Rawle Gibbons says the Creative Arts Centre has a play manuscript on contemporary calypso from GB that they are hoping to mount for Carnival 1999.
A little-remembered calypsonian out of Tobago who was active in the '50s at the OYB. Recorded one single for Sa Gomes 164, Annual Walking Race and Is By Animal Motor Car Was Invented. In 1953 with Disaster With the Police and Jumbie Jamberie. In 1954 Good Friday Happenings, Ah Can't Bear the Torture, Ashe's Experience in a Walking Race and Some People Does Get to Resemble They Work. For 1955 OYB sang Advantage in Room Renting. In 1956, he did Destruction of Hurricane Janet and Doctor Shop Scandal.
Anyone have more info on him? The Sa Gomes 78 recording is not one I have a copy of, regrettably, and don't know if any copies survive. Errol Hill had a copy of the Sa Gomes catalog so I know the record was issued. In fact, there are many Sa Gomes records issued mid-50s that have to date not turned up. Any leads?
Affonso label:
In fact, this is all I have on Lord Canary. Anyone know his address or know if he is still alive?
A Guyanese calypsonian who started coming to the tents in Trinidad in the 60s. In 1966 and the 1970 OYB tent. Competed in the 1985 King of Kings competition singing Wicket Cricket. He became a minister in the '80s in Guyana government as co-ordinator of Cultural Affairs. Presented the paper, "The Nature and Function of Calypso in Guyana" at the 1986 University of the West Indies conference on calypso and society.
Skipper - EpitoneSkipper is living and preaching on another island. Since that is really a fragment, I offer another one:
text in Guardian, Feb. 5, 1959If you feeling tired and rundown
You need something to make you strong
If you feeling tired and rundown
You need something to make you strong
Epitone is the tonic with the vitamin and iron
Makes you feel strong like a lion;
So if at any time you need a vitamin to do the trick;
Epitone, the king of tonicsChorus:
Epitone is a body builder
Epitone makes your body stronger
Its the best tonic now in town
Drink Epitone and keep looking young and strong
Chang Khai Check - IndependenceHe is another very obscure calypsonian. Any info? Meanwhile, I had heard from Rudy Ottley back in February that TUCO was planning to revive the Independence calypso contest for this year. Is that happening?We are proud and glad
Independence for Trinidad
I said we are proud and glad
Independence for Trinidad
After so many years in slavery
We get liberty
I'm sure you all will agree
It is a milestone in history
Man no longer will we be ruled by
We get to stand on our own
Independence has come I'm sure you are glad
Tobago and Trinidad
We have a good mind to lead us along
And guide our destiny
I'm sure we'd agree
And not live in unity
The doctor is best
??? success
After too much difficulty
Independence is a reality
We pull out of the federation
To form we own nation
Imagine how glad I felt
To know we still in the Commonwealth
Columbus is a man with style and grace
In the year 1498 but in 1797
The island was made a British Haven
In the year 1834
The place was sweet I'm sure
But I beg to remember too the 31st 1962
Some way criticize but I want them to realize
That we all should bear this in mind
To look forward and not behind
Cuz I know we are competent
As to run our own government
So thanks to ??? and her Majesty and guide our destiny
Ray Funk
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