"One day, one day congotay"|Yuh is ah Trini

Triniglish|Trinididioms spoken and explained  #63

Yuh is ah Trini|"One day, one day congotay"

This is one saying that a mischievous youth or a bully in the neighborhood would hear from an elder in the community. However, taking into consideration what is going on in Trinidad today, with all the murders taking place, this saying is applicable to all the evil ones preying upon a hapless society.

One day has an ominous feel to it and just seeing an older person pointing that finger saying, "one day, one day young man" gives one a feeling of something to come that would basically put things in perspective and may or may not straighten out things for someone who has wandered off the path of being a good citizen. 

To continue with the proverb and adding "one day congotay" gives us our Trinididiom for today's post. One day, one day congotay simply means that the time will come when one will have to pay for ones misdeeds. Yes it is time to fess up and to put it another way it is the day that a mischievous person or to extend it an evil person fears most... his or her day of reckoning. 

So as the Trinidadian would say, "who cyar hear will have to feel" and "one day, one day congotay!"

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"Easy-Kai"|Yuh is ah Trini

Triniglish|Trinididioms spoken and explained  #62
Yuh is ah Trini|"Easy-Kai"

If you take a good look at Trinidad politics you will find plenty to make you cringe, laugh and celebrate and even tell people that you are "PNM till yuh dead". Well when Mr. Jack Warner surveyed his territory and drew up his map to get into government he sought a vehicle to get there. That vehicle as everyone knows is the UNC. Most of the people who considered themselves "PNM till ah dead" died a figurative death when Mr. Warner adopted an "Easy-Kai" approach to right the "Sinking Ship" that Gypsy tried so hard to educate the population about so many years before. 

He saw the problems that stood in the way of the party and his ultimate goal of gaining governance of the country. He smiled and probably said to himself, "Easy-Kai". Well at least when Ram-Jack and then Kam-Jack pulled at the reigns of leadership he knew that Bas had to go and and he probably said to both Ramesh and Kamla, "Easy-Kai". The rest is history and will be part of his story as he relates how he came, he saw and he conquered the very cunning and notorious silver fox. 

No problem and very simple in thought but a task to accomplish all the same. In the end it really looked like, "Easy-Kai".

Now if you consider any task difficult you are doomed to failure before you start. However if your goal is to win, to reach the final stage with your head above the water then it is very important that you don't see obstacles in your path. If there are obstacles be not afraid to take a stand and say to yourself, "Easy-Kai" which simply means, "no problem and very simple to overcome".  

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"Fatigue"|Yuh is ah Trini

Triniglish|Trinididioms spoken and explained  #61
Yuh is ah Trini|"Fatigue" 

Now if you are 'a born and bred' Trini (of Trinidadian birthright) at some point in your life, while liming with friends (hanging out), someone would have teased the hell out of you. The goal of the exercise was to basically ridicule you... a roast of sorts!

In Trinidad and Tobago this is called giving 'fatigue'. Now I know the word 'fatigue' makes one think about and may every cause one to become tired and we have so many things going on today that burdens our soul and tired body. However in Trinidad this teasing could lead enmities and even fighting when the victim is harassed to the point that he/she can't take the tongue lashing anymore.

Most of the time the 'rounds or fatigue' is swift and the line of fatigue moves from one person to another. However, when someone appears to be unable to handle the ridiculing it is on those occasions that the worst comes out of some people and the teasing continues to the point that a person can end up crying or leaving with a very sour taste in his or her mouth. This is very bad especially when someone close to you participates in the teasing. 

Indeed to poke fun at someones shortcomings can be done to bring about some laughter and can be fun if done right. However, when it is continue and the pounding comes from everyone in the lime and the laughing can't seem to come to a close at this point friendships can be strained to the point that "ah cyar call yuh meh fren' anymore". 

In today's society it may not be a good thing to rib someone to the point where the 'fatigue' brings about this situation where friendships have to end. In this society people act differently and rather than take the ribbing and moving on violence may be the end result. One must be careful with 'the art of giving fatigue' and it must be done in 'good taste' otherwise 'crapo will smoke yuh pipe pardna'. 

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"Ah rell check fuh yuh, yuh know"|Yuh is ah Trini

Triniglish|Trinididioms spoken and explained  #60
Yuh is ah Trini|"Ah rell check fuh yuh, yuh know"

"Way kinda propositioning is dat Santiwah, Yuh doz have to sweet talk dem a bit not jus Plain AH HAVE ONE FUH YUH!! A A."  Those words were said by one Gumbo Lai Lai and it took the Englishman from Laventille seconds to respond to the "yuh is ah Trini" test question, "what does it mean when a Trini states, "ah rell(really) check fuh yuh, yuh know".

Now yo must understand that even though Gumbo did not say it in a simple and straight forward manner he hit the nail on the head when he started with, "what kinda propositioning is dat?" Well to reach the final stage one has to start somewhere and it all begins with the 'propositioning'. Well all relationships start with some kind of groundwork...  'Yuh see, yuh like and  then yuh make yuh move'. 

Now 'after yuh make yuh move' (Trini for having the 'gumption' to act on your feelings) comes the next stage and here is where we return to Lai lai's statement that follows, "yuh doz (does) have to sweet talk dem a bit"... Yes this is the meat and bones of the game and if you don't do a good job then  what you have to say, what you want to say and what you do say will all be meaningless because in the end, "ah have one fuh yuh" or "ah check fuh yuh" could lead to serious embarrassment. 

'Ah rell check fuh yuh', with emphasis on the final 'yuh know' could result in a good start or a serious put down. The entire statement centers on one person wanting to let another know that they are attracted to the other person to the extent that they feel love for that person. This troublesome situation could have been better put/better said using common sense traditional English that really gets the job done - "I love you". This is a leap of faith and either it works or not and you may end up with a smile or a Chaplin frown.

Obviously one will note that "ah rell check fuh yuh, yuh know" was said by a Trini male who simply was not man enough, who was not brave or eloquent  enough to watch the lady in her eyes and say: "My lady, I think I love you". 

So remember, "I feel for you" or "ah really check fuh yuh" all boils down to a very insecure Trini male wanting to say, "I love you".


A note of thanks for the inspiration: I have to say thank you to Gumbo Lai Lai, the voice of reason in the WACK shout-box (www.wackradio901fm.com), for his witty response that inspired me to write this post.

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Trinidad and Tobago's National Anthem|H20 PHLO Style!

Listen to this wonderful version of our National Anthem. I heard this version one night while listening to  www.wackradio901fm.com; my favorite Culture radio station broadcasting from San Fernando, Trinidad.
Kenny Phillips, the CEO of the station and now Alderman in the San Fernando City Corporation, did the programming for the music session.

