People’s Calypsonian in Hall of FameSaturday, October 10 2009
click on pic to zoom in
Brother Valentino...
THE SUNSHINE Awards organisation has released its list of 2009 nominees.
The Sunshine Awards organisation was founded in 1989 to recognise and pay tribute to the creators, producers and performers of the various Caribbean art forms.
Over the years the programme has expanded in scope and depth, extending the canopy of awards to Central America, South America and Africa. This year, the 21st Annual Sunshine Awards will be dedicated to the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP). Co-founder of the Sunshine Awards Hall of Fame and Chairman of the Nomination Committee, Dr Hollis Liverpool, said: “It is important to note that the process used to determine the nominees for awards is a very extensive one. The network of institutions, like the University of Trinidad and Tobago, cultural organisations and individuals engaged or participated in the process which spans the Caribbean, the Americas and Africa.
The nominees for the 2009 Sunshine Awards Hall of Fame are:
Anthony Emrold Phillip (Brother Valentino), for his lifelong contribution to calypso music. Brother Valentino was born in Grenada and migrated to Trinidad as a youth. He began his calypso career in the 1960s and was named “Valentino” by the Grandmaster, Lord Kitchener. Valentino is often described as “The People’s Calypsonian” because of his very quiet style and focus on the problems, hopes and aspirations of African people. He is considered one of the industry’s most prolific composers.
The 1970 Black Power Uprising in Trinidad motivated him to compose many calypsoes that confront the political directorate with the cares and sufferings of the people. Today, Valentino is a household name in the calypso world. He is a master of the art with his pensive deliveries of fascinating melodies and conscious lyrics. He is above all, one of our masters who makes his audience search within themselves and think about life and true justice. Bertrand “Butch” Kelman is a master pannist and tuner. Growing up in south Trinidad, he fell in love with the pan at an early age and graduated to tuning after listening quietly to the changing tones of the tenor pans in the late 1960s and 1970s. This master of the pan proves that tuning the pan is an art that cannot be sold.
The nominees for the 2009 Sunshine Awards Friend of the Art Award are:
Frank and Claude Martineau. The Martineau Brothers have embraced the performing arts since 1960. They have so traversed the Caribbean with their concert and show productions that they have become the foremost musical promoters in the region.
They introduced world renowned foreign artists such as Michael Jackson, the Jackson 5 and Luther Vandross to the Caribbean. Claude passed on to his heavenly reward last July, but Frank continues to carry on earnestly and majestically.
The Nominees for 2009 Sunshine Awards for Contribution to the Performing Arts are:
Alston Becket Cyrus. He hails from St Vincent, in the Caribbean. Becket joined the calypso world as a calypsonian 37 years ago. He has 25 albums to his credit. His fans describe him as the “ABC” of calypso and soca music. In 2001 the government of St Vincent and the Grenadines appointed him “Goodwill Ambassador”. Elwin McQuilkin better known as Black Wizard hails from Grenada. Inspired by his uncle, Lord Roma, (a chantwell singer in the various Caribbean islands), the Mighty Sparrow, Chalkdust and the Mighty Short Shirt from Antigua, Black Wizard entered the calypso world in 1969. He won the Grenada Road March Competition in 1988, Grenada’s Soca Monarch in 1994 and Grenada’s Independence Calypso Competition in 1996. His hits, according to his fans, include, “IMS,” “Oh Grenada,” and “African Blood.”
William Elcock of Grenada is known in the calypso world as “Scaramouche”. Scaramouche, known to calypso lovers as “Scara,” entered the calypso world in 1952. He was a member of the Original Young Brigade Calypso Tent where he performed with the Mighty Sparrow, Cristo, Spoiler, Young Killer and the Mighty Dougla. He is best remembered by calypso lovers for the quality of his songs and stately (tall hat, scissors-tail suits and walking stick) outfits on stage. Some of his fans describe his as “The Best Dressed Calypsonian.”
Armando Savaranga Crisanto of La Ceiba Atlántida, Honduras. A director, choreographer and dance teacher, the Sunshine Awards organisation will recognise Mr Crisanto for his more than 40 years of artistic work, dance and music. Since 1971, Mr Crisanto has been the Director of the Garifuna Ballet Dancers of Honduras.
Best Chutney Soca Song
Samraj Rikki jai Jaimingal – Leh We Go
Soca Elvis - Monika
Rooplal Girdharie - Aye Sajanee Peeya
Best Soca Song
Bunji Garlin - Fiery
Faye-Ann Lyons - Get On
Shurwayne Winchester - Carnival Please Stay
The 21st annual Sunshine Awards takes place on October 24 at the AXA Equitable Center, 787 Seventh Avenue at 51st Street in New York City.
The programme will begin at 6 pm with a cocktail reception followed by the presentation of awards and live show. The programme will be hosted by Gayelle’s television producer, host and comedian, Errol Fabien and radio talk show host and comedian, Nikki Crosby.
