To me, as a Trinidadian born in a certain era, this is the best and most meaningful piece of street theater ever recorded on audio. In 1956, a brash young singer who called himself the Mighty Sparrow was just about to establish his dominance of the calypso world that would last decades.We were being introduced … Continue reading A Classic Steel-band Carnival Parade – Trinidad Carnival 1956
Category: Trinidad and Tobago
Culture , kalinda (stick fighting) and me.
Stick fighting, "kalinda" was bought to Trinidad by our enslaved African ancestors, and has always been a part of Trinidad's culture, though of course it was never really approved by society. Also called "creole wood", "bois" , " battaille bois" the tradition has endured into the modern era. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiYoBGgTRxo Today, efforts have been made to … Continue reading Culture , kalinda (stick fighting) and me.
What now , Petrotrin ?
Far be it for my to criticize my Trini people from afar , but sometimes I think we live in a bubble , and do not think real world events can affect us. For example , all the talk about Petrotrin seems to be centered on politics , I see little discussion about the business … Continue reading What now , Petrotrin ?
Making T&T the true Mecca for the steel pan and its art-form
One of my biggest disagreements with pan people , is based on different perceptions of the art-form , and its role in culture and society. From the beginning , some has seen the steel-pan and everything related to it , including the players, as commodities to be developed, with the idea of exporting them to … Continue reading Making T&T the true Mecca for the steel pan and its art-form
Some thoughts on Panorama and Steelband Progress in T&T
Ok my friends , I would like to take a moment for clarification, and to share my thoughts about panorama as it relates to Steelband progress. I love panorama , have loved it from the beginning , and even participated as a player in the early years. But over my lifetime , I’ve seen panorama … Continue reading Some thoughts on Panorama and Steelband Progress in T&T
Pan on the Move – the mobile steel-band
It is a joy to see steel-band activities such as Pan on D'Avenue (Woodbrook) and the Laventille Steel-band parade, that attempt to present the beauty and power of the mobile steel-band. The more relaxed pace of the music , also reminds us that the steel-band has its own musical groove , and doesn't really have … Continue reading Pan on the Move – the mobile steel-band
Fate, destiny, and the (former) Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago
Fate. Destiny. "Fate is just a helping hand from God while our destiny lies in us." A lot has been written about fate and destiny, and lately I've reflected on these subjects, as I look back on my high school days at Naparima College in San Fernando Trinidad, and at a significant event that occurred … Continue reading Fate, destiny, and the (former) Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago
G R JOSEPH 