I had originally asked Kent "The Juice" and Ellsworth James to play this version of the anthem on their show, "The Cook Up" but they ribbed me because they joked that it would mean stopping traffic and having people standing at attention for the anthem during prime time - it was just their way of teasing me! Well they did not play it, but here comes their boss to the rescue. 

Kenny, as he is affectionately known, was kind enough to give us the opportunity to listen to our anthem on this blog. Trust me,  you will enjoy listening to this superb and melodious version that was done by H2O PHLO. After it is finished playing you would be asking if our anthem was always this short - you enjoyed listening that much and was expecting more! Well play it again, and again and come back when ever you want  and play it again!

"H20 Phlo is one of the leading R&B vocal groups, not only in Trinidad & Tobago, but also in the Caribbean region."
"The group's members: Jason Seecharan, Audie Hewitt, Junior Nelson and Keston Rosales, realized their common interest in music and singing while at school and the rest, as they say is history" - afromontreal.com.

The lyrics are provided below so that you can sing along (if you don't know it).

THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

Forged from the love of liberty,
In the fires of hope and prayer,
With boundless faith in our Destiny,
We solemnly declare,
Side by side we stand,
Islands of the blue Caribbean Sea,
This our Native Land,
We pledge our lives to Thee,
Here every creed and race finds an equal place,
And may God bless our Nation,
Here every creed and race finds an equal place,
And may God bless our Nation.

Song: NATIONAL ANTHEM H2O

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"Chou Poule"|Yuh is ah Trini

Triniglish|Trinididioms spoken and explained  #59
Yuh is ah Trini|"Chou Poule"

How many times have you heard people say I am "Trini2DBone", "Trini2MehMarrow" and at the same time beating their chest simply to say I am a Trinidadian and proud to be one. But is there a situation when what you believe in your heart is not considered politically correct? Either "Yuh is ah Trini" or you are not? Well maybe, not exactly...

Today I was listening to the radio and there was a discussion takeing place regarding the Old Age Pension scheme designed for those in their golden years. Many persons aired their annoyances during the feedback session. However, I was surprised when I learned the qualification one needed to have to receive the pension. 

Now don't get me wrong when I say what I have to say about the qualification. The qualification itself is not an issue with meh but something else I heard really got me thinking. Now in order to qualify for the pension a Trinidadian must show residency status of fifty (50) years. Sounds like a lot but I don't take issue with that. This is what annoyed me: someone who was born in another country and decided to move to Trinidad and gain residency/national status only had to reside in Trinidad for twenty (20) years to qualify for the pension at age 60. "Dat ting vex meh bad, bad, bad eh!"

Now wait a minute a born and bred Trinidadian had to show residency of 50 years while someone born elsewhere only had to reside in Trinidad for 20 years to qualify? What nonsense it that? It isn't that I want that pension (I lived in Trinidad for 33 years before migrating to the US) but it irks me that I was born in Trinidad and find myself a second class citizen to someone from another country. That is a choops, steups and cheups situation as far as I am concerned. That is not right!

In such a situation it is only fitting to say "chou poule" and it simply means "to hell with that". Now when I say "chou poule" it can mean many things. I have lived in the US and never once considered giving up my Trinidad and Tobago citizenship for US citizenship even thought dual citizenship is obtainable. Now I feel like the barrier has been lifted for me to now consider becoming a US citizen. As I said before it isn't that I want the pension but I feel cheated of my rights as a citizen, a born Trinidadian that I am less important than the person who moved to Trinidad and became a citizen. 

Just recently the Prime Minister was in New York and she addressed Trinidadians about returning home to 'give back' because there are many very educated Trinidadians living abroad. This to me is like the hiring of the new Commissioner of Police. One rate for the local CoP and another for the CoP who is a foreigner! One must always treat your own with respect, not just talk about it but show the respect. From the days of slavery and indenture-ship we were treated as less important than the foreigners, that has to change. We need to be treated with equal respect especially from our own people; only  then we can move forward as a proud people.

Until that change is seen I will continue to say, "Chou Poule" (to hell with that)!

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"Tankalanka"| Yuh is ah Trini

Triniglish|Trinididioms spoken and explained  #58

Yuh is ah Trini|Tankalanka

This one is pretty straight forward and is one of the most popular words used by children in Trinidad and Tobago. Children at play always leads to mischief and trouble for a member that is set up by one of his or her good paliwals.

Children like to tease and teasing is done in many ways. However when tankalank is used it is done to tease and inform the the person in question that they are in dire straits - yes yuh in trouble fren'. That good fren' now becomes a serial teasing machine and won't rest until the person cries to bring about the desired effect - satisfaction that yes, ah get yuh back. "Tankalanka yuh will get ah good cut arse when yuh modder find out is you who thief the milk and sugar".

Tankalanka is also used as the name for one of my favorite Trinidad Dictionary. It is the compilation of various Trini words used on a daily basis. The author of the work is Ilka. She was  "born in Germany of a Dutch father and a German mother and I came to live in Trinidad (Trinidad and Tobago) in 1971."  The dictionary can be accessed at this link: Tankalanka.

"Ah ha, tankalanka ah go tell on yuh". "No no don't do dat please doh tell!" That is typical usage of the work but then again if you go to Tankalanka the dictionary and look up the work Tankalanka you will get this: "Trouble- said in a teasing tone of voice. Tankalanka! Yuh mudder will beat yuh for this."

Just keep in mind that if you don't have a copy of Côté ci Côté là  that you can find what you are looking for from the online 'Trini' dictionary 'Tankalanka'. However, if yuh think that you have me over the barrel and you intent to tell on me,  then start the thing with "tankalanka ah go tell on you"... Yuh see, now yuh is ah Trini! 

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Carnival 2011 is coming|SHADES OF THE UNIVERSE

Hello! I like what I see when I lust (ahem look) at the photo. She is a very beautiful model and yes she does justice to the costume. If only on Carnival day that section could only look like a clone of her. Well I guess that will not be the case but I do hope that sensible thinking will prevail and that the ladies signing up for this section, this costume in particular, take a good look at your body in the mirror and if you like what you see then go for it.

The lady in the photo has set the standard for this costume and if you can't live up to expectaton then look for a section with a little bit more coverage. Long live King Carnival. The participants of this festive time regale in the bacchanalia.  Bacchus will  be proud on his sinners on the day the flesh is revealed on the streets of Port-of-Spain.

"Ah cyar wait!"

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Relief Sunday|Yuh is ah Trini

Today we stand up for something that is right... Call it Compassion Day, call it whatever you may but take note that today is Relief Sunday in San Fernando!

This is your moment, your place in history, to prove that "Yuh is ah true Trini2DBone!  Today is the day that we stand up and embrace those whom are in need, those who are still suffering from the recent flooding that had everyone watching in awe with many left in shock. Today, August 22, 2010 everyone is invited to come (if you can) or log on via the Internet to a FREE concert with some the country's TOP artistes. Our national icons, our heroes will be  donating their time to this effort and it is only fitting that you attend this very worthy cause. 

