Mass turnout at mas luncheon
TTCBA (T&T Carnival Bands Association) held its first major fund-raiser and what a success it turned out to be. The organisation touted to replace the NCBA as the official custodians of T&T mas, TTCBA attracted at least 300 patrons to its event.
The executive of TTCBA, including a number of disgruntled former NCBA (National Carnival Bands Association) members, comprises of Roland St George, Rosalind Gabriel, Gerard Weekes, Dune Ali, Dave Cameron and Naigum Joseph. Founding member Gabriel said on Sunday: “We all left the NCBA because we got nothing from that organisation for many years. In the TTCBA we do not make any decisions without consensus from membership. Today’s turnout is evident that we are on the right track to take T&T Carnival further. This venture has been a success, and is well attended by a cross section of Carnival stakeholders, bandleaders and masqueraders. Building on the very good cameraderie we’ve successfully achieved, we are planning a major event in September, in the Queen’s Park Savannah.”
Gabriel also intimated that the TTCBA is keen on restoring Carnival Sunday night Dimanche Gras glory, complete with pan, calypso and costumed kings, queens and individuals, in addition to its traditional King and Queen of Carnival competitions on South Quay, Port-of-Spain.
Sunday’s luncheon featured tasty dishes prepared by TTCBA members, including chefs from Rib House, whose Dune Ali is a veteran bandleader and expert fancy sailor dancer; the Eastman brothers of Point Fortin; Classix Promotions, led by Vanessa Forde and Gerald Barnes; the newly formed Belmont Exotic Stylish Sailors (D’BESS) and St James Tripolians’ Keith Simpson; Image Nation; Andrew Alleng; Steven Derek; Republic Bank Exodus’ Ainsworth Mohammed; Lee-Ann and Albert Bailey; and, Sapphire Promotions.
The event was well represented by veteran masqueraders, including 86-year-old Benedict Morgan, the Bookman character who has been playing mas since the age of six; Florrie Kelshall; Arden Knox; Senior Gomez; Canute Spencer; Mervyn Aird; Albert Bailey; Jean Elder; Steven Derek; Yvonne Mungal; Nellie Joseph; Gordon la Barrie; Raoul Garib; Michael Heath; and, Theresa “Pinky” Miller.
Live entertainment on the evening was provided by CAL Invaders, Harvard Harps, Relator and David Baptiste and Gail Valentine.
Lucky patrons also won door prizes, including a trip for two to a North American destination, courtesy All Clear Enterprises.
De Songs of Freedom
The Network Community Organisation (NCO) is releasing a CD compilation in recognition of the Emancipation celebrations entitled De Songs of Freedom. It recognises the struggle against slavery and celebrates emancipation.
Formed “behind-de-bridge,” back in the ’70s, the NCO has recognised that over the years, radio DJs have a challenge of finding music appropriate for the Emancipation celebrations. And so it is with this in mind that this compilation was conceived. This is a collection of music that the
NCO has collaborated with Brother Resistance, Karega Mandela, Omari Ashby (from Kindred) and members of the Network Rapso Riddum Band to produce.
As T&T celebrates 28 years as being the first nation to declare a holiday for Emancipation, the music on this CD recalls the journey and celebrates the freedom from bondage. Brother Resistance, the flag bearer of the Rapso movement, has always been a prominent figure during the events leading up to Emancipation day and in particular, during the Emancipation Day Street Procession. Along with Mandela and the Network Rapso Riddum Band, their music brings joy as it takes you along the journey in recognition of African ancestors who died in the middle passage and those who survived.
This 14-track CD is a compilation of original compositions by Brother Resistance and Mandela, of course. It also includes Omari Ashby’s track Back Home, featuring MX Prime (Maximus Dan). In addition, the works of Sister Sernia, Sister Ava, Benny J and Oba Dread are also represented.
Signature tracks like Ring de Bell, Never Surrender and the pulsating beat of Ah Hear De Drum are popular tracks that celebrate the emancipation period. The track Middle Passage by Brother Resistance is one that chronicles the most inhuman voyage ever made by a people in the history of mankind.
Special tribute must be paid to all the producers of the various tracks on this CD including, Martin “Mice” Raymond, Chris Morris, Omari Ashby, Sharlan Bailey and king master drummer Jah Jah Oga Onilu.
Good music at Martin’s
If you are looking to enjoy some really good music this Friday evening make your way down to Martin’s Piano Bar, on Woodford Street, Newtown. Renowned songwriter/pianist/artist Roger Boothman will tickle the ivories from 9 pm.
Apart from being the most successful songwriter in the defunct Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) and National Songfest competitions, the only writer in the Caribbean to win three CBU Caribbean and three national song competitions, Boothman’s compositions represented T&T in the 1993 Commonwealth Song Festival.
Boothman’s compositions have been the theme songs for local TV shows Gayelle, Taal, Changing Agenda and Carre. His experience of playing for churches in Santa Cruz, San Juan, Guanapo and El Socorro, and his time as resident painist at Holiday Inn (now Capital Plaza), The Normandie and Hilton Trinidad over the last 15 years, has widened his repertoire of songs.
Boothman is currently working on a 24-song double CD with top artistes and producers, to be released next year.
For more information call Martin’s at 622 6405/0289, 765 8941 or 687 7514.
