famous compositions, "Ugly Woman" (originally recorded in 1933), formed much of the basis for Jimmy Soul's 1963 number one hit "If You Wanna Be Happy."

Roaring Lion performed and recorded in the United States occasionally during the '30s and '40s. In fact, he spent much of 1945 singing in New York clubs, including the Village Vanguard, where he was replaced by a young Harry Belafonte. Roaring Lion has claimed that Belafonte subsequently performed and recorded some of Lion's songs without crediting or compensating the originator.

In 1951, Roaring Lion relocated to Great Britain for 15 years, performing, recording, and running both a cosmetics company and a bureau that helped immigrants find jobs and places to live. After his British jaunt he returned to Trinidad to assume his position as an elder statesman. He is also the author of a treatise devoted to his theory that calypso's roots can be traced back to 13th century France, Calypso from France to Trinidad: 800 Years of History. In 1993, he issued an album of re-recordings of a dozen of his hits, with Eddy Grant producing, and guest appearances by Grant and David Rudder. Ice also issued many of his classic originals on CD with Sacred 78's. ~ Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide."

Source: http://www.answers.com/topic/roaring-lion

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Aripo

Aripo applies to several place names in Trinidad. The Heights of Aripo and the Aripo Massif are part of the Northern Range and include El Cerro del Aripo the highest point in Trinidad and Tobago. The Aripo Valley a valley in the Northern Range immediately to the west of the Arima Valley The Aripo River which flows from the Aripo Massif through the Aripo Valley and eventually joins the Caroni River. The Aripo Savannas a part of the Aripo Savannas Scientific Reserve an area of lowlands bounded by the Aripo River. The Aripo Savannas are Pleistocene river terraces with highly leached soils and impeded drainage. They form one of the last remaining patches of natural savanna in Trinidad and Tobago. The savannas are sedge-dominated and are flooded during the wet season and extremely dry during the dry season. They support several endemic plant species and many other species that are not found elsewhere in Trinidad.

"From first view, one can see that there are marked differences in the vegetation of the Aripo Savannas. In the 1800 hectors that make up the Aripo Savannas Scientific Reserve, there are three distinct plant communities. These are the Marsh Forest which consists of Timite (Manicaria saccifera), Manac and the Palm Reale; the Palm Marsh consisting mainly of Moriche Palm (Mauritia setigera) and the Fat Pork (Crysobalanus icaco); and finally the savannas it self which consists of wild cashew, savanna serrett (Brysonima Crassifolia) and several grasses like paspalum. There are ten natural savannas in the Aripo area.

The soil in the Aripo Savannas is very infertile, consisting mostly of gravels and very sandy and silty soils which layer impermeable clays. The clay causes the Aripo Savannas to have an elevated water table which creates the hydrophitic or marsh forest which surround the natural savannas. (C)copy write AnaPrice 2008 Geog IA UVIB."

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

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Lord Kitchener's music will bring the Carnival to an END!

It is January 04, 2010 and the talk of the town, if you are not aware of it, is not about the upcoming internal UNC elections or even the crime spree taking place in the land. The talk is about King Carnival and the Bacchanal that will soon take hold of  the islands.  I was browsing YouTube videos and came across this classic Kitchener song that "The Original De Fosto Himself" recently commented on at the launch of his new music for 2K10.  He said that in a private conversation with Lord Kitchener that the singing sensation of the land (Kitch) said "The Carnival is Over" was his all time favorite. The Carnival has not been officially launched but this song will bring it to an end. When it is played on the radio stations everyone will pause to listen. The song is beautiful but sad at the same time - you will understand after listening to the lyrics. We should always remember the greatness of this legend Lord Kitchener.  There is no motion to this clip just a photo and the music but it is just as enjoyable listening to the Grand Master...

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Leatherback Turtles

“Leatherback turtles coming ashore to nest on the Manzanilla Beach this year will benefit from additional protection as a result of the International Fund for Animal Welfare’ (IFAW) support for night patrols and public awareness activities.

This is all part of a new initiative by the Manatee Conservation Trust and the Zoological Society of Trinidad and Tobago to ensure that nesting leatherback turtles receive the fullest protection while on land as well as the survival of their eggs and hatchlings. But taking it even further, the funding being provided would contribute to an education programme targeting the fisher folks. Thereby, turtles which become entangled in fishing nets can be released safely rather than face mutilation and left to die.” Read the rest of the story here:

http://www.newsday.co.tt/features/0,74688.html.

"Each year around Easter, hundreds of hikers and conservationists trek to the coastal regions of Trinidad and Tobago to watch (and guard) Leatherback turtles while they lay their eggs. If you're into nature, then the awesome sight of hundreds of turtles coming ashore during nesting season will surely lure you to Trinidad's Northern coastline every Easter.

The largest of all marine turtles, the Leatherback has been known to grow as large as a car, but while it is agile in water, it is slow and clumsy on land, thus making it susceptible to hunters, who slaughter the animal for its tough, leathery exterior and its flesh.

Trinidad and Tobago are among the few tropical countries in the Western Atlantic Ocean where this endangered creature goes to lay its eggs, and the turtles only come ashore during the nesting season. Since the Easter vacation falls within that season (which runs from March to August), turtle-watching is a major part of the Easter outdoor activities."

http://www.whatsonwhen.com/sisp/index.htm?fx=event&event_id=30678.

It is important that we ensure that these turtles don't end up being butchered by uncaring hunters who don't understand the importance of the turtles returning to Trinidad to lay their eggs. These wonderfully beautiful creatures should be protected at all costs and one should applaud the efforts of everyone concerned in the protection of the turtles. Many people are volunteers who give up their nights rest to watch over the turtles.

Good luck and may the turtles multiply successfully.

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San Fernando Trinidad

The City of San Fernando with a population of 55,419 according to the 2000 census[1], is the larger of Trinidad and Tobago's two cities and the second largest municipality after Chaguanas. It occupies 18 km² and is located in the southwestern part of the island of Trinidad. It is bounded to the north by the Guaracara River, the south by the Oropouche River, the east by the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway, and the west by the Gulf of Paria. The former Borough of San Fernando was elevated to the status of a city on November 18, 1988. The motto of San Fernando is: "Sanitas Fortis" - In a Healthy Environment We Will Find Strength. Many local Trinidadians refer to the city with the shortened name "Sando." San Fernando is called Trinidad's "industrial capital" because of its proximity to the Pointe-a-Pierre oil refinery and many other petrochemical, LNG, iron and steel and aluminium smelters in places such as Point Lisas, Point Fortin, and La Brea. La Brea is also home to the world famous pitch lake, the chief tourist attraction in the San Fernando area, and has offshore oil and gas platform fabrication facilities, as well as a deep water harbour.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Fernando,_Trinidad_and_Tobago
Wack Radio (www.wackradio901fm.com) broadcasts from the City of San Fernando. This radio station only plays 100% total local music - the culture vanguard of Trinidad and Tobago's music!

Harris Promenade in foreground,the 17 story Chancery Lane Government Complex rising in the centre, part of the City Hall Complex at right and the northern end of the General Hospital Complex Old Wing.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Fernando,_Trinidad_and_Tobago

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German Calypso band "Lord Mouse and the Kalypsokatz"

Good morning and a Happy New Year to everyone.  This post is an unusual one because I am giving you a link to a German Calypso band to listen to today. I am doing so because the music has the feel of calypso from the early days.
Watch the Youtube Video (Pics) then go and take a listen (play list at MySpace): LORD MOUSE

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