Former PM, Catholic Father, Three Others Inducted Into Calypso Hall of Fame
Five Calypso icons have been inducted into the Dominica Calypso Hall of Fame. These include the first prime minister of Dominica and a Catholic father as well as others who have made their mark in the industry over the decades. The induction ceremony took place at the Fort Young Hotel on Friday, February 14, and was attended by President Charles Savarin and his wife among other dignitaries.
A list of the inductees is –
The event held with the collaboration of the University of the West Indies. The keynote address was delivered by the principal of the Dominica Community High School, Celia Nicolas. According to the principal, the “national icons” committed their entire lives and creative talents to developing and refining the musical art of Calypso for several decades.
“In communion with each other, they have knitted a resilient bond between the art form of calypso and the socio-cultural dimensions of our nature isle so that we play Mas with Ridim,” Nicholas said. They contributed “classical masterpieces which upgrade the integrity and spirit of calypso”.
The chairman of the Dominica Calypso Hall of Fame Trust, Alex Bruno, thanked all supporters for the success of the programme. He said the trust was set up in 2008 and 21 Calypsonians and institutions have been honoured since then. Induction of honourees only started four years ago.
Andrew Bazil started singing in the 1980s and some of his musical hits include;
- Father, Father
- Catholic
Some of Val Cuffy’s hits include
- Rub my Belly
- Chew my Pocket
- Bus Man
- Keep your Head above Water
- Pastor Rod
Father Brancker John had hits such as
- Remember Me the Malaway
- My Plan
- Keep the Candle Burning
- Put de Brakes on Dem
- Workers
Julian Lockhart was known for “White Black” and Patrick PJ John for numerous others.
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