Midnight Groovers laments lack of respect in Dominica

Midnight Groovers on stage at WCMF on Saturday night
Midnight Groovers on stage at WCMF on Saturday night

The band honored at the 18th edition of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) has said the group is not getting the respect it deserves in Dominica.

Midnight Groovers, a cadence band in existence for 46 years received the lifetime achievement award on Saturday evening for the group’s contribution to Creole Music.

Backup vocalist, Reynold Alcendor, during an interview with the media shortly after the band’s performance said the The Midnight Groovers is given much more appreciation abroad than in Dominica.

“I don’t think the band is getting the respect that it deserves in Dominica,” he said. “When the band travels to countries like St Lucia, United States of America (USA) people appreciate the band, people enjoy the band, but in Dominica the band is not getting the respect that it deserves.”

He stated that people have to go on social media, or call talk shows to ask that Midnight Groovers be added to the the WCMF lineup.

“I mean I am not saying that we should be on every year, however a band like that, we should not be begging for Midnight Groovers or Chubby and Coe to be on the World Creole Music Festival,” he stated. “The way they are treating us we really don’t like it.”

He noted that if it wasn’t for band leaders such a Philip “Chubby” Mark and “Coe,” Cadence would not be part of the musical landscape.

Alcendor mentioned that the two band members are thinking of retiring.

“I believe it’s because of all what they are going through in the music industry and the way they are being treated in Dominica …. that’s why probably they are thinking of retiring,” Alcendor revealed.

He noted that Midnight Groovers has remained loyal to Dominica when other groups such as Grammaks, Exile One, Liquid Ice and others left Dominica.

“Chubby and Coe stayed here in Dominica and they maintained the Cadence music,” Alcendor said.

He said in light of the concerns raised, he was confident that the band performed well.

Chubby said love has kept the Midnight Groovers together for 46 years
Chubby said love has kept the Midnight Groovers together for 46 years

Meanwhile, Chubby said he plays music to please the nation and the younger generation.

“I am not really playing music for myself. I am only playing music to please the nation and the younger generation…it is my duty to be here still and to educate the youth in the music with good words,” Chubby said.

He said that love is the secret that kept The Midnight Groovers going for close to five decades.

“The secret is love, it can’t be nothing else expect for love and unity,” he stated. “I am not looking for plenty I just want to make sure I satisfy my viewers…”

He did mention that he is thinking of retiring, “but I don’t know when.”

However, Chubby said he has a vision.

“What I am saying is I am going to build a hall, put some equipment inside of it and then I will do my best to teach the youth to play Cadence music in Dominica,” he stated.

He called on the young musicians to focus on God and warns that they should avoid producing songs with “slackness.”

“When I say slackness I am talking about words that makes no sense,” he explained. “I mean man making songs about Bend Down Low, man making songs about whine, whine, whine …if you make a song about do not hit your father, because if you hit him you might kill him, that is better than making a song bend down and whine your waist. The majority of artistes at this year time that is what they are doing. I already hear man curse on CD and that is a shame in front of the Most High.”

Other performances came from Zouk All Stars, Haitian band Klass who performed for the first time in Dominica at the WCMF.

Also, Trinidad Soca artistes, Kerwin Du bois, Destra and Denise Belfon all gave spectacular performances.

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49 Comments

  1. Anonymous
    October 30, 2014

    If they are not giving “Exile One” the respect they deserve is “midnight groover” they will. That is exactly what Mr. Gordon Henderson was talking about.

  2. out of south city
    October 29, 2014

    I have been listening to Midnight Groovers since I was a child and I must say that their songs have reached everyone at his or her level. They have made a great contribution to music in Dominica and regardless of their age they are still going strong. We truly respect Chubby and Coe for their contribution to us through their music and we’ll continue to support them in every way. Long Lives Midnight Groovers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    ONE LOVE.

  3. October 28, 2014

    go and make new songs tired of the same thing time for change.that make sence right

  4. Anonymous
    October 28, 2014

    I was at the show on Saturday and I was not impressed with Groovers’ performance. I was bored listening to them and I could not wait for them to finish playing.

    I had always been a huge fan of Groovers, but I think it’s about time they retire.

  5. Djeasy
    October 28, 2014

    that person trubble sum …. Comment should even be removed ….this is just disrectful to our music and culture

  6. Native
    October 27, 2014

    WCMF should include more local bands — it is a CREOLE AFFAIR !!!!
    Compensation for local bands should be on a more equitable basis with foreign artists

  7. Dawn
    October 27, 2014
  8. The Calabash
    October 27, 2014

    I disagree with him…..Midnight Groovers ‘should/must’ be on, every year. That goes without even a thought. They are legendary and the only true ‘Creole’ band left in Dominica.

    Thanks for a lifetime of good music. I now play your music, off an IPhone that was not even conceived back in the day, wherever am driving in the wide world.

    You are a large part of the wonder that lives in our hearts for this little island.

