Efforts are currently being taken to have Port-of-Spain declared a Unesco City of Music. Port-of-Spain Mayor Joel Martinez revealed this on Friday night as he spoke at Phase II Panyard for the reveal of their 2019 song selection for Panorama. Martinez said while efforts were made years ago, he has decided to push it again. He said he met Carla Foderingham, former Chief Executive Officer of the Film Company of Trinidad and Tobago, who told him that the process was started some time ago but stalled. "She said Trinidad has not had a designation from Unesco as a City of Music. Jamaica got it for reggae and I went to a function in Jamaica, the Mayor of Kingston invited me and they were so proud of their designation and they were spouting it so I felt when Carla brought it up to me I said let's get it done," he said. Martinez said we have lost out on so many things because we have not pushed it and having that designation would be an acknowledgment of our contribution to the world. "We are a talented nation, full of music, full of culture. We have invented the steelband, we have invented soca, we have invented calypso, we have invented chutney, so what are we waiting on?" he asked. He said the process for the application has begun with Foderingham spearheading the project and he is hopeful it will be completed in time for the designation to be applied before the end of 2019. To be approved as a City of Music, the following criteria need to be met according to Wikipedia:
0 Comments
New 2019 Music Release | Trinidad and Tobago The team Destra Garcia, Ken “Professor” Philmore, and Mark Loquan have enjoyed a special musical relationship over the years, producing 8 songs together for Panorama (Hooked, D Trini Way, Surrender, Rewind, Calling Meh, Vibes, De Player, Addicted) from 2008 to 2013, while in addition Ken and Mark had also co-composed 3 more (Time to Breakaway, Dangerous, Sweet 50), and Destra and Mark had also worked together on 2 others (Colours Again and We Luv Carnival) before teaming up with Ken. With Ken Philmore’s untimely and tragic passing on September 30, 2018, Destra and Mark have once again teamed up to pay tribute to Ken in their own special way to the iconic arranger, composer, performer and close friend. The loss to them and the global pan community is immeasurable. The song “Professor Say” was composed by Mark, with lyrics and vocals by Destra, and produced by Junior “Ibo” Joseph. Ken’s wife, Sophia, was also in the studio to hear Destra lay down the vocals for the music and it was special to have her there for this song. 2019 is also a celebratory year for Mark, as after 19 years of contributing music for pan, his 20th Anniversary is also a milestone, and Mark says “I can think of no other way to celebrate this anniversary but to pay tribute to someone so dear to me and the global pan community, with a song sung by Destra. I will always be grateful for the uplifting music and wonderful memories of friendship we enjoyed. I know he will be there in spirit for Panorama 2019”. Ken’s wife, Sophia, who was in the studio to witness Destra laying down the vocal tracks, says “The vibes, and energy of this song, made me feel as if Ken was really there”. Destra says “I penned this song on the plane coming home from a show. I had just found out. As tears rolled down my face, I started to write, I could feel Pro’s spirit comforting me and inspiring me at the same time. Such emotion came over me in that moment, and then again as I sang the lyrics in studio. Something special was created. I hope this song brings closure to all who loved him as it has done for us.” Music composed by Mark Loquan Lyrics and Vocals by Destra Garcia Produced by Junior “Ibo” Joseph Final Mixing and Mastering by Andrew Denny Productions (Barbados) (A tribute to the late Ken “Professor” Philmore for Panorama 2019} ©All Rights Reserved
Source: www.feelthebassnow.com www.leealeongdesigns.com One week before her 79th birthday, Calypso Rose will perform at Coachella, one of the world's biggest music and arts festivals. Rose, real name Linda McArtha Sandy-Lewis, was among the star-studded cast announced for the 2019 festival to be held in California. She was announced for the April 12 and 19 shows which will be headlined by Childish Gambino, Janelle Monae and Diplo, among others Other shows will see the likes of Ariana Grande, Khalid, Solange, Kid Cudi, Pusha T, Wiz Khalifa and a slew of acts from across the world. Commenting on her selection for Coachella on Instagram, Rose said she is so excited." I can’t wait to sing, dance and enjoy this time with all of you," she wrote. Calypso Rose, who was recently awarded the Grand Prize for World Music award at the Sacem Grand Prix in France, has seen a resurgence in her career since she released her album Far From Home in 2016. She has toured throughout Europe and in 2017 won the World Album of the Year at the Victoire de la Musique, considered the French equivalent of the Grammy Awards. In May last year, Rose released her follow up album So Calypso. Source: The Loop Jan 2019 Friends, family, the musical fraternity and the country at large are mourning the passing of yet another musical icon, Dr Andrew Marcano, aka Lord Superior, fondly known by friends and family as 'Supie'. Superior passed away on November 24, 2018 in New York, after ailing for some time. TUCO Trinidad and Tobago issued a statement on Sunday, hailing Marcano's musical genius and passionate spirit. "For the third time in less than a month, the calypso fraternity is plunged into mourning another calypso icon, with the death of Dr Andrew Marcano, also known in the calypso Industry as Brother Superior who passed away on Saturday 