Your Culture Krazy Station WACK 90.1 FM in conjunction with The San Fernando City Corporation presents Relief Sunday! 

This is a joint venture that has been organized to assist those who were adversely affected by the recent flooding. Those of us who were not affect cannot comprehend the  pain and angst along with destruction of property in the way the people who were stranded in rising flood waters felt and still feel to this day. However, we still can assist by becoming a part of this effort to help. 

The Venue:In front of WACK's studio, 129-C Coffee Street, San Fernando/ www.wackradio901fm.com  on the World Wide Web. 

Time: Starting at 12 noon with the Culture Pot. Join Deso & Kenny  as they kick off this HEART2HEART  Event!

Everyone is invited and  please note that you can donate any non- perishable food item, clothes, school books, school bags and other school stationery. Call a friend and let them know about the efforts of Kenny and Mr. Desmond (Deso) along with the San Fernando City Cooperation. It is a charitable event that  is designed to assist the recent flood victims and to let them know that they are not alone! I have always said that it is time that the nations thinks "WE" and not "I"!

NO CASH DONATIONS!

Stay tune to 90.1 FM for artiste lineup!  Help those in need... It could be you tomorrow!

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Lord Kitchener's Final Public Appearance

Take a look at this very interesting video clip from YouTube. In this clip you will see Boogsie and Invaders doing their thing. Rudolph Walker walks in on the performance to introduce Lord Kitchener. The Maestro of Kaiso simply grooves next to Boogsie. He does not speak or sing but it is a timeless moment captured for us to look back and reminisce about that which was so good and of the things we so took for granted.

Here is the information from provided with the video from YouTube: "In what is considered his last public appearance the Grand Master Lord Kitchener appears with the Mozart of Pan Len Boogsie Sharpe along with the Invaders steel band performing his timeless classic Pan Night & Day at Ringbang Celebration 2000."

via www.youtube.com

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"Behin’ back is “Dog”. Before face is “Mr. Dog.”"| Yuh is ah Trini

Triniglish|Trinididioms spoken and explained  #57
Yuh is ah Trini|Behin’ back is “Dog”. Before face is “Mr. Dog.”

This is a situation where a person pretends to know someone intimately but in fact does not. This person can be deemed a 'poser' who attempts to fool someone for selfish reasons. There are many gullible persons out there and they fall for the scam 'hook, line and sinker'. 

Most of the time this cruel act of deception takes place when the person pretends "to be on a first name basis with someone who is very well known or highly regarded" in the community or country; however, the truth is quite the opposite.   Most of the time the goal is to achieve some form of notoriety or it could simply be a case where the person is attempting to create the impression that he/she is a part of the "in crowd".  The goal is always the same and the outcome may or may not be achieved based on the gullibility of the other person. They achieve their objective to "pretend and deceive" with a straight face. This is not always easy to sell but some people are really good at it.  

The unfortunate situation comes into play when "someone pretending that he/she and a certain V.I.P. are best of friends — then when faced with that person, they show the same deference (humble submission and respect) and humility as everyone else". The embarrassment is swift resulting is a total destruction of the person's credibility. 

We encounter these people every day but for some reason give then 'a pass' or like we say at home give them "ah bligh" even thought we know that they are 'full of it'. Some people are just mischievous and simply do it because they love the outcome of the kankalang or the commess that that follows. 

Behin' back is "Dog". Before face is "Mr. Dog" is one Trini phrase that is not used often but one that should be kept high on everyone's list. These situations are experienced everyday.  "People will gossip about you when you're not around and speak to you nicely when you're in their company (Simply Trini Cooking|Trini Sayings)".  Just remember that as sweet as it sounds the truth is that the results are sour, pretentious and deceitful in nature. 

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"Ah box ah dead"|Yuh is ah Trini

Triniglish|Trinididioms spoken and explained  #56
"Ah box ah dead"|Yuh is ah Trini

"Lord fadda look ting... We in front Royal Castle and ah salivating for some crinkle cut fries and mouth watering fried chicken."

"Hello yuh mean yuh want "ah box ah dead!" But what de hell is dis, yuh spen' two months in New York and yuh want crinkle cut fries and fried chicken? Choops, Steups and yes Cheups again!"

"Look fren' if yuh want to be proper den ax for ah box of chicken and chips. Yuh go make meh shame here oui."

"Pardna gimme ah box ah dead dey nah and...steups (not ah real choops just a short suck teet').... Add ah extra leg dey nah!"

Now if you are a true Trini nothing beats eating Royal Castle chicken and chips eh... Hey some people love KFC but after some serious sours or a few carib (ahhh!... ah beer is ah Carib) the best thing to eat is Royal Castle 'dead' loaded with as much ketchup as you can tolerate on 'dem chips'. Now we talking about niceness and oh yes, ah piece of breast meat will do. I personally like the bony pieces to chew and grind and swallow just the way most Trinis like to do (don't deny eh).

"Ah Box Ah Dead" - Now everyone wants to know if you had Royal Castle when you went home or better yet... "Yuh bring any dead" or steups, "Yuh went all the way to Trinidad and yuh eh bring back some dead boi". 

I know if you visit most of the sites on the web and search for "ah box ah dead" you may find this: "A take out meal of fried chicken and french fries, typically KFC - http://www.skettel.com." However, it is my humble opinion that Royal Castle is better simply because of the crinkle cut chips. That, in my opinion, puts them over the top and leaves KFC in the dust. 

So the next time you visit Trinidad and Tobago make it your business to try out both KFC and Royal Castle by purchasing "ah box ah dead" from each (to sample nah).  But wait, do it after a few beers and then come here and post the result with a comment on which is better. "Ah bet yuh it will be Royal Castle."

OK, just out of curiosity please leave a comment if you can recall when this phrase, "ah box ah dead" came in vogue. Only in Trinidad folks and only ah Trini can put the 'dead' in such a a tasty and should I say 'tasteful parlance'?

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The Birdie can still Ramajay!

Sparrow shows them he’s not dead|Guardian

Renowned calypsonian Slinger Francisco has been opening his shows with the autobiographical Sparrow Dead since he returned to the entertainment circuit in New York on Sunday.

On July 28, Francisco, aka Sparrow, underwent emergency surgery at a private hospital in Maryland, United States. He had suffered acute pain on the right groin after performing. Calypso researcher Alvin Daniell says Francisco, 75, told him he was back on the job and titillating the audiences with Sparrow Dead. The song was written in the 60s after rumours circulated Francisco had “kicked the bucket”. Daniell said: "Sparrow will be performing in Toronto. Last night (Monday) he performed in New York with Calypso Rose and Gregory Isaacs. He has been opening show after show with Sparrow Dead. The response has been fantastic.

via guardian.co.tt

The photo above is in stark contrast to his NAPA performance recently. See article, "The Birdie could not Ramajay".

