From my personal
observation TUCO president, Michael Legerton, known in the Calypso
world as Protector, seems to be in the back pocket of Minister of
Culture Joan Yuille-Williams and appears to be influencing the Calypsonians
to ease the tension by refraining from singing against the government.
After all, Legerton, who is alleged to have a Community Environmental
Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP) contract, is also the
hired public relations mouthpiece of the Minister, who has already
pumped millions of dollars to fund TUCO this Carnival season. On
quite a few occasion I have witnessed Mr. Protector behaving in
the full view of the public as the official apologist for the petty
minister. I am certain that if he extends the same energy for the
calypsonians, who elected him to handle their affairs, then calypso
would not be in the dog house, begging for a bone today.
If calypsonian Winston Gypsy Peters is speaking the truth about
his experience with the Revue Tent, then the president Protector
has got to be admonished by his membership or fired for failing
to defend one of his members against downright discrimination.
Gypsy’s allegation that he was denied his rights to peddle
his trade because he is a member of the Opposition United National
Congress (UNC), is a hell of a strange tale and the refusal by TUCO
to level with the public or to investigate the allegation does not
augur well for the fragile calypso fraternity.
Only four years ago, the calypso tents had patrons rocking and rolling
with laughter, Sugar Aloes, Cro Cro and Pink Panther had the calypso
massive eating out of their hands. During this era political satire
was the main menu, and the UNC parliamentarians were on the receiving
end.
It was licks like fire for the UNC politicians, with racism packaged,
signed, sealed and delivered in the calypso art form.
But some of the performances began to degenerate into such disgrace
and abuse that members of the East Indian community felt uncomfortable
and ceased patronising the tents.
Certainly, the abuse by some of the calypsonians against the East
Indian patrons is partially responsible for the empty tents.
It is apparent from what I perceive they are not attending the tents.
On the other hand, the ruling party’s Unemployment Relief
Programme (URP) and CEPEP masses cannot afford to pay the high cost
to listen to the crap that these worthless bards are singing, coupled
with their poor presentation.
At this juncture the only choice the calypsonians have is to get
real and get their act together or poverty would wipe them off the
Carnival scene, lest they continue to beg the minister for a little
something to eat to continue singing tah-tah.
How pathetic this would be!
But from all indication this seems to be the direction calypso is
taking because a couple of idiots appear intent on doing all they
could to castrate practitioners of the artform, thus allowing it
to degenerate into a sorry state subjected to government handout,
something like URP or CECEP.
Then they can continue to manipulate and use it as a political tool
against the Opposition. How shameful!
Could you envisage that the most sought after Calypso Fiesta in
Skinner’s Park where patrons flock by the thousands last Saturday
was a total flop and those who attended vowed never to return due
to the poor quality of the calypsoes.
Even in the tent you cannot find a single youth, they have already
worked out in their minds that these jokers have double standards,
and they like to play games.
Maybe they should take example from the younger soca artistes, who
are concentrating their efforts on penetrating the foreign markets
and fostering the ideal of national unity by embracing and promoting
each other in their collaborative efforts.
Ask Machel Montano who has embraced the East Indian contribution
to the culture through collaborations with Rikki Jai, Drupatie and
Andy Singh. Ask Bunji Garlin, whose stage presence with Sarika is
equally as powerful.
And there’s Kes Dieffenthaller and his band jamming with Rishi
Gayadeen and Gayatones.
Look at how Montano teamed up with Minmi and other foreign artistes
and how the youth gravitate to the music and treat them as idols.
You know why, because the country is crying out for unity, not State
sponsored divisive racial content that passes for calypso in the
tents.
No wonder the radio stations don’t even bother to give airplay
to these emasculated, so-called calypsonians.
If TUCO controllers have sense they would take a page from Pan Trinbago’s
book and forget the politics and concentrate on preserving the artform
by resisting the lure to mingle or sell their soul for a few hungry
pennies.
Look at how the pan body has been able to retain popular support.
Remember last week’s Panorama semi-final, how the stands both
Grand and North were filled to capacity even though there were at
least a dozen highly advertised fetes that same Sunday. Not only
that, but the pan players as well as those in the audience comprised
a healthy mix of youth.
In good spirits Pan Trinbago’s president, Patrick Arnold,
must be credited for having done a very good job over the years,
as it’s clear that the organisation is on a growth path and
the pan movement is poised to challenge whatever tasks lie ahead.
On the other hand, TUCO has done a disservice to the calypsonians
and the sooner they deal with their albatross People’s National
Movement (PNM) fanatic leader the faster they would resolve their
impending hunger and revive their pauperised talent.
In true Trini style, I believe the Mighty Chalkdust would beat the
shirt off the backs of the other calypsonians, followed by Singing
Sandra and Skatie in the Dimanche Gras Calypso Monarch competition.
For Panorama, Phase II Pan Groove, All Stars and Renegades in any
order. But don’t count out the big horse from the East, Exodus.
A message to the youths: Please, steer clear of trouble.
Enjoy the Carnival and have clean fun. |
