Introduce calypso in schools – Dr. Francis Severin

Dr. Severin. * Photo credit: www.open.uwi.edu

A leading academic is emphasizing what he sees as the need to introduce the calypso in the country’s schools.

That position was articulated on behalf of Dr Francis Severin, the head of the UWI Open Campus, Dominica, at the Dominica Calypso “Kaiso” Hall of Fame Induction at the Fort Young Hotel on Thursday night.

In that address read by a co-worker, Dr Severin observed that “Calypsoes have always brought to the fore the burning issues of the land, so I wish to condemn those who seem to be dismayed and distraught by the political calypso”.

“Instead of condemning calypsoes, we must give serious thought to introducing the calypso on the curriculum at the primary and secondary school levels,” he advised.

The UWI official says he is sympathetic to private citizens whose personal lives are explored “with too much intrusion” in local calypsoes.

However he does not extend that same kind of comfort to the politician.

“I cannot lend comfort to politicians, whom for many calypsoes, are the contemporary successors of the slave/master oppressors,” Dr Severin penned, arguing that those holding political office should expect to become objects of picong and satire.

His advise to the politicians “let us therefore mature as a people because our hypocrisy is becoming a little annoying, to say the least”.

The UWI Open Campus head here has also reiterated an earlier appeal he made for financial, social and political support for the country’s playwrights, poets, scriptwriters, spoken word artists, storytellers, calypsonians, writers and authors “as they narrate or tell our stories, as they interpret, and as they argue or reason to achieve our own understanding”.

Along the lines of understanding and putting in perspective developments in the country, another key individual has been advocating deeper analysis of Dominican matters.

Former Chief Cultural Officer Alwyn Bully says he is concerned that in this “internet age”, issues are usually given fast food treatment.

Bully says he misses “indepth, constructive criticism” and is calling for “well thought-out proper analysis”.

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33 Comments

  1. Another Docteur
    February 12, 2012

    Bully says he misses “indepth, constructive criticism” and is calling for “well thought-out proper analysis”. Severin says :Calypsoes have always brought to the fore the burning issues of the land, so I wish to condemn those who seem to be dismayed and distraught by the political calypso”.His advise to the politicians “let us therefore mature as a people because our hypocrisy is becoming a little annoying, to say the least”.
    Guys ,Guys!!! Alittle annoying??? That’s being hypocrtical urself Mr.Severin. This bloody annoying Man!
    Bully you are presentingdouble standars. You unlike Dr.Saverin who from time to time expresses/coveys his setiments in no uncertain terms re: cultural counsciousness you Dr.Bully have held back over and over again.You clearly convey undefined stances that maybe opque to some but transparent others your ambiguity on class, culture and social concsiouness.

  2. MISS DAROOOOUX
    February 12, 2012

    OH HE TOCHED ME

    AND WHAT A JOY THAT FILLED MY SOUL

    SOMETHING HAPPENED

    AND NOW I KNOW……….

    That would be such a great song to sing as a calypso

    CDCC

    imagine that eh boy

  3. ANTI DLP / DOC
    February 12, 2012

    I JUST CANNOT begin to understand some of those walking dictionaries who have a bougeoise mentality .

    Some people eve forget where they come from.

    some people allow post to get to them

    I wander what Stephanie is saying about such people now ?

    A good thing ………

    DSC

    UWI

    i wander which one I went to first ?

    Which one is closer to my heart now

    which one is I AM DOMINICA ARE YOU ?

    Well it will be so nice to see SOUR SOUR reaching our kids calypso and ably assited by MIGHTY DBS and directed bt MIGHTY ACRE

    some educated people too smart for my liking and its AM They love and PM they hate

    a good thing I not playing politics at UWI

    I WANDER WHAT THE NEXT TOPIC IN THEIR LECTURE SERIES GOING TO BE

    it could well be SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN THE WEST INDIES ( AT HOME SCHOOL AND PLAY )—- I THINK TASHA P SONG DEALING WITH SUCH ISSUES WHAT A NICE CALYPSO MAYBE SHE CAN COME AND TEACH US CALYPSO

  4. out of south city
    February 11, 2012

    @ Wendy: Stop being so religious. There has never been a historical figure called Jesus. That’s a Greco/Roman fabrication or rather, the White man’s god which they gave us and up to now we can’t get him out of our psyche. We need to research and know our history. We need to read some books by authors like Ben Yochannan, John Henrik Clarke, Ivan Van Sertima, Chancellor Williams, John G. Jackson, Eric Williams and many more black authors who have researched our history as an African people. Dr. Umar Abdullah Johnson, a black psychologist, is another brother worth listening to.
    Our great brother, Bob Marley said, “emancipate yourself from mental slavery, non but OURSELVES, can free our minds.” Religion has locked our minds in the white man’s world and has caused a lot of division, mistrust, envy and jealousy among us. It is high time that we change our way of thinking and learn to love our race and ourselves.
    Peace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  5. Jaime Lewis
    February 11, 2012

    I totally support the inclusion of calyspo in the school curriculum. It could be integrated in several subjects: music-children could learn to compose and to play the rhythms; literature-children could learn to write calypso; and in history classes they could learn the historical background and significance of calypso.

