Black Eye Peas for Good Luck on "Ole Year's Night"

There is a saying in Trinidad and Tobago that states: “Eat peas on New Year’s day to have plenty of everything the rest of the year.”

Every Trinidadian knows that on "Ole Year's Night", better known as "New Year's Eve" everywhere else, must be ushered in with a plate of black eye peas peleau.  Now eating black eye peas to start the new year (for good luck) may not be unique to Trinidad and Tobago but the black eye peas peleau with pig tail or salted beef surely is the meal of choice every 'Ole Year's Night' into the New Year.

In order to ensure that good luck follows the individual for the rest of the year the first food has to be black eye peas and this is not a tradition for Trinidad and Tobago but one that has been around for a very long time around the World. However, in Trinidad and Tobago it is done in traditional peleau style. Having said that my personal delight for this pea is to enjoy it fried. Yes boil it until soft then fry it... "Dat is the dam ting self!".

The following was taken from an article in Newsday dated December 31, 2008:

"Tonight, thousands throughout the country will be getting ready to ring in the new year . In the traditional way. If you are planning on visiting friends and family, it is likely you will be offered black-eyed peas in some form, either just after midnight or on New Year’s Day.

Here is how to prepare it: 

Trinidadian Black-Eyed Peas 

1 1/2 cups black eyed peas 

four cups parboiled rice 

meat of choice 

chopped chive 

chopped pimentos 

chopped onions 

chopped spanish thyme 

chopped celery 

two tablespoons sugar 

chopped parsley 

chopped bhandhanya (chadon beni) 

1 carrot, diced 

1 cup diced pumpkin 

three cloves of garlic 

whole pepper 

3 1/2 cups water 

1 cup coconut milk 

1 tsp salt (optional) 

two tablespoons cooking margarine 

pinch of black pepper 

If using dried peas, soak the peas overnight in three cups of water. Drain. Bring three fresh cups of water to a boil in a saucepan and add the peas. Cook until tender and drain and set aside. If using canned beans, drain, rinse with cold water, drain again, and set aside. 

Heat the oil in a heavy, deep pot. Add the sugar and swirl in the pot; allow it to caramelize to a dark brown colour. Add scalded pig tail, ham bone or your choice of meat and stir well to coat. Lower the heat to medium and add seasonings. Cook for one to two minutes, stirring constantly. 

Add rice and water and stir pot to integrate all contents until pot starts to boil again. 

Maintain moderate to low heat so that the pot continues cooking. Add coconut milk and stir periodically to ensure even mix and cooking of rice. 

Add 1/4 cups of hot water as necessary until rice is cooked and grainy (Basically as the rice slowly swells the water level will drop). On low heat allow pot to continue to simmer until moisture disappears.

http://www.newsday.co.tt/features/0,92650.html 

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Dance and Dingolay | Denise Belfon

Hear dis nah... Dis chune will mash up de place! Smarty say so... Chut man, dis Shango rythym is seriously infectious. I say kudos to Denise for a fantastic delivery. This copy on Youtube lacks the high end and may sound a little flat but after listening to the track on WACK Radio (www.wackradio901fm.com) I am sold and believe that this is the "mash up pick" for the upcoming Carnival (to date)!

Now if you believe that Trinis are the only ones with the wicked riddims (rhythms) then you are dead wrong. This beat comes from the Isle of Spice. It is called the 'Swahili Riddim' and was produced by Andrew 'Hitz' Phillip. Andrew is a born and bred Grenadian producer/songwriter who had his first major single sung by Blaxx of "Roy Cape Allstars"; that track, for the inquiring minds, was  entitled 'Zombie'.  The hook that follows 'Hitz' is simply put: "My Life, Your Entertainment"! Indeed it is his rhythm, his music with a saucy voice packing in the musical punches that would make Muhammad Ali proud. Enjoy!

