Foolish Man!

The paragraphs below in quotes were taken from an article published in Today's Trinidad Express Newspaper. This leaves me wondering what in heavens name is the Prime Minister doing? If indeed he did send Juliana Pena to meet with the President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe to deliver "the vision of Juliana Pena" then I have to believe that the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago led by Prime Minister Manning is being advised in like manner. What you have here is a non elected person, because of the PM's belief in her religious visions, is guiding the Republic and is the "true leader" of the twin island republic! 

It is bad enough  that she is acting on behalf of the country with state funds paying for her travels but I guess the people who she comes into contact with are also gullible but may only be putting up with the PM and his visions for the rest of the World. I believe, like Benny Hinn they believe that Prime Minister Manning is a foolish man to be involved in such foolishness.

"It was reported in the July 22, 2005 edition of the Zimbabwe Herald that Pena had met with Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe in the capacity of Manning’s envoy.

The report in the Zimbabwe Herald, dated July 22, 2005, stated: ’President Mugabe yesterday met a special envoy of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, PM Patrick Manning, at State House.’

The Zimbabwe Herald report further stated: ’Speaking after the meeting, Rev Juliana Pena, of the Lighthouse of the Lord Jesus Church, said she had come to Zimbabwe to share with the president a vision that she had received from God, in which he revealed his desire to see change in Africa.’

Pena has been in the news in the last two weeks after media reports of her connection to a mystery church being built in the Heights of Guanapo. Pena’s name in fact appears on the foundation stone for the building, which was laid on December 30, 2005. 

Yesterday, Gopee-Scoon admitted that the Prime Minister has the authority to appoint, in his wisdom, an envoy to deliver a special message or token to a Head of State on behalf of himself or the Government."

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161601285

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29th Biennial Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival

The finals of the 29th Biennial Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival will be officially launched with a gala celebration at Queen’s Hall from 7.00 pm this Sunday. The show is being hosted under the Patronage of President George Maxwell Richards.

The finals will begin on Monday March 1, 2010 at Queen’s Hall from 9.00 am, with the festival to officially close on March 19, 2010. The musical accompanists for the festival are: Lindy Ann Bodden Ritch, Jerome Din Chong, Kenneth Listhrop, Sheldon Morales, Haywood Michens, Candace Moore and Natasha Sealy Worrell. The three adjudicators from the United States are: Dr. John Paul Johnson, School of Music, Wichita State University, Dr. Jan Harrington and Dr. Carmen Helena Tellez of the School of Music, Indiana University.

http://news.bn.gs/

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Trinidad and Tobago Folklore Part 3 of 3

Part three concludes this series on the Folklore of Trinidad and Tobago. I am sure that someone will note something that was missed and I welcome any corrections and additions that visitors believe should be included.

Duppies are rumored to be ghosts that roam the earth at nights.  There isn’t much information available about these characters and, to be honest, I have never heard the name mentioned as a child growing up in Trinidad. However, people that I have spoken too about these creatures of the night swear that they do exist.  It has been said that to protect oneself from Duppies that you should sprinkle salt or rice around your house and just as the Soucouyant does the Duppy must count the grains before creating any trouble. Please note that you must put enough salt or rice to have the Duppy counting the grains all night. The hope is that sunlight will meet the Duppy counting and it will have to run and hide until night comes again where it will have to start the count all over again. One sure method to prevent Duppies from following you home is to turn around three times at your gate to confuse the Duppy and prevent it from following you inside. Just remember that Duppies don’t light (any kind of light) so keep the porch light on, they don’t like salt or water so leave a bowl of water at your door and some salted cook food. Well at least you tried to feed and quench the Duppy’s thirst … they just might leave you alone.

Gang Gang Sara is a Tobago story that has some ‘truth’ to it … don’t get at me my Tobagonians brothers and sisters.  The legend of Gang Gang Sara, the witch of Golden Lane, started in Africa on a very stormy night when she was blown across the Ocean to the village of Le Coteaux.  The story stated that she ended up at Golden Lane where she reunited with her family from Africa (brought to Tobago previously, method of conveyance unknown.  It is at Golden Lane that she found the love of her life and his name was Tom.  She lived happily with Tom and helped the village people in countless ways. She is remembered to this day for her wisdom and kindness. However, when Tom died she became lonely and wished to return to Africa. As a result, she went to the Silk Cotton tree and climbed to the top to launch off for her flight home. Unfortunately because she lived on a diet of salted food she did not realize that she had lost her ability to fly and fell to her death. She was laid to rest next to her beloved Tom with their names, Tom and Sara, carved into the head stones of their graves.  These headstones are now over two hundred years old. So whenever you go to Tobago for a holiday ask about Gang Gang Sara and seek out the graves of Tom and Sara to pay your respects.

Jackalantan is a confusion maker and appears at nights as a bright light. If you’re curious enough and follow the light it will lead you to a place that is unknown to you then disappear as if it never existed. You are left in a state of confusion.