    There could also be calypso workshops during the summer or as part of after school programs where children could receive intensive assistance in developing thier skills in composition, delivery, and performing songs.

  6. WENDY
    February 11, 2012

    PUT JESUS IN SCHOOLS FIRST, AND EVERYTHING ELSE WILL FALL IN LINE.

  7. YES!
    February 11, 2012

    YES WE CARE! 8) 8) 8)

  8. Music Teacher
    February 11, 2012

    Dr. Severin you may not be aware but “Calypso” is taught in schools as a form of music. We teach the students what to look for in a calypso and what calypso writing and singing entails. Many schools have their own calypso competitions even if you may not be aware. So I say to you, find out the facts before you comment.

  9. Nahtty
    February 11, 2012

    Well well smh boy you all really mauvais lang and hating. If you don’t agree with what the Doc said then put forth your proposal. I agree with having this implemented as part of the school’s curriculum. I would also suggest having a mentoring program/coaching for school students interested in the art where they could shadow an expert and be groomed to take their place on the calypso scene.

  10. Observer
    February 11, 2012

    Dr.Sevin, I think they missed your point. Back when you were in high School, there was a much bigger presnce of high schoolers in calypso. There were three calypso monarch competitions among high schoolers. SMA, DGS, and the jr monarch competition, calypso have more meaning amoung the youths.

  11. out of south city
    February 10, 2012

    What about teaching our students Afican History? The history of our great ancestors? We have been taught European history and do not even know our own history as a race of people. We have been taught the European’s way of life by being indoctrinated in their religion, language, dress code and their fast food. I believe it is high time that African history become a part of the curriculum in all schools on the island.

  12. Peeping Tom
    February 10, 2012

    You know, i wonder what Dr. Severin would say about a “Bug her” song that i have heard for this season.

    One of my difficulties with accepting Dr. Severin as a credible voice on many issues is that he often selectively chides political leaders of a certain political party, he often seems to be championing the “little man’s” right to free speech yet, Dr. Severin is hardly heard teaching his audience about their RESPONSIBILITIES as civilised persons in a modern democracy.

    Some people often feel that they have to say or do certain things to become popular. My suspicion is that Dr. Severin is one of these persons. An intelligent and eloquent man whose strategy for attention-seeking is to make outrageous claims. What a waste.

  13. Anonymous
    February 10, 2012

    When i tried to introduce carnival culture to my students with an assignment…. parents approached me and said “I don’t listen to Calypso, so why should my child, that kind of music is not for me…etc…”

    Mind you, the questions among others included simply naming a few calypsonians and their song titles

    It is easier said that done.

    Plus the curriculum is so pact… however i do believe they can be included rather than placed as a new subject…. e.g. in Literature and English A … for critical thinking…

  14. En Ba La
    February 10, 2012

    Instead of offering calypso in schools why not teach us our history in schools. I went through primary school had no text book and I know how massacre got it’s name, scotts head etc.

    Father Jolly used to have LEST WE FORGET on the radio back then. People would be more interested in what is going on if they knew where we came from and would then be able to write calypsoes. Summer camp or summer school calypso writing.

    A simple question the BUST OF CECIL RAWLE UP IN GOODWILL. How many people know what this is and who is he?

  15. as I see it
    February 10, 2012

    Something just tells me that I can write a kaiso for any child and let them sing.

    THERE ARE MANY PATRIOTS IN MY LAND
    WHO ONLY TALK:NOT GIVE A HELPING HAND.
    ON EVERY THING THEY ARE AUTHORITY
    AS LONG AS THEY HOLD A DEGREE

    cHORUS
    BUT TELL THEM FOR ME
    LOVE DO KNOW BOUT DEGREE
    IS WHO YOU SEE
    WHEN YOU IN DE PEEPEE
    THANK GOD FOR YES WE CARE
    FOR I WOULD BE DEAD AREADY.

  16. Ray
    February 10, 2012

    The Dr. is late. The Calypso Association and the ministry have had many workshops on calypso writing. The Man Himself, Hunter, Pawol, Observer and others are always happy to work with the kids. And some of them are doing well in the Junior show now. I agree we need more such programs, and I suppose summer school and other avenues can be used. The schools provide the basics, the rest of us need to come in and play some part too.

  17. Anonymous
    February 10, 2012

    Mister really getting carried away. Would love to see mister himself write a treatise on “yow yow”. Can’t wait to see his analysis on the line “making more bomb than Russia” suitable for children. What he mean is dat calypso is NOT ONLY big man ting!!