The photo shows someone who is happy and healthy. He looks good and wants to show everyone that the Birdy can still ramage (ramajay) with the best - he was and still is King of the Calypso World!

Sparrow looks healthy and still has his sense of humor intact. The fact that he is opening his shows with the very famous "Sparow dead" is indicative that he is aware of the public's view and can poke back at them in style.

What a difference and I am certain that the public in Trinidad will be skeptical but would still long to see for themselves that all is well - he needs to show  his face at NAPA again and show them that Willie is not dead!

Long live the King!

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Kijali the ultimate Tabanca|Yuh is ah Trini

Triniglish|Trinididioms spoken and explained  #55

Kijali the ultimate Tabanca|Yuh is ah Trini

Maybe I am not doing the right thing by dealing with this subject first. I should have done tabanca (tabanka) first. However I am taking it for granted that most people already know what ah tabanca is or have experienced it as I did many years ago (ah was young and chupid; yes I said chupid and you should know that chupid is beyond being stupid). Ok for those who don't know what "ah tabanca (tabanka) is here is it in very simple terms. Plain and simply put it is a case of the blues. However in Trinidad and Tobago the term Tabanca is the equivalent of two things: a case of the blues and temporarily becoming mooksy from the experience. 

A Trini Tabanca is not simply about getting hurt and being love-sick. We always like to complicate the situation and it is taken to several stages with the pinnacle being the state of 'Kijali'(pronounced ki-jal-y) the king of all Tabanca. Kijali is to have 'ah tabanca about ah tabanca'. Can you grasp the severity of the situation? This is no joke and if not treated quickly intense foufoulou will confound and destroy any degree of manhood and indeed every last shred of respect this individual can muster to get his head out of the river of despair that he has mired his soul in.

To be honest the ultimate Kijali takes place when an inexperienced young man gets involved with a married woman who has strayed from her marital bed. The thing is sweet for a while but then she back tracks and decides to stay home. The young jilted lover is lost and 'taban(ca)-truck' sets it leading to... You guessed it, Kijali! Let meh say this... In some circles Kijali is considered a tabanca for ah tabanca...  if you can figure that one out then drop a line and talk about your experience(s). Ha!

If you know of someone who is hurting from a broken heart you will see the pain in their eyes and you will sympathize with the state that love has taken them to. In the case of a tabanca you will see the hurt and pain but also observe the person behaving like a mook. In this case he will forsake his family and friends and embark on an extreme diet plan that even Jenny Craig cannot equal - weight loss is severe and extreme to the point that one could remark that the boi ketch merasmi. In such a situation the love sickness has moved through his system like 'ah dose of (Epsom) salts' - the weight loss is swift and wicked.

Now that was stage two and as we move forward to Kijali the hurt and pain is seen but in this stage "the St. Ann's syndrome (mad house) sets in and the tabanka feeds off itself. There is laughter and a sense of calm that betrays the person consoling the love sick puppy. It is as if the tabanca brought about a level of relief and the person relives the relationship through the pain of repeating the day that the relationship ended. If I did this or did not do that then we would still be '"goin' 'round". This wicked cycle of events feeds off itself and promotes as sense of false hope that brings about more pain and suffering. 

Kijali usually takes the person into the depths of despair that could have several endings. Firstly the person goes to the end walks towards the light but comes back to reality after two lashes with ah bull pistle. The first lash makes him stop and think (this feels like it lasted for an eternity) then the second shot brings him back to reality and sends him bawling like ah child and looking for mammy. 

The second situation is not a good one and this usually ends in the use of a pesticide used mostly by people who like to drink rum a lot. After the rum comes the gramoxone and death. A third situation results in a sort of 'make up love' where the jilted lover is taken back and thanked the heavens that the Matrix was just a movie. However he becomes a mama-poule and a foot-stool in the relationship. 

Kijali is not a nice thing and to be considered a tabanca about a tabanca is the ultimate black hole for a man to find himself in - not to mention experiencing the frenzy of the bazodee effect! My friends when you see water more that flour 'bet yuh bottom dollar' (rest assured) that yuh will not be eating buss-up-shut (Trinidad Paratha Roti) and curry duck but :"lef' hand dumpling" (don't tell me you don't know about "lef' hand dumplings" now)  that will bring you to your knees and make you a love slave - Kijali enslavement!

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"Throw an Eye"|Yuh is ah Trini

Triniglish|Trinididioms Spoken and Explained #54
"Throw an Eye"|Yuh is ah Trini

I was listening to the radio this morning when I heard "The Juice" talking about the good ole days mention the fact that sometimes when we left our homes for a short while we asked the neighbor to "throw an eye on de place until ah come back nah".  Now that is classic Trinidad in the good ole days when life was relaxed and people looked out for each other. Not again ... that very same neighbor today may very well make a call and have your home robbed.

That was a bit extreme but it is quite possible. Now one may ask what is the meaning of the phrase, "throw an eye"? Well it should be noted that the phrase is not unique to Trinidad and Tobago and is used in other parts of the world. However, it has a special feel when used by a Trini.  Take for instance that you are at home and need to "run down to the parlour" to get something. The house is open but you don't want to lock down everything simply to go around the corner to the parlor. Well that is where your neighbor comes in. 

"Neighb, neighb do meh ah favor please..." "Throw an eye on the hour for meh nah; ah jus' wanna get somethin' in de parlour."

Now if you and your neighbor are really good friends nothing else is required or she/he may even ask you to pick up something in the shop/parlour for them.  

So when this neighbor "throws an eye" on the house for you there is a sense of peace and security that all will be the same when you return home. To 'throw an eye" simply means "to look at, keep an eye on, give a glance at" and its sole purpose is to ensure that all remains the same until the owner returns home. 

You can 'throw an eye' on the house, on the 'chile', the dog or anything that is considered important to ask the favor of from someone (usually a friend or someone that you trust). So remember to 'throw an eye' on your neighbor's property even if they don't ask because the same good dded could be returned in your favor one day. 

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"Dingolay"|Yuh is ah Trini

Triniglish|Trinididioms Spoken and Explained #53

Yuh is ah Trini|"Dingolay"

So you like to brag that "Yuh is ah Trini" and that you have the "seed ah de riddim" in yuh soul. Well if that is the case then you not only know what it means to ":Dingolay" but just for the hell of it will put on some music and "dingolay" with the following expression: "Take dat pardna... This one is for you!"

If you look closely you just might be able to catch members of the audience in the daze of the dingolay spirit - may the force be with you. Well to Dingolay is to dance in an expressive style that is  unique to you and your place in time at that very moment.  In other words you are doing your own thing!

