Pata Pata
A tribute to Miriam Makeba
Pathways: A Musical Journey
TriniSoca.com
Staff Article
July 25, 2006
It is indeed a rare thing to come to one place and witness so much talent. On Saturday, 22nd July, 2006, at the Little Carib Theatre, this was the place to be if one wanted to witness such a talent explosion.
The theatre, which was as black as the cool night, was filled with people who came for the dual purpose of attending a good show and also to begin the 2006 Emancipation Celebrations.
After Avis Bruce and Kareem Brown performed the National Anthem on the steelpan, the audience was treated to a dance performance by the North West Laventille Cultural Movement depicting one aspect of the African cultural tradition. They were dressed in their orange, white and gold garbs which provided much energy to the theatre and which added to their already exuberant performance.
The drummers, dressed in fiery red, also provided the energy from which the dancers fed upon and which amplified the audience's excitement. All present felt the energy within their veins and were moved to sway in their seats.
Next was a moving poem by Denise Charles entitled, "A Musical Journey." Her style of poetry was quite unique, beautiful and informative, which correctly depicted the evolution of African music out of the continent to the various styles of music ranging from Rock 'n' Roll to Calypso in the Americas and in the Caribbean. She also articulated in her poem the demonization of African culture which managed to survive through a variety of musical forms.
Following this was a selection of slave songs, 'negro' spirituals and gospel songs sung by various artistes. The first was "Is Massa Goin' to Sell Us Tomorrow" and "I Looked for Love", by Tahirah Osborne. People at first seemed stunned that this woman with a petite frame could possess such an enormous voice but she won the hearts of the audience from the moment she arrived on stage.
Joanne Pyle was next with the powerful rendition of "There Is a Meeting", which resurfaced memories of our African ancestors gathering together to find ways of escaping their condition of pyhsical bondage.
Rhona Mohon with songs, "I Want Jesus to Walk with Me" and "Many Thousand Gone", silenced the audience with her soft and beautiful, yet commanding voice.
Janine Charles-Farray, whose voice can be compared with icons such as Aretha Franklyn and Gladys Knight wowed all with her piece, "If My People."
The group then joined at the end to sing the popular tune, "We Shall Overcome" which they invited the audience to sing along to.
The second segment of Blues/Jazz began with a wonderful rendition of "Take the 'A' Train" by the Earl Carnavon and Friends Band. This musical group surely 'jazzed' up the atmosphere, giving the place an added sensual appeal.
After the musical introduction by the band, Rhona Mohon was the first singer to join them and sang a jazzy piece, "Paper Moon." Her next selection, which was more of the Blues variation was entitled, "Can't Help Loving That Man of Mine". Her soulful appeal was felt by all in the audience.
Germaine Wilson, who's voice can easily be compared with singers such as Billie Holiday and Mavis John, then gave a knockout performance with her raspy, yet sweet voice and her appropriate selections, the first of which was "The Summer Wind" followed by, "Fever" which was a definite crowd favorite.
There to cool down the fever was Janine Charles-Farray with, "They Can't Take That Away From Me," and "Cry Me a River" which was a heartrending piece that made sorrow run through the bones of all and moved some to tears.
Soul/Rap was the next segment, which further emphasized African musical diversification and the various African expressions evident in the world. Germaine Wilson sang two soulful pieces: "Groovin'" and "Respect", which was followed by a Rap selection with a bit of Reggae Dancehall by Keigan Forde, Dion Samm and Marcus Rowley.
Following the intermission was another dance selection by the North West Laventille Cultural Movement which was immediately followed by the segment, West Indian Folk Songs/Reggae. "Call Up Me Rosebud" by Rhona Mohon was the first selection, followed by "Linstead Market" by Germaine Wilson and Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" performed by Peter Biddeau.
A musical rendition, "From Tamboo Bamboo to Steeldrum" was performed by Kareem Brown & Avis Bruce and Company who provided an interesting sound with bamboo, drums, steelpans and other steel and wooden instruments. All the various musical sounds came together successfully to create a harmonious musical piece.
Next up and adding more fuel to the fire was the North West Laventille Cultural Movement who performed a fiery limbo exhibition.
The final segment was Calypso/Rapso/Soca which began with a Lavway Medley (extempo melody) by David Bereau.
Four-time reigning Calypso Monarch, the Mighty Duke was next, looking spruced-up as usual and sang hits, "Great Composers" and "Black is Beautiful."
Erphaan Alves, the youngest member of the cast, graced the stage with "Peace" and "Positive Lyrics." The "youth man" was very confident and had magnificent stage presence. He literally had the audience moving "east, west, north and south" with his Soca vibe which set the audience further ablaze.
Karega Mandela came on stage next and provided a sweet taste of the Rapso sounds with songs, "Jah is Great" and "Never Surrender."
The show came to a close with the living legend Ella Andall. She began with chants in recognition of African gods and ancestors and proceeded with a tribute to the female energies in the song, "Black Woman" which was a truly uplifting performance. Sister Andall then called one of her backup singers, Gail, to the fore who sang a brief tribute to Andre Tanker.
Brother Resistance later answered Ella Andall's call to, "Ring de Bell" which was another crowd favourite. His performance was fantastic and added to the Rapso vibrations, which is another form of African musical expression.
Ella Andall ended the wonderful show with propitiation to the gods and ancestors.
It is certain that all who attended would agree that it was an incredible show. It is arguably the best production of the year thus far.
