Caribbean Buzz
Mother’s Day In Focus: Women Encouraged to Realize Their Divine Role.
There is a divine feminine energy that resides in every woman on the planet. This spiritual energy, while sometimes hidden, is powerful beyond measure, and as Mother’s Day comes into focus, Trinidad and Tobago’s Empress Aje says the time has come, once again, to encourage the country’s women to stand in the beauty and strength of their being.
Her effort to highlight this innate strength is seen in the annual production of her event, ‘The Iba Music Festival.’ Now in its fourth year, the creative showcase returns with love and empowerment at its core. “I don’t think women truly understand what they possess. My effort is to remind women of who they are, the contributions they can make. They must understand that they have a lot of power in their hands- power that can ultimately reach out to change the direction of both men, and children.”
Empress Aje is a woman of impeccable standard who holds fast to the Yoruba tradition. Strengthened by the African teachings of this tradition, she operates solely by spiritual guidance from ‘my ancestors,’ as she explains. Her assignment this Mother’s Day weekend brings the likes of illustrious entertainers, Nisa, Jaron Nurse, Farmer Nappy, Collis Duranty, Stephanie Joseph, Naomi Sinette and Darren Sheppard with NLCB Fonclaire, into focus. Aje will also be a part of the musical lineup, serenading all women on Saturday.
Expanding on her belief in the importance of promoting the divine feminine power in Trinidad and Tobago, Empress Aje says, “More women should be placed in strategic areas of our country’s political landscape.” She believes these women must however understand who they are and add value to the positions they attain.
A prompt 6:30pm commencement carded for Saturday, May 11th’s, Iba Music Festival, Empress Aje assures that variety is at the core of the show. “The event offers great musical variety. As the creative director, I’ve carefully chosen each element of the showcase to deliver positive vibrations on who we are celebrating this weekend.” Added to the live entertainment, the Festival, which is being hosted in the Amphitheatre area, also hosts a number of creative vendors who are being given the opportunity to share their work with patrons. “Initially, I did have second thoughts about hosting the event this year, however I was encouraged to deliver, and I am happy that I listened. Everything has fallen into place,”she said.
Over the past four years, the Iba Music Festival moved from the Little Carib Theatre to the Naparima Bowl. The event was also hosted virtually during the pandemic and even amid that challenge, Empress Aje, a former corporate employee, explained that she was propelled by a higher power, to keep promoting this positive celebration of feminine energy. “In 2022, I was guided to move the show to South. We had artistes like Freetown Collective and Queen Omega, and the event made an enormous impact. We’ve remained in South since that time,” she explained, noting that patrons can expect nothing but good energy, love and enjoyment ahead of Mother’s Day.
“Historically, women were the ones who held the homes together. That has changed, not because of universal law, but because of man’s law and that is probably why we are in the problems we are in now,” said the event organiser. She encourages women to stand up to their divine calling – to once again be true nurturers and solid role models for their children. “If mothers would start back to raise their children and realize their role where family life is concerned, things around us will change,” she emphasized.
For further information on the Iba Music Festival, those interested can call 868-770-1241.
Caribbean Buzz
A Caribbean Icon Has Passed. The Mighty Sparrow Leaves Behind a Mighty Legacy. Machel, Shurwayne Reflect.
On the heels of his passing, the Caribbean community immediately drew for the memories of his heyday, but for those who knew him best, moments shared intimately with The Mighty Sparrow through musical interaction and opportunities presented, will continue to be a solemn reminder of the human being that he was.
Soca King, Machel Montano recalls the opportunities given to him by the legendary entertainer. Sparrow’s timeless hits will live on and for Machel and many other artistes, his death at the age of 91, is a very real reminder of life’s impermanence. “I am flooded with emotions of every kind but most of all, I am filled with joyful memories of moments I’ve shared, lessons I’ve learnt, and music that shaped my very being,” said Montano. In 2008, the pair had collaborated to re-create Sparrow’s classic hit, ‘Congo Man.’ It was certainly a collaboration that will live in Machel’s heart forever.
More than seven decades of service to the culture of Trinidad and Tobago, The Mighty Sparrow’s legacy includes honors received from the country he was adopted by from a very young age. He had been awarded the Hummingbird Medal Silver in 1969, the Chaconia Medal Gold in 1993 and the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in 2014, for his inimitable contribution to one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most enduring musical art forms, Calypso.
Shurwayne Winchester, in paying tribute to the icon, said, “In every lifetime, your presence would be needed, your music would be essential, your wit and personality required, because you, Mighty, Mighty Sparrow, were a gift to us all.” Shurwayne was one of the last artistes to collaborate with the legendary Calypsonian. The song is called, “My Island Girl,” released in 2023.
Mentored and loved by the Mighty Sparrow throughout her career, Natasha Wilson shared that her heart is saddened and announced that he had taken his last breath at 2:22pm on September 27th. “Dr. Slinger Francisco, the Calypso King of the World has passed,” she said in a Facebook live video. She asked for time on behalf of the family, to process the death of the man many considered the greatest Calypsonian who ever lived.
