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TUCO on Calypso
So Yu Going To... CARNIVAL Magazine
CALYPSO - The music indigenous to Trinidad and Tobago has, over the
years become truly Caribbean in the identity. From its original role of defying and mocking the plantation owner, Calypso music has evolved so that it now embraces the entire gamut of human behavior.
The original role, however, continues to be the focus of many traditional Calysonians. With the notable observation that their scope spans, not only the domestic but the international arena. Calypso has satirized the Russian experiment of sending a dog on one of its space missions; it has berated the atrocities in South Africa, sang the praises Mandela and Martin Luther King and generally commented on world events in a serious or humorous vein.
As the national organization with responsibility for propagation of the art form TUCO (Trinbago Unified Calypsonians' Organization) considers calypso to be well
poised to take its rightful place along other musical idioms. On the other hand we have a rich and colorful history created by calypso stalwarts of the last century. Bards like Sparrow, Lion, Kithchener, Pretender, Melody, Terror, Rose, Shadow to mention just a few, are household names anywhere in the world that calypso is discussed.
On the other hand, we have a cadre of young, calypso artists who have built on solid foundation of the masters. Their appeal is to a new generation of Calypso enthusiast, and the influence of David Rudder, Machel Mantano, Iwer George Super Blue, and others of that genre should see Calypso safely into the millennium.
Tuco recognizes its duty to nurture and encourage exponents of the art We appreciate too, that we need to be the pivotal agent ensuring the well-being of our membership. To this end, we have
put in train mechanics which will cater to the short and long-term welfare of our members.
Perpetuation of the Calypso legacy ranks high on our agenda. As such a vibrant junior calypso committee has the responsibility not only of organizing competitions but arranging workshops, international tours and an annual roving tent for young calypso artises. Junior extempo becomes part of our 2000 programmee as we continue taking steps to ensure a solid grounding in all aspects of calypso by our future calypsonians.
For Carnival 2000 TUCO responding to repeated and concerted appeals by our female membership has eventually decided to host the National Calypso Queen and International Soca Queen contests. From the tremendous interests shown this promises to be a bumper event and another exciting addition to the Carnival Calendar.
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Reprinted by CaribbeanChoice.com. Inc. with permission from So Yu Going To... CARNIVAL Magazine, published by Ah Wee Tours Limited. Reproduction of this material is prohibited without express permission from the publisher. Copyright © Ah Wee Tours Limited. All rights reserved.
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