Ambataila Women
Amadi Productions held its third annual concert titled "Ambataila Women" at La Joya on Saturday 21st July, to remember and honour women who made a mark in culture. This concert, which formed part of the Emancipation 2007 celebrations, was creatively based around the cultural contribution of the ten women being honoured: Marjorie Padmore, Olive Walke, Kathleen 'Aunty Kay' Warner, Olga Comma-Maynard, Cheryl Byron, Winifred Atwell, Daisy Voisin, Jean Coggins-Simmons, Beryl Mc Burnie and Beulah "Lady B" Bobb. According to a release from Amadi Productions, these women strived and overcame all odds when others regarded them as mere house women. This production made the point that these icons are beacons who have led the way despite the challenges that they may have faced.
The show kicked off with a Folk Music segment in remembrance of Marjorie Padmore and Olive Walke. Marjorie Padmore was a musician, teacher and composer who composed the national song "God Bless Our Nation", while Olive Walke was an accomplished musician, composer, folk singer and folklorist who researched the folk music of Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean. The newly formed Amadi Musicale treated the audience to three Caribbean folk songs: "Mi Boulli", "Boykin" and "Medley", with the joyful tones of "Mi Boulli" contrasting with the lamenting for a departed Boykin.
The Children's segment was done in remembrance of Kathleen 'Aunty Kay' Warner who was a medical student, pianist, singer, actress, dancer and teacher but who is perhaps best known as the host of the popular radio programme, Aunty Kay's Children Hour. This segment featured Chinaka Pierre singing "Reach", Elijah Wilson performing the popular local gospel song "To the Ceiling" and Regina Noreiga doing a tap dance.
The Oral Tradition segment was done in remembrance of Olga Comma-Maynard and Cheryl Byron. Cheryl Byron is a pioneer of the Rapso genre who also published poetry, acted and was an accomplished dancer, while Olga Comma Maynard was a distinguished poet and storyteller who focused on nature and the cultural mores of Trinidad and Tobago. Denise Charles of Amadi Musicale performed Byron's "Hosanna Dey", which told of a Catholic woman who went to an Orisha festival and 'caught the power'. Alison Brewster also recited a poem written by Olga Comma-Maynard titled "The Sandbox Tree".
The Ivory and Steel segment featured one item titled "The Devil's Daughter" by Earl Canovon, Kareem Brown and Friends, in honour of Winifred Atwell. Winifred Atwell was an accomplished pianist, whose concerts drew standing-room only crowds around the world.
After the intermission, Amadi Musicale demonstrated their versatility by performing several Parang songs in honour of Daisy Voisin. Hailed as the undisputed "Queen of Parang" for her vocal process and the triumphs and popularity of the band she led, the La Divina Pastora Serenaders, Daisy Voisin left an indelible mark on the local Parang scene in Trinidad and Tobago. Amadi Musicale did her legacy justice with the lively renditions of "Nosotros Tenemos", "Alegria" and "El Nacimeniento".
The Dance segment featured the dancers of the North West Laventille Cultural Movement who ignited the stage with colourful clothes and swirling dance moves. They exhibited different dance styles including Bele, Pique and Calypso. This segment was in honour of Jean Coggins-Simmons, Cherl Byron and Beryl Mc Burnie. Jean Coggins-Simmons was a founding member of the National Dance Association of Trinidad and Tobago and represented Trinidad and Tobago in Nigeria, Barbados, Canada and Cuba. She has been awarded for her contribution to the preservation and development of folk dance. Beryl Mc Burnie, another prominent figure of the dance arena, was an accomplished choreographer, dance teacher and folklorist who is remembered for pioneering the preservation and appreciation of local art forms.
The Calypso segment honoured the life of Beulah "Lady B" Bobb, the Tobagonian Calypsonian, who was a founding member of the United Sisters and the Kaisoca Touring Team. Among her best remembered pieces are "Fight Back", "Adda Adda Ring Bang" and "Whoa Donkey". In her memory, the versatile and talented Janine Charles-Farray sang "Dollar Waste", while Germaine Wilson gave an energetic performance of "Pharaoh" and "Fire Brigade" to the appreciation of the audience.
The show climaxed with a splendid rendition of "Ambataila Woman" by the Amadi Musicale, drawing the approval and rapturous applause from the audience. The various elements of the concert woven into each other demonstrate the rich cultural legacy of the women honoured. The biographies of all the women, that were distributed along with the programme, was a good step in ensuring that there is more awareness of the women who have contributed in diverse ways to the cultural landscape of Trinidad and Tobago.
Soulful Vibes
featuring 5 young ladies of soul
Pause For Awhile
Saturday 10th April, 2010
Daaga Auditorium, U.W.I., St. Augustine
I was privileged to be in the audience of “Pause For Awhile” - a concert put on by Amadi Productions. It was a refreshing mix of adult contemporary music presented by a group of talented musicians and singers.
From its timely start at 8.00 p.m. to the musical accompaniment, supported by the well executed variety of calypso, steel pan, upbeat as well as slower songs, there was always a mood of anticipation as to the next treasure to be revealed. The standard of performance excelled from the start and never waived through the two hours – a testimony to those who worked behind the scenes to ensure that the audience’s interest was never lost. A job well done.
Patricia Roberts
Iya Africa
Saturday 23rd July, 2011
Daaga Auditorium, UWI, St. Augustine