Mermaids and Fairy maids have been sighted through the Caribbean.  I have a friend from Haiti who swears that he saw a mermaid who tried to lure him into the ocean. He tells of a story where the mermaid took a man’s son away by sweeping him off a rock only to return the boy years later at the very same place. The boy did not age one day but that is another story.  The Mermaids of Tobago are male and live in the deep part of the ocean. The leave the ocean and come to the rivers to mate with the Fairy maids. The Fairy maids are rumored to exist in caves and waterfalls.  Sometimes the Dairymaids mate with humans and are partial to men with smooth skin. There is a shoe ritual that is used to discontinue the relationship with the Fairy maid. One pair is burnt on the beach that will cause the Dairymaid to appear and ask for payment for services rendered. When that happens your response should be, “nothing but a pair of shoes” after which the shoes are thrown into the ocean. This should put an end to the relationship. However, most hot blooded Trinis (a citizen or Trinidad and Tobago) may never want to stop the party.

The Silk Cotton Tree is at the source of most legends. That is the source of the jumbies and spirts. It has been said that if the Silk Cotton tree is cut down that all the jumbies and Duppies that are housed inside will be released to create more mischief. No one will knowingly or willfully cut down the Silk Cotton tree.

The Obeah Man (Witch doctor) is in good supply in Trinidad. Just about anyone can tell you where you can go to get a bush bath or to get a reading.  I remember when I was young my mother was convinced that someone cast a spell on me. I was encouraged to go to Curepe near the junction where I entered a home and was taken to the back into an open space with a small shed. My sister accompanied me that day.  We entered the room where we saw candles or different colors lighted with an old gentleman seated with another person. There was white rum (or babash) available for the ritual. After all was said and done and I had my reading I was taken to an outside bath house where I was given a bucket of cold water with red lavender added and asked to wash my body with the water. I undressed and did as I was told. On my way home I remember telling my sister how stupid I felt for participating in the ceremony. My sister simply steuped and told me that I don’t know any better. I guess the ritual did not work because to this day I don’t feel any different and in need of another Santiwah.

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Shame on Neil Parsanlal!

Information Minister Neil Parsanlal says the Caribbean New Media Group (CNMG) was awarded exclusive broadcast rights for live coverage of carinival 2010 after an open bid.

He said that in response to questions on the issue during yesterday’s post-Cabinet news conference at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s. Parsanlal said, however, in making the decision the Government had to consider another major factor. He said none of T&T’s privately-owned television stations would have opted to broadcast live, in its entirety, the Panorama finals, which could take place from 9 am to 2 am the next day.

“It is simply not in your best interest as a commercial entity. The Government, however, has an obligation to the good citizens of T&T who put us there. And therefore we feel as part of our cultural output to the people of T&T that we must show it,” he added.He said because of those factors the National Carinival Commission (NCC) selected CNMG as the preferred bidder. Parsanlal said all other news media are being allowed to provide news coverage of the Carinval events.

http://guardian.co.tt/news/general/2010/02/05/cnmg-gets-all-carnival-rights

Do you believe this Minister? Well if seems that Neil Parsanlal is not paying attention to WACK Radio because they cover events from the beginning to the end.  The Culture of Trinidad and Tobago 24/7 365 Days in the year and "Pan In Yuh Pwefen" is what WACK is all about and do you believe that WACK will short change you? Hell No!

WACK radio went to New York City for the 2009 Labor Day Parade and brought the Panorama Competition live via the internet feed to Trinidad and the rest of the World. I know because I listened to the feed and watched the video that was provided.  

SHAME ON THE GOVERNMENT  OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO FOR TRYING SHAMELESSLY TO DISCREDIT THE PRIVATELY OWNED ENTITIES THAT ONLY PROVIDE THE CULTURE OF THE COUNTRY UNLIKE THE GOVERNMENT OWNED CNMG - THIS IS INDEED A CRYING SHAME!

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WACK & Gayelle say 'We Not Taking Dat!'

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2010 Trinidad Carnival Results

2010 BAND OF THE YEAR RESULTS

Small Band of the Year
1. Tribal Connection - Inner Circle of the Pow-Wow
2. The Boss - Music
3. Belmont Jewels - Pirates and Plunderers

Medium Band of the Year 2010
1. Ronnie & Caro - Tribute
2. Rosalind Gabriel - The Journey
3. D'Midas & Associates - Call that George

Large Band of the Year 2010
1. Mac Farlene Carnival - Resurrection of the Mas
2. Trini Revellers - Festivals of the World
3. Legacy - Masala

Calypso Monarch
Mr. Kurt Allen

The King of Carnival
Mr. Curtis Eustace

The Queen of Carnival
Ms. Rosemarie Kuru-Jagessar

The Chutney Soca Monarch
Ravi B

The Power Soca Monarch & Road March Title
JW and Blaze

The Groovy Soca Monarch
Mr. Shurwayne Winchester

The National Action Cultural Committee (NACC) Calypso Queen
Ms. Kizzie Ruiz

The NACC King
Mr. Winston “Gypsy” Peters

Junior Calypso Monarch
6-year-old, Master Aaron Duncan

The Junior King of Carnival
Master Matthew Barnes

The Junior Queen of Carnival
Ms. Denesha Jennings.

via www.temporadio.co.uk

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No Chutney Champion for Champz in Concert on 02.19.2010?

"THE annual Champs In Concert show will be replaced by an event called Champz of Steel+Plus, which will be held at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, from 8 p.m. tomorrow.

Describing the event as ’a euphoric experience of sight and sound featuring the most exciting, exhilarating, versatile instrument of the 21st century’, producer Ian Wiltshire said yesterday that ’there will be the best of steel, mas and soca music from Carnival 2010.