Biography of: Denise Belfon
Denise Belfon is a Trinidadian soca artist known for her high energy, exotic and highly controversial on-stage performances that continue to draw frenzy from audiences and partygoers across the Caribbean. Her powerful, sultry vocals have helped establish her as one of the Caribbean’s hottest female acts. Her career, although very well established, exploded after the release of her 2003 smash single, "Saucy Baby", which is considered to be her signature song by many. Discovered in 1990 by band leader Roy Cape, she started singing professionally with the band Black Sheep and then moved to Sound Revolution. She has since had a very successful solo career.
Source: www.trinitunes.com

Information sourced from Youtube and REVERBNATION

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Pan Chunes are coming... Ah cyar wait!

Christmas is over... Enough of the yuletide music; just bring on the latest calypsos for the 2011 festival that we know as Carnival. Now we know that the general public can't wait to hear the latest dance tracks and with songs like "Trini" by Benjai and "Speaker Box" by Shal & TC we know that we are in for a bumper music season with hit after hit after hit. 

However, the connoisseur, like Steven Valentine,  will wait and listen for calypsos written for the steel pan. Even with all the trouble brewing between the steel pan fraternity and the Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism, Winston "Gypsy" Peters, "we cyar wait for the ting to start". We can do without this last minute 'kankalang' that is causing so much despair regarding certainty of the event.  Every Trinidadian  knows that for many the heart and soul of the Carnival is the Panorama Competition! Let us keep our fingers crossed that a compromise will be reached thereby enabling the competition to proceed as envisioned by the general public. 

Well as we wait for the "pan chunes" let us take a look back to 1988 and take a listen to a song that was done for Pamberi steel orchestra. The song is "Steel on Wheels" and was sung by Denise and Kai and composed by Godwyn Bowen and released under the Carotte Records label.

From Gayelle Television on YouTube: "Music video produced by Banyan for Pamberi Steel orchestra in 1988 to familiarise the public with Godwyn Bowen's Tune which Pamberi played for panorama that year."

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“Meh blood eh take him nah!” | Yuh is ah Trini

Triniglish|Trinididioms spoken and explained #74

Yuh is ah Trini | “Meh blood eh take him nah!”

Trini knows best and with that I have to ask you: Have you ever had a gut feeling about someone that 'something is not right?' Yes just like that and in true Trini style and simply put you could express the feeling with these words: "Meh blood didn't take the person".

That feeling is a 'gut feeling' that parents of girl children have when the boys are brave enough to come courting. Yes they are up to no good and are only slaves to the hormonal changes taking place. The ravages of this change will not happen on my call and with "meh chile". Eh eh...  Not so easy young fellah, "what are your intentions?" LOL. Yes I have experienced that as a young man growing up in Trinidad. That father put an end to the relationship by 'beating me out of his daughter's head'. Trust me it was sad but I have not gone down that path with 'meh chile' but I advise her to be wary or "the hormonal rage taking place in the body of those young men".

Now when you get that gut feeling you should take heed and act on it. Most of the time your instinct is right on and 'if yuh is ah true Trini' you will know that you should not chance your luck 'odder wise Crapo go smoke yuh pipe' but then again that is a different story and one for another post!

So  remember that when "yuh blood eh take that person" it is simply is a warning that you should be wary because your gut instinct is warning you that something is just not right about that person or situation involving that person.

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Whole day | Speaker Boxx | Shal & Tc

Shal and Tc deliver in their new music video! The music track itself has been tearing up the airways in Trinidad and Tobago and on the Internet where sites like Trinizagada have been featuring the new video in support of the song. The beat is called the Flagship Riddim and it is an opportunity for you to dance 'Whole Day with this Motto Bike' rhythm by GB Productions for Carnival 2011. 

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Minister Winston "Gypsy" Peters upsets Pan Fraternity

Pan players may not receive the $1,000 performance fee for Panorama 2011|Gypsy also up in arms about 'mismanagement' of funding given to Pan Trinbago!

Can you envisage Carnival without Panorama? Yuh mad or what? Well this is exactly what Pan Men are considering after reviewing stinging statements made by Culture Minister Winston "Gypsy" Peters. Is it on or is it off and will the Minister apologize to the Pan fraternity? The Minister is talking tough and at the same time pointing fingers at Pan Trinbago as it relates to its management of the Panorama festival and cash flow issues. 