The Mighty Sparrow was born in Grand Roy, Grenada in 1935. His family migrated to Trinidad and Tobago less than two years later. In 1956, his career started with the hit single, ‘Jean and Dinah.’ It may have been his most famous song, but it would be only one of many, many incredibly well-constructed Calypso singles. Kees Dieffenthaller, in paying tribute, said The Mighty Sparrow was “the blueprint.” Internationally acclaimed songwriter and vocalist, Angela Hunte also shared, “My Sundays will always be filled with your voice in my house.”
From Barbados to Jamaica, his birthplace, Grenada, Guyana, the United States, the UK and at home in Trinidad and Tobago, the loss of Slinger Francisco – The Mighty Sparrow, is felt. Guyana’s President, Irfan Ali said, “He brought recognition to our Caribbean civilization. His melodies and lyrics sailed far beyond the region’s shores,” adding, “Sparrow lifted calypso from mere entertainment into an art form.” The Honorable, Mia Mottley also shared sentiments of deep appreciation and adoration for the Birdie, as he was fondly called, writing, “Calypso gave the ordinary Calypsonian a voice. Sparrow carried it to the world with incomparable genius. Born in Grenada and raised in Trinidad, he belonged to all of us.” She called on Caribbean adults to, “let our children hear him. Let them know that this brilliance came from among us.”
Caribbean Buzz
Times Square, New York, The Place to Be for Caribbean Culture on August 30th.
On August 30th, a major Caribbean event is popping off in the heart of New York. Tropicalfete Inc. is at it again, delivering its 5th annual Caribbean Pop-Up Carnival in Times Square, New York. That’s big deal!
The free, family-friendly event will transform the place that’s often dubbed, the Crossroads of the World, into a vibrant showcase of Caribbean music, dance, and artistic expression. On August 30th, it kicks off at 1pm along Broadway, between W46th and W47th streets. TropicalFete says those coming out are encouraged to wear carnival costumes, wave their national flags, and “celebrate the rich diversity of Caribbean culture.”
The event will be hosted by Vibes Man Redman and Katherine Charles, and will feature an exciting lineup of acclaimed performers, headlined by legendary Billboard chart-topping soca artiste, Rupee.
Rupee made history in late 2004 as the first Barbadian-born artiste, and one of just two soca acts, to reach the Billboard Hot 100 with his global hit, “Tempted to Touch,”which was later Certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. Rupee’s catalogue of soca anthems also includes “Jump,” which has won Road March titles (the song judged to be most popular) at Caribbean carnivals in Boston, Brooklyn, Miami, Toronto, and at Barbados’ Cropover.
The artiste will be honored at the Tropicalfete Pop-Up Carnival by city and state officials for his contributions to Caribbean culture through music and his courageous advocacy for HIV/AIDS awareness. During the event, Rupee will receive a Mayoral Certificate of Recognition from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s office. He will also be awarded a Proclamation on behalf of the New York City Council. Additionally, New York State Senators Zellnor Myrie and Roxanne Persaud will present him with a State Proclamation, while Assembly Member Brian Cunningham will recognize him with a New York State Assembly Proclamation.
Tropicalfete’s Pop-Up Carnival’s non-stop entertainment schedule will also include a performance by Mapy, “The Violin Queen.” Born on Réunion Island, raised in Paris and now based in Brooklyn, Mapy delivers electrifying performances that blend classical violin with Caribbean rhythms and hip-hop beats. Her impressive resume includes performances at the Grammy Awards, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and the St. Kitts Music Festival.
Carnival masquerade traditions from all over the Caribbean representing traditional, folkloric, ole (satirical), and pretty mas will also be highlighted.
Tropicalfete Steel Pan Ensemble comes to light up Times Square with an unforgettable set of high-energy. The ensemble will be joining forces with Soca superstar Rupee performing together with one of his songs Give Thanks which is a special treat for the audience. Tropicalfete Stilting Unit and Mas will also be bringing the color, movement, culture, and excitement of Carnival to the heart of New York City.
Attendees can also look forward to a high-energy soca fitness workout with Mandy and a performance by the dynamic rythem Section – Riddim Explosion. DJ Patrick and DJ Eric will provide the recorded musical selections.
The Caribbean Pop-Up Carnival has become one of Tropicalfete’s signature cultural events, attracting thousands of residents, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts each year. Through music, dance, and interactive performances, the event celebrates Caribbean heritage while promoting education and community engagement.
“Tropicalfete’s Caribbean Pop-Up Carnival continues to unite communities by bringing the energy, creativity, and traditions of the Caribbean directly into the heart of New York City,” said Alton Aimable, Executive Director of Tropicalfete. “As we celebrate our fifth year, we invite everyone to experience the sights, sounds, and spirit of Carnival while embracing the diversity that makes our city so unique.
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