Heading the cast of performers will be Carnival 2010 steelband champions PCS Silver Stars, Steel Xplosion, Arima Golden Symphony, LH Pan Groove and the Junior Panorama winners, St Augustine Secondary Steel Orchestra.

Added attractions include George Bailey Band of the Year (Large) winner Brian Mac Farlane’s Resurrection-The Mas, calypso Monarch Kurt Allen, Road March champion JW & Blaze, Goovy Soca monarch Shurwayne Winchester and extempo monarch Gypsy in as war with the man he dethroned this year, Lingo. The three hour production will bring down the curtain on Carnival 2010."

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161597586

Did you notice that one element of Carnival is missing here? What about the Chutney Monarch? Isn't the Chutney competition a part of the Carnival celebration and shouldn't Ravi B  perform at this show? I just don't understand how things are done in Trinidad.  So much for inclusion...

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Culture is "on the run" in the hands of CNMG and Neil Parsanlal!

“What we are saying through this is that we understand the commercial imperatives of carrying the Parade of the Bands ‘live’ for two days and while we would like CNMG to reduce its reliance on the Treasury, we still believe as the Government broadcaster, it has an obligation to the national community.

It was in that context more than anything else, that the special interest groups — TUCO, Pan Trinbago, NCBA and NCC — approached CNMG, understanding very well CNMG’s mandate as the public service broadcaster.”

http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,116016.html

Only in Trinidad folks... this could only happen in Trinidad. Gayelle and Wack radio are the two entities that promote total local content not CNMG or "C" as it is best known in Trinidad and on the World Wide Web. I have to state this here "C" does not promote the culture of Trinidad and Tobago they promote the culture of North America! I don't believe for one second that the special interest groups approached "C" to sell the rights to the broadcast. Also in a democratic society shouldn't there have been a tender process? Just imagine "C" is owned and financed (at a loss) by the government; all Carnival funding for the Carnival comes from the government and as a result money simply changes hands. No money is really coming in from outside entities to realize a 'true' profit. This was circumvented because all broadcasting decisions were formulated  in house  (by the Government agent Neil Parsanlal and his extension the  NCC).

I f anyone out there believes this Minister then I guess you believe in the tooth fairy and of course in this case "pigs do fly".

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CNMG defends stand on Carnival rights | The Trinidad Guardian

CNMG defends stand on Carnival rights | The Trinidad Guardian

Everyone is upset because of the rights given to CNMG, some could not broadcast while others paid and could not see the streams that buffered but never evolved into video. Today Minister Neil Parsanlal stated that they paid the stake holders $500,00.00 each to give CNMG the rights to the Carnival. Now how did the government get involved in this? Obviously this valuable package was not tendered to the rest of the media entities in the country. When I think about it I have to conclude that in the event that the "The Product" was tendered none of the other media houses could ever win the tender... not with the government's purse backing CNMG and that my friends is your money (taxpayer's money). So it is now up to you to do something about it. Don't let this be swept under the rug.

As for me I will say this: "The stench of Neil Parsanlal's arrogance is nauseating!

So here is my message to the people of Trinidad and Tobago - Let's talk nothing but the truth and with that sing with Kurt Allen "No Compromise" - just stop this nonsense!

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JW & Blaze Palanced their way to Road March Victory 2K10!

Dynamic radio personalities Jason ’JW’ Williams and Ancil ’Blaze’ Isaac have created double history by being the first disc jockeys to win both the International Soca Monarch and Road March titles.

JW and Blaze’s 2010 hit ’Palance’ was played a total of 417 times on Carnival Monday and Tuesday at the Queen’s Park Savannah’s main judging point, according to a tally conducted by the National Carnival Commission yesterday.

Now that the Palance DJ's have taken care of the Trinidad scene do you think that their palancing would have an impact on Vinci-Mass? 

If you don't know it Carnival in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is celebrated from June 27 to July 7 and is popularly known as Vinci-Mas. Let's see if the dynamic duo will have the same impact in St. Vincent like they did in Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival 2K10. 

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Brazil style revelers hit the Streets of Port-of-Spain

Skin, skin and more skin was the order of the day yesterday, as masqueraders chose to wear next to nothing as they paraded the city streets.

At the judging point at the Queen’s Park Savannah, well-toned women combatted the blazing morning sun in thongs and bra tops. In some cases, they wore underwear, but only body paint and glitter covered their upper bodies. Even the men seized the opportunity to show off their rock-hard abs with some wearing nothing but tiny, fitted shorts. The sexily-clad women had the heads of male and female spectators constantly turning, while muscular men attracted long stares from women.

Trinidad Guardian Newspaper: http://guardian.co.tt/news/general/2010/02/17/skin-order-day

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday: http://www.newsday.co.tt/day/1,38669.html#foto

After reading this article from the Trinidad Guardian newspaper I am even more upset that "C" television made such a mess of the broadcasting of the Parade of the Bands. I was unable to quench my thirst for almost naked ladies jumping and wining on the streets of Port-of-Spain.  Shame on "C" television.

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CNMG threatens Gayelle and WACK radio 901fm

This is a precedent that we cannot allow to be set. No body, no organization, can buy the entire Carnival. A judging point or judging points maybe, but the whole ah town? This is not over. It has only just begun.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoKzWyKBdt4&feature=player_embedded

Here is the thing CTNT has failed miserably with this product that they attempted to profit from. We need to know if "C" really paid for this license or was it granted to them by the government because it is a government owned entity. No one knows if the entire process went to tender before one credible entity was awarded this special license over the Carnival celebrations.