The pan men are upset! The minister is upset and when the public becomes upset then the entire show will turn 'ole mas'. What will carnival be without Panorama? The greatest show on Earth for Pan takes place every year in Trinidad. The talent and creativity is beyond words. Hours spent at nights rehearsing and running drills to get the song right for competition for the right to be called the best in the land may not happen in 2011 if the pan men and Minister can't come to an agreement. The Minister has the funds to make the competition work. The Pan men want the funding but the Minister wants the Pan Trinbago to become autonomous. This is good but someone who can plan and forge ahead in a different direction needs to step up to the plate to make this happen. This statement by the Minister seems to have caught the Pan Fraternity off guard. They expected nothing but cooperation from someone who they believed understood the plight of the pan man and someone who comes from a group that creates the music for the pan. Is the Minister wrong to want Pan Trinbago to become less dependent on Government funding?

The answer is no, he is not wrong but to do it 'cold turkey' will not work even in poor financial times (even if the government is stressed for funds). Minister Gypsy is spending money to rebuild stands (temporary?) in the Savannah for the Parade of the bands and calypso finals but is brandishing his sword with the Pan Fraternity. This strategy, at this time, will back fire on the minister since the Pan Competition is the heart and soul of the Pan Fraternity. People come from all over the world to see and to be a part of this competition. Players come to Trinidad to participate, to learn and to take back to their countries the experiences of the Panorama festival. Panorama is not killing the pan movement... It is the mismanagement by the people in charge that has created the problem that the pan movement faces today. Accountability is essential and no one seems to be able to account for the monies that the government has poured into this organization year after year. "Whey de money gorne", has been and will continue to whispered but not spoken in public. 

Change is good but not all change is good. There needs to be some form of compromise and proper organization that involves the Pan Fraternity, the Government (Culture Ministry) and the Private Sector. Carnival fuels the economy and the Pan Movement is part of this engine that drives the carnival festival. Pan men should benefit but not only from government funding. The competitions are always packed... What happens to the monies collected at these events? The Government allocates prize money and yet still we have money issues. The minister has reason to be concerned and so too should the management of Pan Trinbago. 

Pan Trinbago needs a new business model to progress. How should this be done? Well all interests concerned should come together and brainstorm for the betterment of steel pan. Maybe the government should have a say in the daily operations of Pan Trinbago, maybe a private entity should be employed to come up with a sustainable business model for the steel pan. Pan Trinbago, thus far, has not been able to create this business model. Help is needed before the Minister cuts funding and carnival will not hear the beat of an iron or the tuning of a pan or notes of music when night falls. This may just end up in the hands of the Prime Minister!

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People's Band could be a recipe for disaster | Carnival 2011

Hear ye, hear ye and the 'Extempo King' now Minister of Culture intends to turn Carnival upside down to benefit the "little man". The People's band is expected to give back to "ordinary people" the Carnival celebration that has blossomed into a money pool for the Band leaders of our colorful celebrations. 

Now don't get me wrong, I don't believe that the concept is bad... It is a good idea but one that needs serious planning and organization.  If this People's band is not organized properly but allowed to proliferate on the streets in gay abandon then all hell will break loose in Port-of-Spain. Carnival is serious business and most of the Band leaders have planned a year in advance to prepare to the upcoming festival. One cannot allow thousands of people in a band to simply roam the streets without control with no leader or sense of purpose while masquerading on the streets of Port-of-Spain. This is a recipe for disorder where chaotic frenetic, rambunctious behavior will prevail!

If this band grows to enormous proportions then just think of the time it will take to cross the stage at the Savannah. Bands will be backed up waiting on their turn to get on the stage. Order is a priority and the fact that the minister said that the band will police itself is ludicrous. This cannot be allowed to happen.

Listen the idea of a People's band is good but maybe it should be an experimentation that should take place in the areas outside of Port-of-Spain where people are spending big money to play mass and also where mobility of the 'money bands' is a priority. Mayaro, Sangre Grande, Arima, Chaguanas and to a lesser extent San Fernando should experiment with the People's band idea not Port-of-Spain!