  18. Playboy
    February 10, 2012

    Talk is easy, implementing is something else.
    Tell me how you propose it be done, DOCTOR Severin.
    With all the things people want on school curriculum, poor Ministry of Education and the schools already struggling with Universal Secondary Education.
    And the reason for this intro into schools would be…?

    Hmm, last time I checked, T&T did not have it on their curriculum.
    Sounds like, as usual, you just have a need to be heard, Doctor Severin.

    • forreal
      February 10, 2012

      man what stupidness you writing,how he propose it to be done,the man is an educator,same as creole was implemented,anything can be addid to the schools carriculum,and dominica’s calyso and carnival is not patterned on trinidad’s own.

  19. DR DOUNCE
    February 10, 2012

    MORE HEY EDUCATED

    MORE THEY STUPID

    YAW YAW WHAT U DOING

    I MAKE MORE BOMBS DAN RUSSIA LOL

    SOME PEOPLE JUST GET CARRIED AWAY BEFORE A MIKE

    SOME PEOPLE LIKE TO HEAR THEMSELVES

    SOME PEOPLE JUST TALK TOO MUCH AND MAKE LESS SENSE EACH DAY

    WITH SO MUCH TIME ON HAND WHY DONT THEY GET SOME SERIOUS WORK TO DO

    WHOLE DAY IN OFFICE ON MSN AND FACEBOOK AND FONE WEE

    MY CHILD HAVE TO GO TO DSC BEFORE UNIVERSITY

    AND MY DAUGHTER IN A UWI PROGRAMME AND NO LOCAL HELP FO TUITION

    MAYBE THEY WILL INTRODUCE CALYPSO AT UWI FIRST IN DOMINICA

    TOO FOOOL OF OURSELVES

    HE CANA TEACH

    MY SISTER NEVER LEARNED SOCIO IN DAT CLASS

  20. MRS SKERRIT/ DSC
    February 10, 2012

    CHUPES

    CHUPES

    CHUPES

    HIGH english which we as dominicans dont understand

    what about teaching creole in schools

    what about teaching traditional cultural art forms in schools

    what about teaching AUTHENTIC HISTORY OF THE AFRICAN CIVILISATION in all our schools

    academic !

    SOME PARTIES LOOKING FOR LEADERS

  21. Ras
    February 10, 2012

    It would be good to introduce reggae too… :mrgreen:

  22. Queen
    February 10, 2012

    Well, we should be optimistic on Severin’s proposal. Let us just hope that the students’ lyrics narrate positive messages.

  23. wa-a
    February 10, 2012

    Calypso should be part of music education in schools.But other local genres and international should be studied and developed also.Every year churning out the
    same outmoded political diatribes bordering on demagoguery.What happen to wit and satire and double-entendre?Sounds like Greek to you enh?

  24. CALYPSO
    February 10, 2012

    “I cannot lend comfort to politicians, whom for many calypsoes, are the contemporary successors of the slave/master oppressors,”

    “Dr Severin penned, arguing that those holding political office should expect to become objects of picong and satire.”

    What the hell is that?

    Am I reading between the lines that; “people in the opposition, want to use “calypsos” instead of the ballot-box to get at; “those holding political office” in the very popular mandated present Government of Dominica??

    Can some one please enlighten me quick?

  25. meaooww
    February 10, 2012

    I think your are right,Dr Severin. The fact that junior calypsonians have to sing songs written by Pat Aaron et al is not a good sign. We are making the kids lazy too early. Its a school’s competition, teach the kids to write. Its ok for your dad to help you with a song but dont get the kids lazy so early.

  26. 123
    February 10, 2012

    Introduce calypso in schools – Sorry Doc but calypso is already in the schools system and it called English.

    • DR DOUNCE
      February 10, 2012

      I SEE PORT 123 U SO RIGHT

  27. WIKILEAKS
    February 10, 2012

    What a joke…introduce Sour Sour and Wok Sok in School..Yaw Yaw.its a season to say what ever you want come what may.

    • SUSA
      February 10, 2012

      AN ALMIGHTY JOKE

      BREAST FED SYNDROME

      • WIKILEAKS
        February 10, 2012

        I think mister deserve a “kool-pipe” from Sour Sour and see how fast he will teach it at UWI.

  28. heehaw
    February 10, 2012

    Be careful what you ask for Dr S, re those in high office expecting to be in sang about. I know in Dominica do so never like so. Anyway voice training is essential in the schools, sorry to say but most of the junior calypso competitors their voices are rusty and they cannot hold a key. I applaud their efforts but we need to train them from small so I support you when you say it should be introduced in schools.

    • Peeping Tom
      February 10, 2012

      Heehaw: “Be careful what you ask for Dr S, re those in high office expecting to be in sang about.”

      Lol! Well said.

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