Wack and Gayelle are unaware of any tendering process and we now have to conclude that this was a "gift"granted by the NCC (with Government's permission).  The other very sad thing here is that now we realize that Pan Trinbago, TUCO and the NCBA don't own the rights for their respective bodies. This apparently belongs to the NCC to do what they believe is best.

Now let's say that "C" Television did in fact pay for the exclusive rights to these shows the logical question would be "how much money did the respective bodies get for the granting of those rights?" 

The only people whom are speaking are the people hurt by the actions of the NCC and "C" TV.  Sprangalang was livid on WACK today and Errol Fabien is really hurt (video above from YouTube).

"C" does nothing for our culture by promoting only foreign products (shows) and for two days in the year plus a few other shows they want (and were given) exclusive rights to transmit? Indeed we have put the cart in front of the horse. The Culture people were slapped about the place and now to add insult to injury no one from the government is commenting regarding this travesty.

Supporting "C" television is a vote for foreign dominance and the death of our culture. Now because of those exclusive rights granted to "C" we cannot hear or see those recorded performances. It is bad enough that people paid to see and could not but now we have lost the right to see the recorded product.  In the end this is just like the "who we go put" cry of the people but in this case it will be "This is Trinidad, what we go do?" Same caca - it will soon be swept under the rug like everything else in Trinidad and Tobago!

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Calypso Monarch Results 2K10 Trinidad and Tobago

Calypso Monarch 2010 results:

1st. Kurt Allen - Too Bright
2nd. Brian London - A Calypsonian
3rd. Winston Scarborough - The Original Defosts Himself - In A Palace State Of Mind
4th. Kizzie Ruiz - Aide Haiti
5th. Roderick Gordon - Mr Chucky - A People's National Movement
6th. Dr Hollis Liverpool - Mighty Chalkdust - "When Mas Was Mas"
7th. Selvon Noel - Mistah Shak - Rogue
8th. Nicole Greaves - Where The Lions Are
9th. Sean Daniel - God Is Love
10th. Sandra Des Vignes Millington - Singing Sandra - No Child Shall Be Left Behind
11th. Ann Marie Kojo Parks - Give Thanks
12th. Devon Seales - A Wind of Change
13th. Carlos James - Skatie - A Cry For Life
14th. Michael Legerton - Protector- My Vision
15th. Anthony Hendrickson - All Rounder - Female Lifeguard

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Steel Pan Results 2K10

Conventional Bands (large):

1 PCS Silver Stars [291 points] (Winner)

2 Phase II Pan Groove [284 points]

3 All Stars [282]

4 Caribbean Airline Invaders [274]

4 bp Renegades [274]

6 TCL Skiffle Bunch [274]

7 Solo Harmonites [268]

7 Witco Desperadoes [268]

9 RBTT Redemption [264]

10 NLCB Fonclaire [260]



MEDIUM:

1. Steel Explosion [280] (Winner)

2. Courts Sound Specialists [276.5]

3. Katzenjammers [273]

4. Curepe Schezando [271.5]

5. Tropical Valley Harps [268.5]

6. NLCB Bucaneers 266.5]

7. Carib Dixieland [264.5]

8. Couva Joylanders [260]

8. West Side Symphony [260]

9. Clico Sfzorta [258]

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King and Queen of Carnival

Queen of Carnival

1. Rosemarie Kuru Jagessar - Wakanisha - The Sacred Water - The Sacred Water Bearer - 407
2. Peola Marchan - Red Sails In The Sunset - 383
3. Anra Bobb - Visions of Fantasia - 381
4. Kay Mason - Sweet Sumintra - 377
5. Gloria Dallsingh - Wings of Freedom - 365
6. Patricia Bailey - Vegas Showgirls on Stage - 357
7. Sevel Nicolls - Dame Gwo Bunda - 354
8. Inez Gould - Sorceress of the Ruby - 349
9. Savatri Holassie - Jewel Sunbird - 338
10. Joan Mohammed - Queen of D'Dessert Sun - 290

King of Carnival

1. Curtis Eustace - Spirits of Mandingo - An African Legend - 425
2. Leroy Prieto - The Masquerader Eyo - 398
3. Roland St. George - Fantasma - 390
4. Glenn Dave Lakhan - Mystery of the Deep - 389
4. (TIE) Fareid Carvalho - Sied Delirium - A Morroccan Fever - 389
6. (TIE) Theophilus Simmons - Tipu Sultan 386
7. Glen Turnbull - God of Paradise - 381
8. Aaron Kallicharan - Danhyang Desa - 363
9. Ronald Mayers - D'Music Man - 354
10. Gerard Weeks - Dragon Can Dance - 310

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Caribbean New Media Group (CNMG) fails to deliver on promise to stream shows

They failed miserably to deliver on their promise to stream the Soca Monarch Competition on a pay per view basis. Now we know how good the people at WACK Radio have been with their streaming of similar shows. Bravo Mr. Kenny Phillips and just to let the people at the Nationally owned Television Station know some of the shows are brought for free by Wack Radio.  Everyone one is upset: "de damn ting only sticking", "it crash here", "I cyar even get on" "the equipment cyar handle the bandwidth" etc. Now these were some of the complaints of people who paid US$19.95 for the show and even some who paid US$90.00 for the entire package.