Someone needs to bring a sense of order and discipline the minister where this idea is concerned. Where in the sage? Where is Sprangalang? Wasn't he pulled into the culture ministry to help right the wrongs and bring some sense of order and discipline as the people who are part of the culture not attempt to transform the festival into an industry that would redound to the benefit of the people who actually produce the product? Nothing... Not even WACK radio seems to be able to get Minister Gypsy or Sprangalang (who was a regular on the station) to come on board and speak about the plans for the festival. 

The 'People's Band' is a good idea but the timing or the place to start the experiment could lead to the biggest fiasco our celebrations have ever seen. The Minister and his cohorts should seriously reconsider the implementation of this idea and speak with the bandleaders association to gain input for proper implementation. Trust me no order will bring disorder and many people will form bands within this band that could lead to utter chaos. Policing these factions will become a tactical horror on the streets with thousands of inebriated people whose exuberance may lead to serious security issues. 

Only time will tell... However, the Minister should not take anything for granted and seriously reconsider experimenting with this concept in Port-of-Spain. The outcome could lead to picong and good material for an extempo competition but not for the future of Calypsonian Gypsy as the Minister of Culture!

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Parang Champions 2010 | Los Alumnos de San Juan

Parang Finalists/1st and second place winners

Los Alumnos de San Juan (2010 Winner)
Los Amigos Cantadores (Second Place)


The other bands that competed in the finals were as follows:
Voces Jovenes
Los Pastores
Amantes de Parranda
La Familia de Rio Claro
La Familia Carmona y Amigos
Renace
Paraminiños
Voces de Promesa

Los Alumnos de San Juan perform "El Salvador" in the 2008 NPATT Finals

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Kurt Allen | "Too Bright"

If yuh bright yuh bright and if yuh too bright then you pull out the proverbial rabbit out of the hat and come up with something brilliant, something that will have a profound impact on people, something that will be spoken about for years to come. That my friend is the brilliance of one Mr. Kurt Allen and it can be easily seen from the performances presented in the videos below.

Carnival is here again an as I listen to the new songs on the radio I must admit that I really like what I am hearing. However, these songs are for the dance crowd and not the message music that a true calypsonian presents to make you pause and go, "hmm". This is the reason I decided to take a look back at two performances of the same song by the same artist to see how a good performance became a great performance on finals night. We can only hope that we can get more of the same.

Having said that, we must also tip our hats to the performance of  Mr. Brian London who sang "A Calypsonian" in brilliant fashion. He was brilliant but Kurt Allen's performance was over the top and deserving of the crown. Now let's take a look back and see how a good performance metamorphized into a great performance... Enjoy!

Too Bright - Kurt Allen (Kaiso Rama)

Finals Performance - Too Bright

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"Sweetest Wine" | Problem Child

I realized that I have continually featured Trinidad and Tobago's artists on my blogs; this blog continues   the trend and rightfully so - this is a blog about Trinidad and Tobago! However, Calypso and Soca have spread throughout the Caribbean region and have also captivated segments of the World music scene. It is only fitting that artists from the other islands are also featured here - after all Calypso and Soca are now synonymous with the Caribbean. As a result Zagada presents a 'dutty' clip (dutty nice eh) from St. Vincent Soca artist Problem Child.

If it is sweet it is damn well worth it... Problem Child out of St. Vincent slams the wine with a sweet "mango seed riddim". He won the St. Vincent Road March in 2009 with "Madhouse" and will be remembered in Trinidad for his remake of Donao's 'Party Hard' which scored big in the Trinidad party scene for this young and vibrant performer. This is your opportunity to listen to one of his 2011 musical offerings... Listen to the song and try not to focus on the lady in the black dress, OK!

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Benjai | "Trini" & "Wine to the side"

Year after year Trinidadian composers, along with very versatile singers, pump out hit after hit after hit. This upcoming carnival season looks like it is going to be another bumper year for rhythms and hooks that will have you singing and shaking and dancing all the way to the climax of carnival... then some! Benjai looks like he has two songs that will have the revelers worshipping their nationality while wining to the side.