  9. ZAZADEE
    October 27, 2014

    I don’t think they should retire.Still got a lot of music in them.What they should do is stop playing at creole fest because that’s where most of the disrespect is centered or have a better manager.Negotiations are being badly done by management because there are a couple words that go like this:Give us ex amount or we cannot perform..What they were paid is chump change compared to other bands that have been honored.Other bands brought down their original players from france and everywhere else.No accomodation was made by DFC to bring home original members,like the band is of a lower class?.How many times have we seen groovers(60 yr old men play last at 5 am?.Groovers is well liked where ever they play and will continue to be long after these guys retire.So Not playing in creole fest really doesn’t matter we see them couple days later at creole in the park for a dollar.GROOVERS FOR LIFE.

  10. October 27, 2014

    chubby i have big respect for you i love what you say about the music which is played now a days that why i dont take part in these .i am a great lover of music it keep me alive i dont know where i would be with out music it takes away all my stress i love you chubby big up to you and your band i have been following you all from a tender age up till now never feeling bad about the music you create to the people of the world great jobbbbbbbbb,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

  11. October 27, 2014

    this idiot calling him or herself trouble sum what planet did you come from nah?

  12. duminicans
    October 27, 2014

    we never loved our own

  13. Rasben
    October 27, 2014

    There is no higher level for Bouyon music until a great singer surfaces. Think of popular music, and without exception they all had brilliant singing.

  14. QUEENS
    October 27, 2014

    Always liked the Midnight Grovers music but never knew who Chubby was since my mother never sent us to see any shows when we were growing up and my grandfather never liked us playing the radio except for the news. A few years back my nephew showed me on the internet who Chubby was, i can see that my nephew has really imitated his manerism, the way he moves. Since then i have loved Chubby and his group. When I come to Creole Fest I look for the day that his band is playing to go to the park. I think it was in 2012 they were the last band to play and I was so disappointed because i was too tired to enjoy them.

    All the best to Chubby and the Midnight Groovers and Congratulations for making it that long. Cheers for another 46 years

  15. george Fontaine
    October 27, 2014

    3 years ago the NCCU declared Cadence dead, dead, dead and decided to resurrect it…Hourah! So Minister Groovers did not keep Cadence alive they stayed alive…St. Lucia is the only country that Groovers are appreciated…America, etc are Dominicans living abroad.
    Groovers are wrong, wrong, wrong…Dominicans made them Kings of Cadence an for playing the music and make a big fuss year after year claiming a right to perform at the festival…

  16. Anonymous
    October 27, 2014

    As a Dominican leaving abroad Chubby is so right the quality of music produced these days is of no standard. People like Chubby must be given more respect and recognition. And must be part of creole festival yearly as his music is part of our heritage. Don’t let it die

  17. mytwocents
    October 27, 2014

    I notice that people like negativity. The more negative the lyrics the more recognition it gets. Unless the mentality of the people changes great artists will go un noticed. Groovers you are not the only band because if people like Michele Henderson had to depend on her own people to eat she would probably starve. They don’t support positivity. They love the name calling. One day hopefully our people’s mentality will change.

  18. Anonymous
    October 27, 2014

    Always the case. But when you guys come abroad we will definitely travel couple states and bring our non Dominican friends cause we value your contribution. Take for instance a band like karimi they have fans all over the world… maybe twice that of their Haitian core fans. So its a good thing… Make it for those who appreciate. Those that don’t can block their ears

  19. Its My damn business
    October 27, 2014

    That is so very true Mr. Alcendo!. However, the problem is political and if you don’t sing and dance to the music of the powers that be, like everything else in Dominica these days they will either disrespect you or try to sideline you. But please tell Chubby and Coe that should not retire now because the battle is almost over and change is just an announcement away. As far as I am concerned we should never celebrate WMCF without Midnight groovers because they represent our culture

  20. South End
    October 27, 2014

    The Groovers are Vets period….their music will far be worldwide or captivate and break barriers more than the rather…foolish downward music they call Bouyou…

    which producer who is worth his salt will check Bouyou..they can’t play it all it’s allot of noise, due to the levels of the music is recorded way too high thus lacking the separation with clarity..the lyrics of bouyou is disgusting and meant for the septic line period…

    if Dominica wants to get anywhere they need to re-think the older music genres which made Dominica proud…

    Grammacks did the Superbowl back in the 70s, would u ever think a Bouyou act can reach that level…just look at the way the guys are on stage..Bouyou is a nightmare to the Dominican music vibe…sucks to the core!!!

  21. Anonymous
    October 27, 2014

    from the people who brought an original genre of music, “cadence-lypso”comments which are deeply saddening. these people should be national heroes! then we live in a society who doesn’t seem to appreciate its own. just look at lapow kabwit, which has been cast away to be replaced by the imported steel pan.

  22. Just blaze
    October 27, 2014

    I like groovers but I am more senior than most of the people who attend creole festival. Music is pretty much a young people thing. Most artists and musicians are at their peak in their younger days and this is when they build their core fan base.

    Times and change and the younger generation coming up make and enjoy a different style of music. The groovers fans most of whom are over 45 yrs old don’t make up the majority of creole fest attendees.