One would think that since this is a state owned company and the State is subsiding just about all the shows that this would be an ideal opportunity to promote the festival and the many shows that would be streamed via the internet to the World. This was the ideal opportunity to encourage people to come and see for themselves but instead they had to charge. How much money could be earned? I don't know but I do know that the government  donated $2.5 Million dollars in prize money and rental fees for the Soca Monarch. If they could give so much to ensure that the show is/was a success why not promote it so that some day when the demand became so overwhelming then and only then should there be a fee to see the shows liver via the internet.

If your systems are not capable of delivering the good then don't charge and deliver a poor product - shame on those who did this. No one from the service providers has come  forward and apologized for this travesty. Kenny Phillips from Wack Radio had this to say: 

“They said I would be served with an injunction if I went ahead with the radio broadcast,” he said.

Phillips said he had done live audio and video for the Kaisorama show on Thursday and was willing and ready to broadcast the Soca Monarch competition.

“CNMG has failed miserably and this is reflecting badly on the international scene. I mean, this is a State-owned company and they are doing that amount of stupidness,”an irate Phillips added. 

http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,115811.html

I am sure that the people involved in this fiasco are now scratching their heads or may be running to the hills for cover. The blame game will be played and surely you will have executives blaming the internet bandwidth for the problems they incurred. Didn't they expect the demand that was placed on the service? How is it that people who have been doing it and doing it well were rejected and even threatened with law suits if they went ahead and did any broadcasting?

It is time to reboot, refund people's money and give the rest of the shows for free - of course an apology would be a good start - if only eh!

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2010 Soca Monarch Results

Here are the results for the Soca Monarch shows hosted at the Queen Park Oval last night. Last year's champion Fayanne Lyons-Alvarez placed second in both categories.  That means we have new champions. Congratulations to Shurwayne Winchester for winning the Groovy Soca Monarch crown - the King has taken back his crown! JW & Blaze palanced their way to the Power Soca Monarch crown - congratulations are in order and next up may very well be the Road March title - the song is so popular!

Groovy Monarch
1. Shurwayne Winchester (Winner)
2. Faye Ann Lyons-Alvarez
3. Rikki Jai
4. Patrice Roberts

Soca Power Monarch
1.  JW & Blaze (Winner)
2. Faye Ann Lyons-Alvarez
3. Shal Marshall & Screws
4. Tallpree

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Fantastic Friday is Here!

The competition will be fierce with the performances coming at you fast and furious. Here is the one thing that I don't want to deal with after the results are announced. "They thief, they thief we want to see t he score sheet" (ah bet yuh hearing Maestro eh).  There will always be complaints but I am watching for the complaints to come from the small islanders' supporters especially from the island of St. Vincent.  Keep your eyes on Skinny Fabulous and be fair with your assessment of his performance compared to the rest. I am not saying this because I believe he is the front runner but because of the hate for anything Trinidadian emanating from up the islands especially from the St. Vincent massive. If he pulls it off then the waters will remain calm - tranquility will reign supreme up the islands but if he does not win then go to www.islandmix.com and watch the fallout.  I have my favorites but it does not matter how good your song is... the performances tonight will dictate the winner... good luck to everyone and may the cream rise to the top!

Here is the order that the "Power Soca Finalists" will appear tonight:

1. Daddy Chest (Dominica)
2. Tian Winter (Antigua)
3. Super Jigga TC
4. Shal Marshall and Screws
5. Skinny Fabulous (St Vincent and the Grenadines)
6. Mr. Killa (Grenada)
7. Tallpree (Grenada)
8. Farmer Nappy
9. Defending Champion Faye Ann Lyons
10. Iwer George
11. JW and Blaze
12. Blaxx
13. Ronnie and KMC

Here is the order that the "Groovy Soca Finalists" will appear tonight:

1. Ainsley King
2. Nnika Francis of (Grenada)
3. Metro, Synergy Soca star winner 2010
4. Rikki Jai
5. Patrice Roberts
6. Chucky
7. Shurwayne Winchester
8. Defending Champion Faye Ann Lyons
9. Kerwin du Bois and Farmer Nappy
10. TC  (Barbados)
11. KMC
12. Zoelah (St Vincent and the Grenadines)
13. Lil Bits

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Tamboo Bamboo

The Full unedited scene from the Documentary "Breathless in Trinidad & Tobago" showcasing the musical instrument and sounds of Tamboo Bamboo.

About the Documentary:

Vincent T Joachim and Jeff Cruz traveled to Gonzales, Trinidad and setup a free photography program with over 20 marginalized youth in February 2008. The workshop documented the Carnival, the youths, their community and culture through hope and change. The goal was to change the youths perspective not just with a camera but in their everyday life. Through the many photo and life challenges, the youth are inspired to make a change in their community. This documentary features the videography and photography of the youth.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QVEX_Fiinw&feature=player_embedded

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WACKy Tuesday Results

Well folks Wacky Tuesday came and the results are now in the record books. Take a look at the final results below to see if your favorite personality lived up to expectations (ah talking about Deso). Our prayers and blessings are recorded here on behalf of Heshimu and Ebony. I watched the show but was not excited or 'felt it' like previous years. There was no anticipation for anything (except if Deso would have really performed) but something was missing from the show this year. The judging was better than expected this year but I don't believe that Kent deserved 9th. place, that should have been reserved for Mr. Desmond! One annoying feature of the show was the commentary provided between the individual performances. Nothing was wrong with the content of the commentary but simply put, we wanted to see/hear the MC's on stage: Sprangalang and Lady JS!

