Gordon Henderson receives NCCU Achievement Award

Henderson waves a Dominican flag as he performs at a relief concert for Dominica recently
Henderson waves a Dominican flag as he performs at a relief concert for Dominica recently

Cadence icon, Gordon Henderson, has added another award to his collection.

On Saturday evening, during the annual National Cooperative Credit Union (NCCU) Cadence-Lypso competition held at the Newtown Savannah, the NCCU’s Achievement Award was bestowed on the man who revolutionized Creole music around the world.

“So on behalf of the people of Dominica, the NCCU presents Gordon Henderson with the Achievement Award 2015,” Master of Ceremony, Alex Bruno, announced, reading the NCCU citation.

Henderson was not present to receive the award and it will be eventually sent to him.

According to the citiation, Henderson is the leader and founder of the famous musical group Exile One and the one who coined the name Cadence-Lypso for a genre of music that revolutionized modern Creole music worldwide.

“Mr. Gordon Henderson is one of the finest Creole music writers, composers and performers. The Candence-Lypso music was named by Gordon Henderson. His legacy as a Creole music writer/composer/performer includes late 1960’s the formation of Voltage Four, 1970 lead singer of the group Les Vikings in Guadeloupe, 1973, recorded his first single entitled ‘Love’ with Les Viking,” he stated. “‘Love’ was a huge success.”

Henderson later formed the group Exile One together with Fixtroy Williams, Viviane Wallace, Julie Mourillon and others and in 1973 coined the Candence-Lypso music.

The band has been described as the most exportable Creole band in the Caribbean.

“The most innovative and exportable Creole band of the Caribbean, this is evident in the record sales of a million records,” Bruno said according to the citation. “The first to sign a production contract with a major label called Barclay records. The first to export the music to four corners of the globe, Japan, the Indian ocean, Africa, North America, Europe and the Cape Verde Islands. The grande dame de chason- Ophelia is among several artistes who benefitted from Gordon’s talent and exceptional skills…”

Gordon Henderson was also very instrumental in establishing the World Creole Music in 1996.

“Gordon has traveled worldwide, played, promoted and presented Cadance-Lypso to the rest of the world and Gordon continues to ensure that this genre of music lives on, and on, and on,” the citation said.

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15 Comments

  1. March 15, 2016

    As a Dominican creator of published works and one who has experienced infringement both locally and internationally I congratulate Gordon Henderson as well as the respective state actors who are recognizing but more so taking the decision to give the necessary support and action by the Commonwealth in taking a positive stance for is creative nationals!

    I encourage all those who write and produce graphic and image works to visit http://www.ecclacopy.com and take the first step.,

  2. Concern D/can
    November 3, 2015

    NCCU correcting the wrongs of Skerrit and his cabal.

  3. Concern D/can
    November 3, 2015

    NCCU correcting the wrongs of the Skerrit’s Cabal, which one day Dominicans will take a page and correct the wrongs of Skerrit, his Cabal, DLP, Tony and all who help develop to build that monster. One day will see the light, get wise and see them for what they are.

  4. November 2, 2015

    It’s about time although dancing is not my cup of tea.

  5. Joan
    November 2, 2015

    I know this gentleman has contributed to my country more than Astaphen all the latter has done was and is to protect the prime minister who is one man. Some people hav e to answer. God is sooo Good.

  6. Evil doers shall soon be cut down like the grass Ps. 37:2
    November 2, 2015

    Thank you NCCU for showing Skerrit that you all know our history and as such you know who deserves to be honored. I cannot wait to come home so I could remove all my money from national bank and do business with the NCCU instead,

    You see, God does not sleep and with Him, we know justice delayed is not justice denied. Gordon Henderson has not only traveled worldwide, playing, promoting and presenting Cadance-Lypso to the rest of the world, but the man has been presenting DOMINICA and our unique culture to the rest of the world!

    Where I work in the USA has many Haitians and on their lunch break it’s amazing to see them meet outside blasting the loud music of Gordon Henderson, Jeff Joe, Chubby, and others. I feel so proud to see how my country is being treated! Although they have not been to Dominica but by listening to their Dominica music they feel they know Dominica.

    Yet Skerrit refused to honor the man that has made us proud. But his days are # and we will soon hear of him

  7. Righteous
    November 2, 2015

    Congratulations to Gordon Henderson on his recognition for his contributions to Dominica and Creole Music worldwide. Good step by the NCCU and the Government need to now step up and celebrate the contributions of this icon. Let us give our heroes their flowers when they are still with us.

    Congratulations again “Sir Gordon Henderson”.

    One Love Dominicans (OLD!!!)

  8. Jimmy Honore
    November 2, 2015

    Congrats!

  9. Marguerite
    November 2, 2015

    Congratulations. Keep cadence alive.

  10. concern citizen
    November 2, 2015

    On the night; I wondered why his son could not be present to pick up the award on his father’s behalf?

    • Jimmy Honore
      November 2, 2015

      Which one?

    • Me
      November 2, 2015

      mind your business

  11. Tjebe Fort
    November 2, 2015

    Bravo, that makes much more sense than that parrot award for Tony Astaphan. Gordon has done far, far more to promote Dominica in a positive way than Tony Astaphan ever will. Stuff that parrot because Roosevelt Skerrit made it worthless. Thank you Gordon and thumbs down Skerrit and Astaphan.

    • November 2, 2015

      tony astaphan reminds me of the story GULLIVER IN LILIPUT.

    • educator
      November 3, 2015

      Let Tony get his award. I hope real cockroaches make their home in any crevice in the award…and then………………….there………………

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