Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Museum (TTCM) executive director Rosalind Gabriel issued an appeal for the citizenry to “keep the history of our Carnival alive”.
She made the comment while delivering remarks at the launch of The Story of Calypso, featuring Women In Calypso exhibition, at the Carnival Museum, on the site of what was known as the “Penny Bank”, Charlotte Street, Port of Spain, last week Wednesday evening.
Echoing a similar sentiment was Ministry of The Arts, Culture and Tourism representative Daniella Carrington, who brought greetings on behalf of Culture Minister Randall Mitchell and reminded everyone: “By celebrating our female icons, we are investing in our nation’s prosperity, ensuring that the story of calypso continues to resonate with power and purpose.”
The event coincided with Caribbean Tourism Month and its theme of “People. Planet. Prosperity.”
Both Gabriel and Carrington paid kudos to people who had worked assiduously on the project, including Carnival director Clarence Moe; curator Mary Anne Brailey, Team Lead; cultural officer Alicia Blake; field interviewer Abigail Johnson; research assistant Stephen Singh; and cultural programme co-ordinator Kimmy Stoute-Robinson.
Among those in attendance were facilitator/calypsonian Stacey Sobers, along with entertainer Richarde Bereaux, calypsonians Lady Adanna and Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO) general secretary Shirlaine Hendrickson. They were joined by co-director Kenny Attai, businessman Dennis Fakoory and historian/author Nasser Khan.
Specially-invited guests included Mexican Ambassador Victor Huge Morales Melendez and French Ambassador Didier Chabert, along with Norman Gabriel Sr, Gabriel’s spouse.
Entertainment was provided by the National Philharmonic Orchestra, Katelin Sultan (chutney soca), Alicia Jagessar (a tribute to Denyse Plummer) and Amrika Mutroo (another tribute to Denyse Plummer). And Sobers delivered a tribute to Singing Sandra.
Guests also enjoyed Lady Africa and Lady Syntax, with guitarist Marva Newton. They paid tribute to Calypso Rose (McCartha Lewis).
And accompanied by his mother Isabella, rapso artiste Ataklan gave a taste of his 2024 J’ouvert offering, which was well received.
Celebrate calypso history
Gabriel, who is also president of the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Bands Association (TTCBA), said: “We consider this to be a great accomplishment, as we are a young non-governmental organisation (NGO), striving to meet the goal of an official grand opening in 2025. We are still in the early stages of this project, in the transforming stages of refurbishment, which takes place while we exhibit and keep the doors open to the public.
“We chose this method with the purpose in mind of making this project known to the country, diaspora and the wider world. We feel from the feedback being received, we are successful in achieving this,” she added.
Carrington told the audience: “As we unveil this exhibition, we do so with the knowledge the Ministry’s cultural policy is not just a framework but a living, breathing action plan that celebrates and promotes our cultural wealth. The Ministry takes great pleasure in working alongside such dedicated stakeholders to create platforms like these, where the tenacity, creativity and spirit of our female calypsonians can be showcased and celebrated. Let us honour the indelible mark made by our nation’s female calypsonians.”
Portraits of calypsonians
The exhibition featured portraits of women in calypso like Ann Marie Parks-Kojo (Twiggy), Diane Hendrickson, Destra Garcia, Heather McIntosh and Karene Asche.
Records from the late Aldwyn “Lord Kitchener” Roberts and Sangre Grande bard Owen Reyes Johnson, better known as Scrunter, hung on the walls.
The exhibition was intended to generate further interest and appreciation of the rich cultural and musical traditions of the art of calypso; create a suitable display that brings an awareness of the history of the artform; facilitate the work conducted towards educating the national community on the country’s intangible heritage; and paying homage to calypso songstress pioneers and monarchs, who have contributed significantly to the art form. Read More
Women in Calypso exhibition launched at Carnival Museum. (2023, November 15). Trinidad Express Newspapers. https://trinidadexpress.com/newsextra/women-in-calypso-exhibition-launched-at-carnival-museum/article_15da2c40-83df-11ee-b1d1-578dc44fe079.html
Comments