I believe that my inability to listen to the station during the day may have something to do with the lack of enthusiasm that I had but maybe it was also because Damion did not perform. Kenny's theatrics were good and the way he used the magazines to sing or better yet to read his lyrics was very cleaver. I though Amber won the competition but apparently the CEO "did enough" to pull it off. One last thing, did you see Tigress perform? What is heavens were those National Calypso judges thinking? This will remain a sour point/topic for discussion for some time to come for the 2K10 Carnival season. Next year Damion will be back!

Congratulations to the winners - everyone was a winner and with WACKy Tuesday there are no losers... Ever!

1. Kenny Phillips--D CEO--I Eh Taking Dat

2. Amber Hercules--D Messenger--Better All Over

3. Sherwin Borneo--D Leader--National Turnaround

4. Kent Phillips--Kent Phillips as himself--Who Really Cares

5. Cowen Borneo--D Maestro--Give Me What I Want

6. Joseph Thompson--Carver--De Fix It Man [tie]

6. Desmond Peters --Mr Desmond --Something Wacky [tie]

8. Jillian Smith--Supersize Dumpling--Doh Box With Me

9. Kent Parris --Kent D Juice--Part Time Lovers

Special Prizes:

Queen of Calypso--D Messenger (Amber Hercules)

People's Choice-Supersize Dumpling (Jillian Smith J.S.)

Best Humourous--D Maestro (Cowen Borneo)

Best Wack song-Kent Phillips

Don't Quit Yuh Day Job--Kent D' Juice

Road March--Mr Desmond

Best Promising Calypsonian--D Messenger

Legacy of Calypso--D Maestro

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WACKy Tuesday Is Here!

This is it! No this is not Michael Jackson's revival taking place today but the day for all the WACKy enthusiasts to sit back, relax and see their favorite Wack radio personalities come out and play. No not play music but endeavor to be 'calypso-like' singers.

This is the fourth year of this show/competition and one thing holds true - to date there has only been one champion and that is "The Mighty Chicken Foot Souce". Oh, and if you have been living in a vacuum, we are talking about, on air personality and entertainer extoraodinaire Damion Melville. Do you believe that he can pull it off again? Well we will have the answer later today.

Something to look for today - will Deso (Desmond) really sing? Deso has boasted that he will take the crown this year but I am going with a 'dark horse' for the competition tonight. I have this feeling that Heshimu will pull it off tonight if he is serious and does not come simply to have fun - he is that talented. 

The CEO will be beaten by Deso unless he sabotages the music. I understand that the manager of the station would be singing tonight - Lady JS now has competition for her place in the final outcome tonight. 

All I can say is log in to the feed at www.wackradio901fm.com and watch the show. Oh and yes, prepare yourself for many surprises.

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Calypso Monarch Finalists 2K10

What yuh say? No! Aloes does cure belly pain and make 'tings right' but too much sugar spoil the ting eh! Many are lamenting the fact that Sugar Aloes did not qualify for the finals with an original composition but Protector with a sampling from Jimmy Cliff made it to the finals. Yuh see, nevah ah dull moment with Trini competitions eh boi...

However one may feel there will always be a problem with the decision of the judges. I am still wondering how some of the 35 semi finalists got in ahead of last year's second place finalist Joanne "Tigress" Rowley. But no one made a fuss about it so whatever happens next will not surprise me.  The decision of the judges is always the final statement.  Maybe it is time that the formula for selecting the people who judge these competitions to be revised. Maybe we need to come up with a new formula to train then select a pool of judges for these competitions. What is your opinion? Please leave a comment.

Here are the Finalists of Calypso Monarch 2010 competition

Twiggy

All Rounder

Brian London

Skatie

Devon Seales

Kizzy Ruiz

Kurt Allen

Protector

Nicole Greaves

Roderick Gordon ’Chucky’

Singing Sandra

Sean Daniel

Mr Shak

De Fosto"

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Will Deso Sing? WACK Radio's 4th Annual Calypso Competition

The fourth year of the WACKy renditions is here once again. This is the most anticipated competition that is of no significance to Trinidad and Tobago's carnival and one that I will be logged on to and laughing my proverbial arse off! 

Now if you really want to have a good time (for those of us living away from the homeland) then the computer is the place to be. Just remember the competition is on  Tuesday 02/09/2K10. Just tune in to the station via www.wackradio901fm.com to listen to the start of the madness (this will take place all day). I advise you to log in to www.dlime.blogspot.com where there are two chat boxes that allow you to participate in the chat all day. Why Dlime? Simply put I expect the WACK shout-box to be swamped with users chatting that would make it difficult to keep track of all the talk. Dlime will take some of the load away from the WACK site (WACK audio feed included).

Last year everyone wanted to hear Kung Fu sing (Heshimu took care of that in song) and obviously the big question this year is: Will Deso sing or simply come on stage and pull off a Cowen Borneo or, as some WACKO's believe, not show up at all with a very lame excuse? The man has already behaved like a primadonna demanding to sing in position number 2. He also wants Roy Cape to supply the music for his  miracle rendition. Will Deso sing? No, wait just one minute now, can Deso sing? Kenny is already laughing his behind off or just might be running scared. This is not a case of Deso winning the competition but could turn  out to be a competition for bragging rights for the rest of the Sundays this year that Kenny and Deso will work together or could it be the end of a good friendship... Tune in on Tuesday for the live Television broadcast on WACK's TV page.

