M2 MARKETING & PROMOTIONS

Is Calypso dead?
Is the Art form in safe hands? Some say the living and the now passed on godfathers and mothers provided the vintage stuff with contrasting fashion, some witty, and pointed and others colourful and energetic.
It might just be enough to mention great names like Mighty Spoiler, his forte was humour, and with an imaginative brain he dished out many hits in the 1950’s to the extent that he is responsible for associating calypso with humour. How about Aldric Adrian Farrell: Lord Pretender, born in Tobago, Lord Pretender was of the view that calypsoians had a responsibility to document the history of his people. “Preedie as he was fondly called by fellow calysonians and close friends was at age 85, and said to be the oldest calypsoian alive before he died three years ago.
The Mighty Dougla, he was a true representation of this racial mixture. Dougla a barber by trade fashioned his work as a calypsoian propelled him to join Sparrow’s original Young Brigade in the late 1950’s. Dougla as his name suggested, focused much of his songs on the ethnic problems which affected the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
Sniper, Mighty Cypher, Might Terror and Might Duke were noted for their excellent phrasing and riveting performances and always has tight musical support. Though most people in this region seem opposed to the United States trade embargo on Cuba; it could be said policy gave useful benefits for that island cultural development. If the United States ever stop trading with Trinidad and Tobago, many of our frequently discussed cultural problems would be immediately solved: no North American programmes would be seen on television, North American music would no longer be heard on the Radio and there would be more concerts like Celebrating our Calypso Monarchs through the years 1930-1980 produced by the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism in 2010 during the NAPA in 2010.
Maybe the Art-form is safe in the hands of the very Trinidadians that was criticised for maiming it. At the end of the day Government agencies with a mandate for protecting and developing our cultural industries and corporate Trinidad will have to shoulder some of the blame for the social and cultural decay now pervading our country.
Though not entirely responsible, I am sure that more tangible involvement and support for the cultural Industries from those with wealth and position among us would go a long way in alleviating our ills.
The Ministry of the Arts and Multiculturalism and must be given kudos for NAPA FEST concept, this is a sure-bet solution to start a positive momentum away from social problems, it has re-tap the raw and ready talent that already exists here in Trinidad and Tobago, NAPA FEST opened the door to a culture of finding out instead of a culture of regurgitating or restating.
Good Luck to all in 2011.