24th November 2018, after ailing for some time now." "Supie as he was fondly called, was one of those special bards who advocated for years, that there should be more calypso played on local radio stations to the point that he laboured for over twenty years until he was afforded a radio license from the government." "He called his station Superior Radio and was one in those days that played calypso music twenty-four hours each day," the statement said Dr Marcano was known for always being impeccably dressed. "One of the bards who was always dressed to kill as we say in T&T, he will be remembered for the life of our cultural history." "On behalf of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation, once again the President Mr Lutalo Masimba and his General Council along with the entire TUCO membership, we sincerely extend our deepest condolences to his immediate family around the world and here in T&T." "May the soul of the late Dr Andrew Marcano aka The Brother Superior rest in peace with our calypso ancestors. Funeral arrangements will be forthcoming as they are received by TUCO," the statement said. Friends, family, the musical fraternity and the country at large are mourning the passing of yet another musical icon, Dr Andrew Marcano, aka Lord Superior, fondly known by friends and family as 'Supie'. Superior passed away on November 24, 2018 in New York, after ailing for some time. TUCO Trinidad and Tobago issued a statement on Sunday, hailing Marcano's musical genius and passionate spirit. "For the third time in less than a month, the calypso fraternity is plunged into mourning another calypso icon, with the death of Dr Andrew Marcano, also known in the calypso Industry as Brother Superior who passed away on Saturday 24th November 2018, after ailing for some time now." "Supie as he was fondly called, was one of those special bards who advocated for years, that there should be more calypso played on local radio stations to the point that he laboured for over twenty years until he was afforded a radio license from the government." "He called his station Superior Radio and was one in those days that played calypso music twenty-four hours each day," the statement said Dr Marcano was known for always being impeccably dressed. "One of the bards who was always dressed to kill as we say in T&T, he will be remembered for the life of our cultural history." "On behalf of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation, once again the President Mr Lutalo Masimba and his General Council along with the entire TUCO membership, we sincerely extend our deepest condolences to his immediate family around the world and here in T&T." "May the soul of the late Dr Andrew Marcano aka The Brother Superior rest in peace with our calypso ancestors. Funeral arrangements will be forthcoming as they are received by TUCO," the statement said. His son, Moriba Marcano, said in a social media post that the calypso icon was a visionary of his time. "RIP Dr Andrew 'Lord Superior' Marcano, my dad just passed in NY, one of his favourite places in the world, where he was set to be a star in the 1960's before deciding to return to Trinidad in an attempt to assist the burgeoning nation in forming its cultural identity." "He was a great man and a visionary of his time writing songs to help guide humanity in general and his people in specific. Sadly misunderstood and underappreciated, I studied the man like a text book and I only hope that his genius and goodwill will be more easily recognized in the afterlife. I loved you dad," he said. Actor Michael Cherrie also issued his condolences: “Remembering Andrew Marcano - Lord Superior RIP... calypso great...make new and wonderful vibrations in that new realm...my deepest condolences to you, Moriba Marcano...Godspeed Supie...” Jazz musician Etienne Charles issued his condolences via social media: "Dr. Andrew Marcano aka Brother Superior aka Lord Superior aka Supie. the consummate Gentleman, class act, pillar of knowledge, guiding counselor and boss calypsonian. Thanks for your friendship, musicianship and clever wit. I'll say your name forever. my heart and condolences go out to your family and loved ones," he said. Minister of Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries, Clarence Rambharat, also acknowledged Dr Marcano's monumental contribution to local culture. "Dr Andrew Marcano - Rio Claro’s Lord Superior has gone. So much remains to be told- seeing the greats at Crown Theatre and the train as Rio Claro’s connection to the best artistes of the day; living with Spoiler; campaigning for local content in the airwaves and completing more than 60 years in calypso," he said. Dr Marcano was born in Rio Claro in 1938 and made his debut into calypso at the age of 16 singing a calypso called "Coconut" at the Victory Calypso Tent in Port of Spain. In those days he was considered to be the youngest Calypsonian to perform locally. Some of his memorable calypsoes were, Spread Joy, San Fernando Carnival, Saga T'ing, We want a day, Standardise Pan, Cultural Assassination and Put the women on top. He was awarded the Hummingbird medal Silver in 2015 and received his Honourary Doctor of Letters at the 2017 graduation ceremony at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad. He was considered to be the first calypsonian to produce a record on his own record label, the first to Perform at the Madison Square Gardens, in New York, USA, and the first to produce a full-length calypso musical. He would have celebrated his 81st birthday next month. "Rest in peace Bro Superior. You truly did it your way," said TUCO. Machel Montano can now add doctorate to his long list of awards.