I guarantee you that you will laught your pwefen off - and yes I predict a new winner this year! Yes I said it after winning the first three installments Damion will be dethroned this year! Many of the competitors have 'hired guns' writing and coaching them for the competition - I predict a new champion this year!

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CAREFUL - Official Video - Lil Bitts

Here is a taste of one little artiste whose music is on the rise. Take a look and listen up then leave a comment. It is the official star of the run-up to a very Wacky week - The reign of King Carnival is on our door step! 

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The 2010 International SOCA Monarch Finalists

Compliments Julian182 from Islandmix
Groovy Finalists:
Fayann Lyons- Start Wining
Lil Bits- Careful
Zoelah- More Water    (St. Vincent)
Nnika Francis- Survivor     (Grenada)
Miss TC- Hot Sun & Riddim    (Barbados)
Farmer Nappy & Kerwin Dubois- Pavment
Shurwayne Whinchester- Murdah
Patrice Roberts- Wuk It
Chucky- Driffin
KMC- Nah Bad-Talk Man
Ainsley King - Bawl Out

Playlist Name: 2010 International Groovy Soca Monarch Finalists

Power Finalists:
Fayann Lyons- True Lies
Blaxx- Hunting
Tallpree- Wicked Jab    (Grenada)
Farmer Nappy- I Pay For This
JW & Blaze- Palance
Shall Marshall & Screws- Police
Tian Winter- Soca Rebals  (Antigua)
Iwer George- Party Hard
Super Jigga TC -Template
Skinny Fabolous- Beast Leggo    (St. Vincent)
Mr. Killa- Swing It Way     (Grenada)
Daddy Chess -Ready Or Not     (Dominica)
KMC F.Ronnie McIntosh-While You Can

Playlist Name: 2010 International Power Soca Monarch Finalists

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Thirty-five calypsonians named for Calypso Monarch Semifinals

The next post has the playlist with audio to listen to the songs competing for the big prize. Here is the link to the player if you came to this post from another website.

Breaking News - Trinidad News and Tobago News

A total of 35 calypsonians have advanced to this Saturday’s Calypso Fiesta at Skinner Park in San Fernando, following preliminary judging at various tents across the country.
The lineup contains a mixture of young calypsonians along with seasoned veterans, who will compete for a place in the Big Yard on Dimanche Gras night, February 14, 2010. The finalists will challenge reigning Calypso Monarch, Chalkdust. Saturday’s show gets underway from 12 noon.

The full list of semifinalists is as follows:

Tobago Chalkie, Alicia Richards, Twiggy, Brother Valentino, All Rounder, Anthony Johnson, Brian London, Skatie, Dee Diamond, Devon Seales, The Stinger, Duane O’Connor, Eric James, Heather Mc Intosh, Joel Parsons, Karen Eccles, Karene Asche, Ninja, Kizzie Ruiz, Kurt Allen, Lesley Ann Ellis, Short Pants, Protector, Sugar Aloes, Michelle Henry, Nicole Greaves, O.C., Count Robin, Mr. Chucky, Singing Sandra, Sean Daniel, Mistah Shak, Spicey, Gypsy and the Original De Fosto Himself.

Meantime, the preliminary round of the Extempo competition was held at the Strand Entertainment Centre on Monday night and the results are expected to be announced later this week.

http://news.bn.gs/

So can someone explain how Joanne "Tigress" Rowley did not make it to the final 35 for Saturday's Calypso Fiesta? Hold on now, wasn't she the 1st runner up last year? Wait now, haven't you heard her offerings this year? Politics in Kaiso is ah bitch that bites you in yuh arse when yuh least expect it... Maybe the new land tax should have been praised in song because singing about the people cacada backfired this year... the music is sweet and the lyrics biting and just right but this will not work with the government providing the purse for the competition. This does not mean that someone from the government whispered that she should be left out - no that is not what I am saying here. However the way things work in Trinidad is that  the people running the show know what needs to be done - "just so" as Trinis like to state.  I don't know if her lack of participation in the calypso tents played a part in her "dismissal" this year.
Well let's see what will happen ... winds of change are sweeping across TUCO and your guess is as good as mine... changes eh.

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Trinidad and Tobago Folklore Part 2 of 3

Part two of the Folklore series starts with my Mother in law who is convinced to this day that when her son Jude was a child while on vacation in the country district of Manzanilla that he was almost taken away by Douens. She is very serious and honest when she relates the story but never ever tell her that she imagined it … Now that is another story!

Douens or Duennes are the spirits of children who died before they were christened. In other words the blessings of Almighty God never washed away their mortal sins. As unfortunate as this may be these spirits roam the country districts at night in search of children who are also not yet christened to take them into the forests where they are abandoned and left to fend for themselves.  The Duennes don’t have any sexual orientation, no facial features and wear large hats to cover their faces and big heads.  It has also been said that their feet are turned backwards and they walk around naked. These Duennes lure the children by making a ‘mesmerizing whooping sound’. My mother in law tells the story and makes mention of the Posey (to urinate) that Jude had that was found near the forest’s edge … how did it get there?