I am posting two YouTube videos (not really a video but is classified as such) of songs that are tearing up the airways in Trinidad. I really like the song "Trini" and will post copies of the official videos as  soon as they become available.

The first song is done about "Trinis"... Learn the phrase, "Ah is ah Trini" because you will be singing the song very soon, if not already. The second is about something Trinis love to do and do it so well... Wine! However, we now take it to the next level by wining to the side... Ent yuh know Trini is boss! The songs are posted here for your listening enjoyment and comes via YouTube... Enjoy!

Biography of: Benjai

Hailing from the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and flying the West Indian Flag high, Rodney Le Blanc, better known as the artiste “BENJAI” has continued to represent not only for himself and his country but represent excellence in his music and performance wherever he has stepped. With much experience under his belt and a strong leader, Benjai has been able to make a difference and his presence known wherever his gift and talent has afforded him. His professional career started in 1999 which took him around to many local events where he partook in many “sound clashes” and shows where his lyrical ability was looked upon by many in awe. Apart from his lyrical ability, Benjai’s unique sound of his voice and signature sound put him in a category of his own. It was not until 2002 that he made a real burst unto the entertainment scene, with his to-date signature sound “over and over” that has since then propelled him to foreign lands and opportunities. Since 2002 Benjai has followed up every single year with songs that have emanated the hearts and souls of fans all over the world.

http://www.trinidadtunes.com/

Please be advised that the music is presented here for your listening pleasure and for promotional purposes only ("Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976). Lend me your ears... Enjoy!

♫ Please press the play button (below) to listen (small triangle in circle).

Trini - Benjai

Wine to the Side - Benjai

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Crime infestation plagues Trinidad and Tobago!

"Trinidad is nice, Trinidad is ah paradise!" That may have been true a long time ago but not today. It is with a heavy heart that I post this short blog note. Name the crime and it is taking place in Trinidad and Tobago - the hemorrhaging continues and with each nightfall come numerous reports of violent crimes the next day!

I have always wondered when I hear radio jocks talk about how 'sweet Trinidad is" with utterances like, "I could ever leave here, yuh mad or what!" Well I am a Trinidadian who is very saddened by the escalating crime rate that continues unabated. This new government can't seem to do anything about it and the ugly deeds continue with the highest contempt for the law.

There are beasts roaming the land on two feet pretending to be human beings. These animals are preying on the innocent and causing havoc in the land of my birth... What a shame and I am ashamed of what some of the inhabitants of the island have become - devilish beasts!

Our country's image has taken a beating and we are now down for the count; we are now on our knees hoping and praying for change while seeking salvation that surely wont come from any politician!

There are heartless people preying on the helpless and those who just happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. That is not always the case since those preyed upon even lose the battle in the safety our their fenced and wrought iron protected homes. The wolf is at the door and he is huffing and puffing his way into homes reigning distress and despair in the lives of many families. Robbery with violence is the name of the game and your life is worth nothing...

A blight has set in and there is utter contempt of and for life and limb. Foreigners as well as returning Trinidadians living abroad are marked and should take extreme precautions when they return home. There is misery and pain that awaits some unfortunate individuals; there are all kinds of crimes taking place with recent reports of rape and homicide highlighting the news headlines. I am saddened to say it but my homeland is not a safe place to visit! Countries around the World are issuing warnings to their citizens wishing to travel to Trinidad and Tobago (see the Canadian advisory below).

"There are identifiable security concerns; travellers should be alert and vigilant to their surroundings." The advisory was updated on November 30, three days after two Canadian women were raped when two armed masked men entered their apartment and announced a hold-up.

The advisory stated: "Crime levels are high, particularly in Port of Spain, San Fernando and other urban areas in Trinidad. Robberies with violence, including assaults and rape, occur frequently. Visitors should seek the advice of local contacts and be vigilant, especially after dark. They should ensure that personal belongings and travel documents are secure at all times and that hotel room doors and windows are secure."