The soca king, who has been performing for 37 years, received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from the University of Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday. Montano said he felt great, honoured and humbled to be a recipient of the Honorary degree. In the presence of his close friend Anthony Chow Lin On, girlfriend Renee Butcher, Manager Che Kothari and mother Elizabeth, who graduated from the University of the West Indies last month with a Masters in Cultural Studies, Montano performed an acoustic version of 'We Not Giving Up' and 'Too Young to Soca'. Also receiving similar honours from UTT was cultural activist, poet and playwright Pearl Eintou Springer. She received an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts. Source: The Loop Beverley Ramsey–Moore has been voted as the new president of Pan Trinbago.
Mrs Ramsey-Moore, current manager of Petrotrin Kat-zen-jammers Steel Orchestra, received 116 votes to beat out the other 7 candidates at the organisation’s internal elections on Sunday. She replaces embattled incumbent Keith Diaz and has become the first woman to be in charge of the national pan body. Ramsey-Moore contested the Pan Trinbago elections under the Team-Rebuild banner. Mrs Ramsey Moore said her first order of business will be to review Pan Trinbago’s constitution with a particular focus on separating the powers of the executive and administrative arms of the organisation. Former Port of Spain mayor Keron Valentine finished second with 54 votes. Other candidates included Darren Sheppard, Keith Byer, Thecla Forde-Rodriguez, Vernon Morancie and businessmen Lawford Duprey and Robert Amar. Source: 102FM Winston Scarborough, aka De Fosto, during one of his trademark entertaining performances. Less than a week after saying a final farewell to Winston “Mighty Shadow” Bailey, the calypso fraternity is mourning the death of another veteran calypsonian in Winston ‘The Original De Fosto Himself’ Scarborough.
Scarborough, one of this country’s most prolific calypso composers and entertainers, suffered a heart attack this morning. He was 64. He had been battling heart disease and was hospitalised several times in recent months due to the condition. De Fosto’s last public appearance was at the funeral of fellow calypsonian Winston “Mighty Shadow” Bailey on Tuesday at the Queen’s Park Savannah and had even joined other members of the fraternity in a musical tribute at the end of the service. De Fosto was abandoned as a baby and grew up in the Tacarigua Orphanage. It was there, very early on, that his musical talents were discovered and nurtured. Eventually, he learned to read and score music. He made his professional singing début in 1976 with Chicks Come Out to Play and over the years had composed and performed many popular calypsoes, including ones specially written for the steelband. Four Lara Four, co-written with the late Merchant, was played by the 1995 National Panorama winner, Amoco Renegades. Other Panorama hits written by De Fosto include Firestorm and Pan Lamentation, which helped Trinidad All Stars win the titles in 2002 and 2007, respectively and Pandora and War which helped Exodus Steel Orchestra score back-to-back victories in 2003 and 2004. DeFosto never won the National Calypso Monarch but came close on more than one occasion. In 2000, he placed second with Pan Forevermore and One More Kitchener and in 2007 with Police Money. De Fosto also placed third in 2010 with In A Palace State of Mind. Source: Stabrock News Calypsonian Winston "The Mighty Shadow" Bailey has died at the age of 77. Shadow suffered a stroke on Sunday and died this morning. Shadow is known for a wide repertoire of songs that includes 'Bassman' , 'Dingolay' , 'Tension', 'Stranger', 'Yuh Looking For Horn' and 'Poverty Is Hell' . Source CNC3 TV Oct 2018 Ken “Professor” Philmore - steelpan arranger, composer and ace pannist – died at the Intensive Care Unit of the San Fernando General Hospital on Sunday.
Philmore, 58, succumbed to severe internal injuries suffered in a crash on the Republic Day holiday. He sustained broken ribs and his lungs had collapsed, police said. Philmore was driving his Toyotal Hilux van north along the Solomon Hochoy Highway when he picked up a skid near Claxton Bay at around 8.45am. The vehicle flipped several times and Philmore was thrown out of the cabin. His wife, Sophia Philmore, had called on the nation to pray for her husband. San Fernando Mayor Junia Regrello confirmed that Philmore died at around 9.30am. Regrello said, “He was in the ICU. He suffered some internal injuries. Yes, his lungs had collapsed twice in that time and I understand he suffered a heart attack as well. His passing is a really, really big loss to the pan fraternity.” Regrello said Philmore played with many south steelbands and made his mark in the artform. “He represented San Fernando with pride. He was like a brother to me He had so much to offer. This is really, really sad. I want to express condolences to his family and say thank you for his contributions to the city of San Fernando,” he said. Philmore began his steelpan career with Hatters and then moved to Fonclaire, where he settled in 1981. He also began a successful career in composing. In 1988, he appeared with international artistes Tina Tuner and Lionel Hamptom in New York. He was honoured by Pan Trinbago as one of the most promising arrangers. Philmore was described locally and internationally as a pannist of today and tomorrow. Source: Daily Express, Oct 2, 2018 |
T&T news blogThe intent of this blog is to bring some news from home and other fun items. If you enjoy what you read, please leave us a comment.. Archives
September 2024
Categories
All
|