Friday, September 3 2010

THE NATIONAL Action Cultural Committee (NACC) in association with First Citizens will host the 14th Annual Emancipation Calypso Competition this evening at the SWWTU Auditorium, Wrightson Road.

There are two age two age groups, Juniors (5-16 years ) and Seniors (17-30 years ). The Emancipation Calypso competition was inaugurated in 1997 to provide a much needed platform for the continuous production of calypso compositions highlighting issues related to Emancipation and the historical experiences of our people in their search for lasting freedom.

Indeed, the inaugural winning calypso “One Billion Shall Rise” became the theme song for the “Internationalisation of Emancipation Day” Movement, spearheaded by the Caribbean Historical Society.

The research undertaken by contestants in each competition has successfully increased the national repertoire of calypsoes with Emancipation as their theme, thereby raising the consciousness of artistes and audiences about the struggle for freedom in Trinidad & Tobago and the wider Caribbean.

This year’s finalists are:

JUNIORS

Cavel Gordon (Tobago), Dayanah Emoriza, Emily Alleyne, Ferdinand Smith, Jerrisha Regis, Melina Smith, Necoda Francis, N’Janela Regis, Shanika Pierre and Tonya Small

SENIORS

Arnold Jordan, Asten Isaac, Catherine Williams, Cindy Alleyne, Cindy Chadband, Marion Paponette, Megan Walrond, Philman Browne, Sergio Francisco and Wendell Goodridge