In 2010 the dance craze was Palance but way before Palance was an idea for a dance Winston Bailey affectionately known in the Calypso World as the Mighty Shadow had people Dingolaying since 1994. In as much as Trinidadians always dance and celebrate in festive abandon the year 1994 was the year to Dingolay with class.

Indeed to Dingolay according to Cote Côté ci Côté la (Trinidad Dictionary) is to dance with unusual hand and foot movements, mad, crazy. I like to think of it as to make mas in de mas. If you are a Trinidadian or someone from the Caribbean then you will understand what it is to make mas in de mas - to fete without a care and dingolay to the hilt. Indeed the way Shadow dances is very unusual with his skip jumping with both feet in the air. Shadow is unusual and some people actually claim that his beat, his unique music (from the early days) was actually the start of the music that we know today as Soca (but that is a different conversation for another time).

Today the dance is Palance but back then it was simply Shadowmania and no one bothered to give the dance a name. I guess as the times changed people kept looking to brand everything they created. I don't blame them taking into consideration what has happened to the Steel Pan, Calypso and Soca music. What happened your ask? Well it seems like everyone has laid claim to the creation of these very Trinidadian cultural phenomena.

Having said that please rest assured that Trinidad will continue to lead with the music and dance even though St. Vincent and Barbados are placing their stamp on their own festivals that feature similar music.
In any case, as long as we keep Palancing and doing the Dingolay we will continue to lead and others will continually follow in the spirit of Trinidad and Tobago's musical geniuses. In reflection we can indeed say that we have a dance from music created by the genius Winston Bailey and we can indeed refer to it as "The Dingolay".
Denise Belfon's 'dance and dingolay' adds some sassy rhythms to the mix and it is only fitting that we feature the song here.

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"Somebody Will Horn Yuh"|Yuh is ah Trini

Triniglish|Trinididioms Spoken and Explained #52

Yuh is ah Trini|"Somebody Will Horn Yuh""

If you horn someone... Somebody will horn you in return and as Shadow says in song, "Yuh looking for horn boy... Ah hope yuh could take it pardna!" Having said that one has to add that ah  horn only gets ah life if yuh take it on!

Yuh looking for horn... that, believe it or not is the name of a song made popular by the Mighty Shadow. Now the act of horning someone is serious business that could lead to serious bodily damage or death at the hands of a jilted lover or even death by grammoxonne (a poison used in agriculture but is sometimes used as the love remedy that relieves an aching heart from all misery).

Horn... what is horn.
Well plain and simple to horn is to cheat on your loved one; in other words to be unfaithful to your spouse. This takes place all over the world and it is happening as you read this post. What causes someone to horn their spouse? There could be many reasons and none of which can be justified. In Trinidad it depends on who is doing the horning that characterizes what 'john public' has to say about the situation.

Fame of a Cheat in Trinidad culture

Yes the cheat could be famous or reviled. The woman consider the men no good a 'good for nothing son of a bitch'. However when the men get together the cheating man is considered "the man" and someone who has to tell the bois how good the female is in bed. In the case of the woman nothing good comes from it and she is reviled to the hilt. She is a jagabath, jezibell, bitch, ah hoe, jamet and is looked upon with scorn and contempt. Well what do you expect in a male dominated society (male dominated in open but ruled by the women at home).

Horn meh but doh leave meh

A lover's scorn... oh my goodness gracious. Some people find themselves in a situation where there is no way to turn and in the case of the women they simply take the shame and hurt either for their own financial security or for the sake of their children. Some of the men... Well it is tears - literally. Now this may not sound good but in this case the man is called a manicou man, mama poule, in other words a wimp. The woman rules this man and it can be said that he was given some ganga channa in his food and is suffering from a bad case of foufulu. He is a very sorry site to behold and prefers to remain with his woman even though he knows that she is 'creeping' with another man.

Woman is Boss

Hello did you say that men are getting horned not just by another man but by women whose charm is greater than that of the man in the house. Yes this situation has also taken hold of sweet Trinidad and Tobago where these women are very aggressive and hold on to their lovers to the point where the man has to take the 'back-seat' in the relationship.

What is the answer?

What is the answer for all of these unfaithful relationships?  Well, it is apparent that most people think that the grass is greener on the other side or they are simply too damn horny. The Trinidadian society recently broke a record as the nation surfing the most sex sites on the internet per capita. Yes Trinidadians are a set of very horny people and that means that horning is an art. There are many calypsos written about this subject and many more will be written. Some people get revenge by going after friends and family of the person who horned them (on both sides of the cheating coin). It does not solve anything but brings some satisfaction to the table.

My advice is if you can't take horn don't get involved in any cheating relationships. That green grass on the other side could very well be Astroturf. These relationships may be exciting but cause more harm and severe pain for the aggrieved persons. Buyer beware!

Thou Shall not horn... If you get caught then the following could occur....

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"Dun Dat"|Yuh is ah Trini

Triniglish|Trinididioms Spoken and Explained #51

Yuh is ah Trini|"Dun Dat"

I dedicate this one to Gail and my PNM friends from the Wack Radio Shout-box. Why? This subject fits 'like ring on finger',  like hand in a glove' or we could simply say 'like hog love mud'. Obviously you know we are heading down the election path... I just love poking them just as much as they enjoy doing it to me. However, today the shoe is on the other foot. Now even though I am in the minority in the WACK radio shout-box, when it comes to being a supporter of the present government, my voice is strong and I can take on all comers in that box. 

Gail and Fabs still believe that Patos is running the show in Trinbago and will steups, cheups and choops ever so often. I am constantly amused at their many efforts to detract and to find a pin hole to stick their electioneering fingers into in an attempt to 'show up' the present administration that is just under 3 months in office. They expected 20/20 vision in this period; the same promises that the PNM promised to be here by 2020... This math does not compute! Ok that was the filler and here comes the "yuh is ah Trini segment" with special reference to the phrase "Dun Dat". It sounds good saying, 'dun dat nah Ramnath' but yellow is in vogue with serious red looking to mix up the ting and bring in a 'crimson orange' in the brew. Well Gail is my favorite in the box...

Lady Commesse aka D'kankalang Queen loves to hit and run and when she believes she has you on the ropes she jabs until her fingers cyar do it anymore. I sit and watch and let her tire her fingers out with all the yellow in the box serenading the PP partnership... talk about poetic justice! Well after she pauses and celebrates I simply come in and pull the walking stick she uses from under her arm causing her to kilkatay and fall to the floor. When I say fall to the floor I really mean she back tracks and says that she pays her taxes to 'Uncle Sam' and wants you to believe that 'she eh have no cocoa in the sun'. Now isn't that food for thought? However, it is really deserving of a major Choops. "When watah (water) more than flour" then you will get, "Smarty the election is over... "Dun Dat nah man".  

