Calypso is the event which takes center stage as we begin the New Year and so there was a scramble for songs even when no calypsonian or prospective calypsonian, even considered attending any of the workshops in songwriting organized during the latter quarter of 2018. In fact, Signal Band and the Smith Brothers were the only established musical outfits who attended. I must also mention veteran Janet ‘Angel’ Shillingford.
This year the Smith Brothers will go on the record as the band to release the first recording for 2019 and I want to believe the lyrical content is indicative of the workshop they attended. Signal Band, because of their involvement and enthusiasm, one would expect soon a couple of compositions in the mode of ‘Ani bi yo love’.
While I am not complaining, as a songwriter I am concerned that too much is left on the shoulders of Pat Aaron and a few others like Pelam Jno Baptiste, Tim Durand, in recent times Haxey and, of course, yours truly, to write or compose 50 percent of the songs. Frankly, it is not good for the industry to be dominated by a handful of writers particularly when opportunities have been provided for artists to excel in this area.
I have already, in previous articles, lamented the fact that we don’t read or get involved in poetry and literature; hence, the dearth of composers. All the dominant composers in Dominica, and indeed the world, developed a love for words, reading and creative expression, from Dennis Joseph to the most recent Pelam Jno Baptiste.
This article is copyright © 2019 DOM767