The Soucouyant (Sukuya) or Old Hag is an old lady in the village who has made a deal with the devil. He had a ceremony that she performs in the cemetery with the liver of a dead person to get her abilities. Once this is done she had the ability to shed her body of her skin which she places in a mortar until she returns home, turns into a ball of fire and fly through the air to feed on her next victim. She enters homes and while the women are asleep she suck their blood. My recollection of this was that she always sucks from the leg of the women. “Oh gosh neighbor come and see, de soucouyant suck meh”, would be the cry that spread through the neighborhood like wild fire.  Everyone came to see but I believe the men came simply to look at the woman’s leg. One way to really deal a heavy blow to the soucouyant is to find her skin in the mortar and put salt and pepper in her skin. When she returns and tries to get back into her skin then all hell will break loose. She would talk to her skin and say, “Skin, kin kin, you na no me, old skin” – this usually results in the death of the soucouyant.  If you believe that your village is cursed by the evil spells of a Soucouyant then you should empty one hundred pounds of rice at the village crossroads where she will go to pick up the rice one grain at a time. There is a calypso that goes suck meh soucouyant suck meh.

Mama Malade is the spirit of a woman who died during childbirth. She roams the night looking for victims to take to the ‘other side’.  She lures her victims during the night when it is extremely quiet and only the sounds of crickets may be heard.  She comes to the windows of her victims and cries like a child causing the unsuspecting victim to look out of her window to see where the sound was coming from. It is rumored that anyone who looked out the window will be taken away to the other side never to be seen again.

Moongazers are male and have been reported to be 100 feet tall with the ability to stand over a roadway with one leg on either side of the street.  Their faces are never seen and they terrorize the villagers who try to pass underneath/between their legs by quickly bringing their legs together and crushing the unsuspecting victim. 

Jumbies are evil spirits that are about at day and nights. They are considered to be mischievous beings and are particularly interested in babies.  Most Trinidadians place ‘jets’ and ‘acifecitur” (a nasty smelling compound) in little cloth wraps that are pinned to the baby’s clothing.  These objects ward off evil and are especially effective against jumbies – so they say!

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National Panorama 2010 Semi-Final Results

National Panorama 2010 Semi-Final Results

Once again the Savannah was on fire with Pan in Yuh Pwefen! Sweet pan as Trinidadians like to say and it was one that was full of the usual 'ole talk and bacchanalia' that is the norm for barrel lovers. The judges never know what they are doing but are always right when "my band" makes it to the big stage. This will never change. However, most people don't realize or simply don't want to accept the fact that the people judging the steel band music have always been right with the final results. Simply because we "find that the music sounded sweet" does not mean that the band scored well in the judging categories that the judges are marking on the score sheets. Indeed, the judges decisions are final (so be it) but the fact remains that  every Trinidadian feels that he/she knows better resulting in a barrage of reasons to scratch our heads. We need to understand that the judges really respect the art form and will always do their best to give a fair assessment of the performance. Indeed we all have our biases but I believe that the professionalism of these people supersedes their prejudices ensuring just results.

Here are the results of the semi finals that took place on Sunday.
Ten (10) steel orchestras in each category will move to the next round in two separate Finals (bands in blue move on to the finals)

Large Bands:

1 Petrotrin Phase 11 Pan Groove Pan Army 277

2 PCS Silver Stars Battle Zone 273

3 TCL Group Skiffle Bunch Pan On Fire 272

4 Neal & Massy Trinidad All Stars Large Is Large 266

5 Solo Harmonites Smooth Sailing 260

5 WITCO Desperadoes Musical Magnum 260

5 Caribbean Airlines Invaders Tell Dem 260

8 NLCB Fonclair Rewind 259 9 rbtt Redemption Sound Setters Pan On Fire 258

10 bp Renegades Battle Zone 257

11 T&TEC Tropical Angel Harps Battle Zone 256

12 Sagicor Exodus Pan in the Mas 255

13 Starlift Pandemic 254

14 Pamberi Sweetness 242

14 Our Boys Something Special 242

16 Petrotrin Siparia Deltones Pavement 238

17 Birdsong Vibes of a Mad Man 235

Medium Bands:

1 Steel Xplosion Radica 270

2 Valley Harps Battle Zone 269.5

3 NLCB Buccooneers Surrender 267

4 Courts Sound Specialists of Laventille Surrender 266

5 Katzenjammers Lightning Strikes Twice 263

5 Curepe Scherzando Battle Zone 263

7 Carib Dixieland Somewhere In Tobago 260

8 Couva Joylanders Smooth Sailing 257

9 CLICO Sforzata Wild & Free 254

9 West Side Symphony Somewhere In Tobago 254

11 Alutrint La Brea Nightingales Surrender 250.5

12 Tokyo Vibes of a Mad Man 249

13 Pan Elders I Come Out To Play 248

14 Arima Angel Harps Smooth Sailing 247.5

Small Bands:

1 Laventille Serenaders This Melody Sweet 267

2 Merrytones Pan War 260

3 Crescendoes Musicale Pan War 255

4 Golden Hands Dingolay 253

4 Arima Golden Symphony Smooth Sailing 253

6 Tamana Pioneers Pan On Fire 250

7 Tornadoes Battle Zone 248

8 Panosonic Connection Pan On Fire 241

9 Fascinators Pan Symphony I Music 239

9 Codrington Pan Family Pandemic 239

11 Flamingoes Battle Zone 232

12 Antillean All Stars Musical Fire 229

13 Longdenville Claytones Battle Zone 226

14 TIPICA Spreading Hands 225

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