Yuh see me now! "Dun Dat" means don't talk about the election. In other words "don't bring up the subject again". Don't talk about the PNM and the many wrong things that were done and the mismanagement of the resources of the country. The monies wasted on so many projects and the damn country flooding today because no one thought it necessary or cost effective to put in proper drainage infrastructure. Choops, fuss ah does get vex with dem  and their tunnel vision. "Ah so vex ah think that I have to go Paramin and reboot like a PC by walking in the clouds in dem mountains in Paramin. Yuh know breathe in some of the fresh air and clear my brain to feel what is mean to be "PNM till ah dead".

"Dun Dat"? We will see because it depends on what they want to finish or bring to an end. If they want to end corruption, stem the crime tidal wave and bring some order and good governance that is for and by the people then together we will celebrate and "dun dat" will go down in history as an achievement of the people without regard to political allegiance. 

So don't forget what this post was really meant to address eh (ah got ah little distracted...LOL) - "Dun Dat". Just tell you friends that "dun dat" means: Don't bring up the subject again! Just ask Gail and Lady Fabs...

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"Marche-Shoo"|Yuh is ah Trini

Triniglish|Trinididioms Spoken and Explained #50

Yuh is ah Trini|"Marche-Shoo"

This one is a classic and one that I remember using as a child in Trinidad. Not only is this popular in Trinidad but it is especially popular in Grenada also. As a matter of fact I was able to recall this one after perusing the Grenadian dictionary of terms. The site can be accessed from this link: Grenada Dictionary.

I am certain many of you can recall saying, "Macrche (mash) dog" or "shoo, Shoo" when chasing the chickens away from an area where you may just be feeding your ducks. Yes I had ducks, chicken and even rabbits at home (and ponds of gold fish too eh). In any case putting both together was a common practice. I wonder if the Grenadians living in Olton Road were responsible for the term being used at home. Nah, that was too common and in use by everyone in the area and I am certain across Trinidad. 

So when we use the term "Marche-Shoo" what exactly are we saying or trying to accomplish? Well as I mentioned previously it was used to chase away the dogs and chickens. I don't ever recall this combination of words or singularly used as 'marche' or 'shoo' ever used to tell someone to 'scram' or go away. I guess it was used to chase away the animals and fowls that became a nuisance at any given time. 

I guess that "Yuh is ah Trini" if you can recall this one or on the other hand you could very well be ah Trini of Grenadian ancestry eh. Does it matter? OK, Ok, "Yuh is ah Trini".

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"Like trowin' watah on duck back!"|Yuh is ah Trini

Triniglish|Trinididioms spoken and explained!

Yuh is ah Trini|"Like trowin' watah on duck back!"

"Like trowin (throwing) watah (water) on duck back!"  This is a situation that people find themselves in everyday. Sometimes when I think about it all I can do is choops (steups, cheups) and in so doing I know it is just suck air between my teeth in vain. Your know the saying, 'people are people' and they will remain stuck in their old ways until they are struck on their heads to wake them up - then again that, most of the time, does not work. So what is left? In such a situation a typical Trinidadian will say, "We like it so". 

As a child, I am sure you were fascinated to see how the water danced off the feathers of the ducks and chickens in the yard. "Is the oil causing dat" would be the typical response. "Yes, the ducks and chickens have an oil tank on dey bottom". Well not really, but children surely have a funny way of putting things in context. The outcome was the important thing and when one throws water on the duck it simply runs off. So to say a situation or to get a person to change their ways or better yet their modus operandi could simply be a waste of good intentions and genuine effort. The frustration that follows results in the exclamation that getting the person or situation to change is "Like trowing watah on duck back". In other words you are just 'wasting your time and good effort to effect change in the person or situation'.

I know that you have found yourself in this situation many times before with a friend or even family members. One of my favorite is seen when elections roll around. "Ah vex with Manning but ah voting PNM"; "Bas is ah good man ah voting UNC"; "Ah PNM till ah die" and my favorite of them all is "We like it so". Each of these, if you think about it, results from a severe dose of 'political ignorance' that has been passed on from parents to children and in most cases can be traced back to race issues and a lack of national pride or a misunderstanding of what it really means to be a patriot of Trinidad and Tobago. To effect constructive change in those situations is 'like pulling hair from yuh nose' that will only result in tears and frustration. 

I simply wanted to have a little fun and was not choosing sides politically when I used the election examples. Ignorance and chupidness (stupidity,stupidness) is well grounded on both sides of the divide. It is a frustration endeavor to effect change in attitude and thought and in most cases "is like spinning top in mud". Better put it is "Like trowing watah on duck back". 

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"Time Longer Than Twine"|Yuh is ah Trini

Triniglish|Trinididioms Spoken and Explained #48

Yuh is ah Trini|"Time Longer Than Twine"

The headlines and photos coming out of Trinidad paint a desperate picture of home owners going through one of the worst flooding experiences ever in the country. The despair is heartbreaking but we have also seen the new government take action that has made many proud. This is not a time to point fingers and these unusual weather patterns have been plaguing many nations across the globe this year - we are not the exception but part of a worldwide problem. 

Well in Trinidad we also have a saying that could bring some comfort for those whom are experiencing the pain and suffering caused by the rising flood waters. This will not resolve the flooding problem but for those who believe in a higher power may find some comfort in the proverb "Time longer than twine". Time longer than twine should be easily understood by Trini children from back in the day. My recollection is that every child had a ball of twine that always got knotted for some reason or the other. Frustration followed and it seems like unraveling the ball of knotted confusion would take forever. That was the thinking of children but an adult could always understand that "even the worse problems will come to an end". In other words regardless of the situation, "all bad things come to an end, given time".

In the case of the people of Trinidad and the flooding that is taking place presently we have to keep faith and hope that the rains subside to give nature time to right itself and have the lands drain the excess waters into the streams and rivers and wash it all into the ocean. The land is saturated but with time nature will right itself. Next dry season we expect the authorities will lead by example and clear the streams and dredge the main water ways to prevent future problems. 

Now we need to keep the faith and know that "time longer than twine".

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"One Time"|Yuh is ah Trini

Triniglish|Trinididioms Spoken and Explained #47

Yuh is ah Trini|"One Time"

One time... Just like that could only mean one thing only right? Well not if you are a Trinidadian because just like the color and splendor that made our carnival world renowned so too is our Creole English. So hold that thought for a moment and contemplate on what the Trini really is saying... pause and think again then hold your breath for the meaning.

'One time' is another one of those Triniglish|Trini phrase that eventually settles in with an OK, sounds reasonable enough. Reasonable if you can understand the context that Trinidadians use the phrase. Then again even understanding the context does not mean that an 'outsider' will get it. Even some foreign based Trinidadians who pretend to be Trini2dbone know the phrase but struggle to explain the meaning. This is the case with most of the phrases as they have become disconnected with the land of their birth.

