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.
So, Bouyon is now a real big man, 30 years old but how big is it in the region? The aim this year must be to bring some international recognition to the music genre. Who is going to do it? What are the tools required to do this? Well, there must be lyrical, vocal and musical improvements- the actual product must take the lead before anything like marketing or sponsorship can be considered. Sadly, all that is required to make the product appealing to the desired on the international market is deteriorating quickly in the name of evolving. I wish to defer- an evolution should be for better, not worse.
Are you saying that the “Conch Shell”, “Balance Batty” or “Culture Shock” days of WCK is worse musically or lyrically than what is available now? Are you also saying that the Klocker’s crew infusion with Dice and Skinny, Nayee or the Serenades, RSB’s, or the short-lived Effects and PIK’s of yesteryear can be compared to what is existing now? I beg to differ. There is also a new brand of Bouyon rappers who are trying to follow the Acer lead, but their compositions and cohesiveness of their story-line needs workshopping. Still, there is hope in the maturity I now see in Tipple Kay, (who must be complimented for giving back to needy organizations and individuals ever so often) and Signal Band.
So we wait to see what Dominica presents in 2019.
This article is copyright © 2019 DOM767