I know that some of my friends and those who like to say that they "know me" will be upset about this post. Listen folks don't pretend that there isn't trouble in 'paradise'. We are at war with demons walking our land. Take note of our predicament and be safe when you travel to my homeland. I love my land but the crimes are horrible; home invasions are on the rise and the recent raping of two Canadian nationals is just too much to remain silent. The islands or Trinidad and Tobago have so much to offer but we must now take the necessary precautions and measures to be safe, to reclaim paradise and bring peace to this once blessed land.

God help us all...

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Future of Computing | Blackberry buys 'The Astonishing Tribe'

The future will soon be here... Research in Motion (R.I.M.) intends to do some catching up with the iPhone with the purchase of "The Astonishing Tribe" that produces, you guessed it, astonishing interfaces and designs for technology enthusiasts.
The iPhone set the standard for that which is considered 'cool' and now Blackberry wants to play catch up now that the iPhone interface has brought its market share on equal terms with Blackberry devices at 27 percent. Blackberry still owns the business sector while the iPhone has taken hold of mainstream smartphone users (keep an eye on Android devices).
Now if you think the iPhone concept is cool then you would absolutely love that which is in the works. Take a look at what will soon be available!

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Steelpan | PANORAMA 2011 PROPOSED SCHEDULE

Friday 4th February 2011
Tobago & East Single Pan Bands
National Preliminaries

Saturday 5th February 2011
North Single Pan Bands
National Preliminaries

Sunday 6th February 2011
South Central Single Pan Bands
National Preliminaries

Friday 11th February 2011
Small & Medium Conventional Bands
Tobago Preliminaries

Saturday 12th February 2011
Small & Medium Conventional Bands
North Preliminaries
Victoria SQ.

Sunday 13th February 2011
Small & Medium Conventional Bands
South Central Preliminaries
Skinner Park
San Fernando

Monday 14th Friday 2011
Small & Medium Conventional Bands
East Preliminaries
Larry Gomes Stadium
Car Park Arima

Sunday 20th February 2011
Small, Medium & Large Bands
National Semi-Finals

Tuesday 22nd February 2011
National Junior Panorama Preliminaries

Wednesday 23rd February 2011
National Junior Panorama Preliminaries

Thursday 24th February 2011
National Junior Panorama Preliminaries

Saturday 26th February 2011
Single Pan Bands
National Semi-Finals

Sunday 27th February 2011
Junior Panorama
National Finals

Tuesday 1st March 2011
THA Finals
Tobago

Friday 4th March
Small & Single Pan Bands
National Finals

Saturday 5th March 2011
Medium & Large Bands
National Finals

Tuesday 8th March 2011
Pan on the Road

Saturday 12th March 2011
Champs of Steel Plus

http://www.ncctt.org/home/news/180-panorama-2011-proposed-shedule.html

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Back 2D Savannah|Carnival Launch 2011

On Sunday December 5th, 2010, the National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago launches Carnival 2011. The event celebrates the return of King Carnival to D'Savannah and returns a sense of normality to the celebrations.

This event will be streamed live from 3:00 pm from the Queens Park Savannah venue and can be seen at http://www.ncctt.org/home/. The event will feature parades from Woodford and Victoria Squares and will feature Steelband, Tassa, Soca and various Chutney Stars.The parade will also feature the sounds of Tamboo Bamboo, traditional African drumming and many of the traditional mas characters and instruments from Carnivals past. The event for those at 'home' is free of charge!

Minister Winston "Gypsy" Peters wants to see a return of traditional Carnival characters from what we consider 'Ole Time Mas'. He wants to ensure that generations to come will be able to connect to traditional characters such as Bats, Bookman, Burrokeet, Clowns, Fancy Indians, Jab Jab, Moko Jumbie and Pierrot Grenade as well as many others in our colorful Carnival history.

So take some time out from your busy schedule and join the NCC (National Carnival Commission) on Sunday for the launch of Carnival 2011. Streaming starts at 3:00 pm at the NCC link and can be accessed from the NCC site here: NCCTT

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