So here we are again but you may desire that I simply state the meaning of the phrase, 'one time'. Yes I said you want the meaning "one time" and with that you should have been able to grasp the fact that I meant you want the explanation 'immediately' or as most Trinis like to say 'right now'.

If you surf the internet for Trini Slangs or Trini Lingo you will come across various examples on the use of various phrases. However, if you pause and think about it you may just remember 'back in the day stoning down' some mangoes from somebody's property and after the mango hits the ground boudoup you ran to get it. Then you hear, "get to hell outa meh yard, yuh faddah plant dat mango tree dey?" After snatchin' up the mango yuh hustle out of the yard 'one time'. Just as you got in for the mango jus'so yuh leave the yard, pot hounds and all on your heels. What happened next was precious... Dat was the sweetest mango yuh ever had!

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"Dress 'Round' Nah"|Yuh is ah Trini

Triniglish|Trinididioms Spoken and Explained! #46

Yuh is ah Trini|"Dress 'Round' Nah"

I believe that I have one here that most of you out there have forgotten. This is one phrase that I do recall using "back in the day" but have not used in years. I was amazed when this one was pointed out to me. At first I hesitated and had to dig deep to recall it and then all of a sudden came the smile - yes I remember using it and I do understand the meaning of the phrase... Do you?

OK, as an example... you and a group of your friends are waiting for a taxi to arrive (not ah Maxi taxi eh). So you see the car approaching and 'yuh flag it down" (LOL, did I get you with that also?). OK two in the front seat with the driver but there are four passengers outside and the back seat is designed for three persons. The driver wants to get the extra fare so when the back is filled with the three passengers he hits you with this, "Dress 'Round' Nah", let the man squeeze in.  

Did you get it? When you are asked to "Dress Round" the person is simply asking you to "Move Over" - yup it is that simple. 

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"Allyuh"|Yuh is ah Trini

Triniglish|Trinididioms Spoken and Explained! #45

Yuh is ah Trini|"Allyuh"

Did you know that Trinis created the art of reversing back? You didn't... Well on the heels of reversing back we had to become creative and messed with the American idiom "you-all". If it sounds familiar it is became you have been using it all the time but Trini style. The Trinididiom aka "All-Yuh" is the flip but with the same meaning.  

Same difference right... Damn our way of speaking is so unique and sounds like music to the ears on a different playing field. Now this has nothing to do with the Soca Warriors but only a warrior spirit to twist and turn anything into something new and at the same time give new life to an old expression.  Yes something old and something borrowed but made to look fresh and refreshing when the lavuay comes from the tongue of a Trinidadian. 

The use of "all-yuh" by a Trinidadian can become very annoying. If, for example, a person is upset or as we like to say 'get vex' because of a situation or to be specific because of something someone said or did "all-yuh" is used to express the person's disdain. In this case the person may remark "all-yuh is de worse... all-yuh does do ting to get people friggin' vex!" Now even though "all-yuh' is plural it is used in this singular situation. At the same time if there are others around at the time the immediate response might go like this. "But what de tail is dis? What I do to get blame jus' so?" Now you can see how the phrase can be abused and misused and at the same time cause others to become vexed because of the way  apply the phrase... "Allyuh Trinis good oui!"

Yes Triniglish and Trinididioms can put a smile on your face if you understand the lingo. However, if you can't then you may not compromise and simply conclude that these people need to learn standard grammar and learn to from basic sentences. However, if you spend some time on the islands I guarantee you that you too will be abusing the grammar and feel good because now "Yuh know yuh is ah Trini" or at least can understand and speak the lingo. 

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"Meh Muddah Taut Meh" | Yuh is ah Trini

Triniglish | Trinididioms Spoken and Explained! #44

Yuh is ah Trini | "Meh Muddah Taut Meh

I came across this list while browsing on the 'WEB" and thought that is was cute and interesting. Take a read and I guarantee you that you have heard them as a child or if you are not that old then you must have heard someone talking about what "Meh Mudda Taut' Meh".  I posted these on my Santiwah Blog but decided to use it as part of the "Yuh is ah Trini Series" of  posts. I don't know who originally put the list together and don't make any claims regarding this very wonderful list. These are sure to put a smile on your face... Enjoy!

THINGS Meh Mudda Taught me...

1. My Mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.

Eg)"Chile, just wait till we get home."

2. My Mother taught me about RECEIVING.

Eg)"Yuh go get ah good cut ass when we get home!"

3. My Mother taught me to MEET A CHALLENGE.

Eg)"What di @$$ yuh thinkin bout '? "Answer meh when ah talk to you...Chile....doh talk back to me!"

4. My Mother taught me CONSEQUENCES.

Eg)"If yuh run across de road an' ah car lick yu dong, ah goin' kill yuh wid licks."

5. My Mother taught me THE VALUE OF EDUCATION.

Eg)"If yuh doh go to school, yuh go pick up garbage on de street."

6. My Mother taught me HUMOR.

Eg)"If yuh don' eat food, breeze goin' blow yuh 'way."

7. My Mother taught me how to BECOME AN ADULT.

Eg)"Come an' tek yu licks' like ah man."

8. My Mother taught me about SEX.

Eg)"Yu tink yuh come from de sky?"

9. My Mother taught me about GENETICS.

Eg)"Yu dey jus' like yuh fadda."

10. My Mother taught me about WISDOM OF AGE.

Eg)"When yu get to be as ole' as me, yuh go understan'."

11. And my all time favorite... JUSTICE.

Eg)"One day wen yu have children, a hope dey treat yuh de same way." 

Source: http://www.bordeglobal.com/foruminv/index.php?showtopic=5716

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"Your nanny have pickers, yuh cyar get ah man"|Yuh is ah Trini

Triniglish|Trinididioms Spoken and Explained! #43

Yuh is ah Trini|"Your nanny have pickers, yuh cyar get ah man!"

There isn't a nice way to put this one. It is the ultimate insult that can be assigned to a woman. It has been said that all bread has its cheese and similarly that it is easy for a woman to find a man but difficult for a man to find a woman. This goes without saying if you are one who thinks that every man is a 'dog' or suffers from the 'dog syndrome' of wanting to hump every female he comes in contact with. Now that we got the 'pleasantries' out of the way (lordy) we can now turn our attention "your nanny have pickers, yuh cyar get ah man". However, before we get into the the juicy part of the proverb we need to address two words in the saying: 'nanny' and 'pickers'.

Yuh know how Trini like to call it front and center, live and direct... Nanny is used to mean grandmother in the East Indian communities in Trinidad but in the context of the discussion 'nanny' really means 'tun tun" ahem vagina. 

