Youngsters go for bees melody at tribute to Lord Kitchener

Youngsters pay tribute to Kitchener
Newsday News, Friday, October 16 2015
http://newsday.co.tt/features/0,218539.html

SOME OF the popular calypsos from the late Lord Kitchener filled the Daaga Hall of University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine as eight talented youths gave their interpretations of his music in a competition and tribute to the Grandmaster, Aldwyn Roberts.

The youngsters were graduates of the Waterwheel Studios Ltd’s Culture Forever vacation camp programme.

Last Saturday’s red carpet gala was the culmination of the “Culture Forever ” programme which was a two-week camp titled Calypso and Beyond held during the August vacation.

Eight children from the camp, aged seven to 13 years, were selected to compete in the event.

Dressed as Kitchener from head to toe, in tailored suits and fedoras, among the favourites they performed were the “Bees Melody” and “Toco Band.” Ajani DePeza, Sonique Noreiga, Garvey York and Rebakah Rose opted for “Bees Melody”.

Dujon George went with “Toco Band.” Satin Heaven Brade and Jonika Moran did “Pan in A Minor and Yaashanti Tota delivered “Miss Tourist.” They performed before an appreciative audience comprising Kitchener’s family, members of the calypso fraternity, parents, teachers and supporters.

The showcase brought tears to Kitchener’s eldest son, Kernal Roberts, who was a mentor at the camp and assisted in passing on his father’s values and teaching the younger generation about TT ’s culture.

Speaking at the tribute Roberts said: “It is my sole purpose in life to carry on his legacy, while forming my own. If we don’t show them , they won’t know. It’s all about educating and exposing,”.

He also thanked The Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism along with Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation, (TUCO) for their key role in sponsorship in the programme.

“I am grateful for this thoughtful, very much needed incentive to achieve awareness of our icons both dead and alive and we urge the organisations involved to continue. Culture Forever and ever!” Performances also came from veteran calypsonians, Brother Valentino (Emrold Phillip), Twiggy (Anne Marie Parks-Cudjoe) and “The Explainer” (Winston Henry). The top three youth performers were Satin Heaven Brade from Holistic Primary School; Jonika Moran, Arima Girls’ Government; and Sonique Noreiga of Bon Air Government. Vaughn Noreiga, director of Waterwheel Studios Ltd stressed the importance of educating the youth about TT ’s culture before it is too late: “We are facing a time where our cultural identity is under a threat, our children are not aware of our icons. It is important that there are tangible, meaningful ways to re-introduce culture to them, or it may be lost for good.”