A dedicated group of calypso and soca music enthusiasts, operating under the Calypso Review Committee (CRC), is taking decisive action to strengthen the platform for these vital art forms amidst evolving technologies and emerging business opportunities within the industry.
On Thursday, the CRC held its inaugural media briefing in Castries. With a diverse membership of entertainers spanning Kaiso, Soca, and Dennery Segment genres, this movement is set to become a dynamic force that champions the welfare of artists across the board.
As the CRC embarks on its ambitious journey, two significant events are on the agenda to communicate the urgency of the message: Kaiso is on the rise.
On September 8, a grand community meeting will take place at City Hall, Castries, uniting individuals from all facets of the art form, including songwriters, producers, and a wide range of performers and entertainers.
Following this, on September 27, a Grand Kaiso Exhibition will showcase the rich history of the art form—its origins, evolution, challenges, and tribute to iconic figures in Kaiso and Soca music. A special honor will be awarded to the Mighty Terra, recognized as the island’s first fully-fledged Kaiso champion, along with the legendary Mighty Pelay and others who have paved the way for public appreciation and presentation of this art form.
In recent weeks, the CRC has met to strategize the establishment of a dedicated organization that will address the needs of calypsonians. Acknowledging the roles of existing state-run associations associated with carnival celebrations, including the Carnival Planning and Management Committee (CPMC) and the Carnival Music Management Committee (CMMC), the CRC asserts the necessity of creating a robust foundation for the development and progress of artists.
Sean Marcellin, Tent Leader of the Fire One Calypso Tent and a key member of the CRC, stated, “After the last carnival season, we brought together tent leaders and other interested parties to review the state of the calypso industry and to establish an umbrella body that prioritizes the art form of calypso.”
Following extensive discussions, the CRC was launched in consultation with the Ministry of Culture, determining the way forward for the community.
Marcellin further emphasized the CRC’s commitment to inclusivity, expanding its outreach to encompass artists from other musical genres. “We aim to address all aspects of music to establish an Umbrella Body that represents a comprehensive set of interests.”
He said that the previous umbrella body responsible for calypsonians’ affairs was disbanded over 15 years ago and has since left a void, necessitating a viable solution.
Moreover, Marcellin pointed out that while other regional nations prioritize provisions and representation for their artists, with a strong emphasis on the importance of arts and culture, this has not been the case locally. “It is crucial to establish something that enables our culture to flourish,” he asserted.
Other prominent CRC members present at the media launch included Karen Tobiere, TC Brown, Gilroy “Ezi” Hall, and Linda “Chocolate” Berthier, all advocating for the future development, marketing, and national artistic recognition that the country’s culture rightfully deserves.