Pickers or Pikah or picant are names used to describe a variety of thorns found on the islands and like Trini like to say, "Picah go juck yuh... So be careful how yuh thread!" Trini men are, for the most part very selfish - especially with 'dey salt-fish'. Having said that, a nanny that has seen many machauels or as soon as machauel (oh yes, the machauel is a snake and  this is a reference to a man's penis) is around begins to swoon means that, 'horn and tabanka soon come'. That is a poonka-nanny that will be labeled spoilt goods and even though some men will consider it sweet rumors will label it as 'spoilt goods' - "dat nanny have picker" and yes it will be difficult (when word gets around) for this woman to get and keep a man. 

Now need I explain the proverb? On the heels of 'nanny' and 'pickers' your addition of one add one should not give you eleven but leave you with a smile and an understanding of how insulting that proverb is to a female (please don't use it on your female friends eh well, unless they really deserve it).

When a woman is told that "her nanny have pickers" it literally means that she cannot get a man in a World where men are looked upon as dogs (and dogs don't refuse anything...they will literally 'hump' anything). Just think about that... It is like the days in Trinidad when there was talk about "leper island" and the people whom were scorned were sent there to live. A woman whose "nanny have picah" has "gone to the cleaners" to use another Trini saying - "ting get teet' it does bite".

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"Fuh Troot'"|Yuh is ah Trini

Triniglish|Trinididioms Spoken and Explained #42

Yuh is ah Trini|Alderman Kenny Phillips|Fuh Troot'

For this post we are going to do something that is current and is breaking news today (08.04.2010). This has to do with the San Fernando City Corporation and the selection of the Aldermen. However, we are going to deal with the selection of an Alderman - Mr. Kenny Phillips. We will, at the same time, explain another Triniglish phrase by using a favorite of most Trinis, "Fuh Troot,'" in the posting. 

Jus' so, it came over the news, breaking new eh and on WACK Radio 901FM that Mr. Kenny Phillips was selected as an Alderman to the San Fernando City Corporation. So what do you think was my response when I heard the announcement; yes you guessed it.... Fuh Troot'? 

Fuh Troot' is a typical Trini response but what does it mean? Well to be honest I used it as a question as in, "Is that really so?"  However, when most Trinidadians use the term Fuh Troot' it usually comes at the end of a sentence as is the case in the following statement. Today Mr. Kenny Phillips, CEO of WACK Radio accepted the invitation to serve as an Alderman in the San Fernando City Corporation... Fuh Troot'. In such a case fuh troot' is designed as a statement of fact meaning, "Yes that is true". 

Not so long ago we were going back and forth regarding the need (as I saw it) to remove the then ruling Peoples National Movement (PNM) from office. Kenny, like a lot of supporters of the PNM, had a different view on the subject and would have preferred the status quo (to remain the same) - well that did not happen and we have a new government in office. I remember having fun teasing Mr. Desmond and Kenny on that Sunday show (day before the general election) little could I imagine that the change would see Mr. Phillips finally being recognized for his achievements by the very same cornerstone that he did not support. No one saw this coming and it is interesting that the PP government is showing that they care about the people more so than looking to make those who supported the PNM pay - this is a people centric party that will do right by and for the citizenry.

I want to take this opportunity to wish all elected representatives good luck and in the case of Mr. Kenny Phillips hearty congratulations and continued success while serving the people. 

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Choops|Where do we go from here?

"Choops Man"|Culture Appreciation Dilemma!

Twice-crowned Calypso Monarch Singing Sandra gave one of her best performances to date recently at the Mas Camp Pub in Woodbrook. This was at the monthly concert organised by the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO).

Sandra performed during the second half of the show in which she did a number of popular songs. She started off with the Ras Shorty I composition "Watch Out My Children". Members of the band performed solos during this number.

Sandra also had the entire audience singing along with her and it was one of her best performances of this timeless classic. She told the audience, "Shorty I asked me to keep this song in my repertoire so the message will live on and I felt honoured."

via www.trinidadexpress.com/"Money rains down on Sandra"

Please read the full story at the link above to get a better understanding of the story and the special performance that Singing Sandra delivered. Now we get to the reason for this post and the reference to the article link above. The Nigerian High Commissioner Musa John Jen and his guests were so impressed that they showered Sandra with money - literally, to show their appreciation for her performance.

OK, now comes the good and the bad and the question, "where do we go from here?" There were five comments to the article posted by the Express Newspapers - Let's take a look at two of the comments:

trinitodebone said yesterday at 4:04 PM

"It is time TUCO start creating DVDs for sale on these performances, or better yet put them on You-tube. Too much of the culture is not properly marketed, isn't TUCO supposed to be promoting the culture worldwide?"

Followed by:

David E said yesterday at 8:10 PM

"trinitodebone, I totally agree with you, but don't expect the Trnis at home to buy it! It must be marketed to the Trinis in foreign. Carnival DVDs too! Is mostly Trinis in foreign that pay for the culture. That is why you will NEVER find a carnival parade DVD in any store in Trinidad. Ah lie?"

Having read these two comments and properly digesting the contents how do you feel about the comments? Do you believe that we are only consumers of the culture only during 'festival time' and by that I mean during carnival and that we only consume the music but don't buy the music and videos?

Do you believe that there isn't a market for the music and video media in Trinidad and Tobago to make it viable at home?. On the other hand do you believe that trinitodebone is correct? To be honest with you (and I might be totally wrong) I tend to agree with trinitodebone.

I believe this to be true because I listen to WACK Radio (www.wackradio901fm.com) daily. This is the only total local radio station broadcasting in Trinidad and Tobago (with over 40 stations and counting) and they struggle for local support in the form of advertising dollars and listener-ship. Some people I have spoken to don't even know about WACK radio. Isn't that amazing? Well on the other hand WACK has listener-ship all over the World and the majority of people who really appreciate this station (and the culture) are Trinidadians living overseas. Something is really wrong with this picture.

So where do we go from here? How do we get the Trinidadians at home to think like the Trinidadians living overseas? Is it a case of feeling homesick that these overseas Trinis cling to WACK or is it a real appreciation for the culture? Well in my case it is a little of both. However, I believe that the failure of the culture to grow and take hold of the populace is a marketing problem. The local radio stations follow the money and the young people listening to the radio stations have an appetite for everything foreign. Notice that I said young people and it should be noted that the listener-ship of WACK radio is a mature audience compared to the successful and revenue generating stations in Trinidad and Tobago.

I still believe we have a marketing problem that needs to be addressed. The owners of the radio stations must meet with the producers of the local music and find a way to get the young people involved in local content. We don't want legislation to get a percentage of airtime for local culture because we could end up seeing "pay for play" taking hold of the industry. We have a long way to go and we are losing the battle. Time to fight back and spread the word that our local music is not just good but great!

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