    So its the young people who make up the bulk of festival goers that really dictate what they want to see at the show. And groovers is not the type of music that our young people gravitate to.

    If the guys feel that people don’t have an interest in their music anymore and they want to retire they can do so with their heads high. They have done a lot for Dominica music. And leave the young people go down in one another souse and let them see how far that music will take them.

  23. simple
    October 27, 2014

    Well said Chubby . Every right thinking Dominican Will never stop listening to Midnight Grovers . As far as I am concerned they should be on the festival every year.

  24. example
    October 27, 2014

    I agree with Chubby. These “songs” about bend down and wine up are degrading to women and any self respecting woman should put a personal ban on such rubbish. Unfortunately, these are the songs that are hot. It’s just sad.

  25. Looking In
    October 27, 2014

    As long as Groovers play ‘Femme Gwo Taytay” I good. See you at CITP later Chubby

  26. Anonymous
    October 27, 2014

    Trubble some you are young, that’s why you are saying that. But just to let you know when you get older that’s the music you’ll be wanting to listing to and will be having problem with the type of music that you’ll be hearing. You’ll be the first to complain about this music. So enjoy it while you are young because soon to come you’ll be singing a new chores.

  27. Kat woman
    October 27, 2014

    Chubby, I respect you and your lyrics. Its a disgrace what you hear passing as music nowadays. Then they want to blame everybody else for the waywardness of youth. Walk tall, brother, I’m with you.

  28. grell
    October 27, 2014

    100% RIGHT MIDNIGHT GROOVERS GETS NO RESPECT FROM THEIR OWN PEOPLE I HAVE WITNESSED IT MANY TIMES.Just look @ the monies that are given to jamaican and othe artist and these guys have produced such great music with great teachings for generations to come.I wonder what did the DFC see give them as a financial contribution to this year’s performance.

  29. October 27, 2014

    I’m sorry Chubby but Cadence Music is on life-support! It is not a relevant art-form anymore! Be grateful that we gave you an opportunity in our concert, accept your honors and move on! Do not try to make Dominicans look bad because your music has become outdated! It’s unfair! The people of your generation who once enjoyed Cadence Music are either dead or at home sleeping, they certainly do not attend concerts. I do, however, wish you all the best in retirement. You had your time and it was good while it lasted! Now, rest and enjoy the memories!

    • Oli
      October 27, 2014

      Your’e sick…Pathetic.

    • KLaw
      October 27, 2014

      Oh now you are just stirring the pot. Stop this nonsense. Cadence is an essential part of our historical and cultural landscape. I am not asleep at home and I am not dead (according to you) and I surely enjoy Cadence music and I praise God for Midnight Groovers.
      While it is a democratic country and you can speak freely, please do not attempt to speak on behalf of the younger generation. Try to embrace all aspects of our culture even if Cadence is not your “thing”.

    • Anonymous
      October 27, 2014

      awww boi— did u just say that? well u realy don’t know music. U FROM ANOTHER PLANET.

    • Ras I
      October 27, 2014

      Pure negative vibes dat…… 8-O 8-O

    • Anonymous
      October 27, 2014

      you are really a dumb s arent you

    • Flystraight
      October 27, 2014

      This is such an asinine comment. Your mention of “art” of any kind being outdated speaks to your level of ignorance. Maybe whilst you’re at it, you should start a petition to burn all Renaissance art in museums around the world as well. I was quite humbled when I went to a party here in New York hosted by a national from St. Lucia and for the better part of the night he played mostly Midnight Groovers. Clearly your idea of a relevant art form would be that which promotes the denigration of our women and the violence among our youth. Speaking about dead, look whose dying from the very senseless acts promoted in your silly music….our generation!

    • I am Dominica
      October 27, 2014

      Trouble Sum. When you say “our concert”. What do you mean? Is it not Chubby’s concert also?

    • music lover
      October 27, 2014

      I am young person and I enjoy dancing to MId-night groovers music . So it is unfair to say they are outdated. IMId-night Groovers Music has more meaning than what other bands produce.

    • hmmmmmmm
      October 27, 2014

      I am a young person and I love the midnight groovers sing. what u just said was very disrespectful. I prefer listen to the groovers than kkk. I think u should apologize

    • calypso
      October 27, 2014

      Shame on your response. Other countries like Africa an Haiti hold on to their genres. Look at the young folks maintaining compa in Haiti. Why can’t Dominica do the same? I was not raised in time with Grammacks but when I saw them perform at the festival and Creole in the park on my visit home I fell in love with the music. And NO there are people raised in their time who are very much alive.

      Think before you comment please

    • No Name
      October 27, 2014

      A joke dat man??? Your statement is senseless….. I agree with chubby 100% and I’m from the younger generation.. Theses ppl not getting any recognition in D.A..

    • Proud Grandbayrian
      October 27, 2014

      Trubble sum it is people like you that have no respect at all for the contributions and efforts of bands like Midnight Groovers. You are an idiot and I hope you never grow old because you do not deserve to be old. :oops: Your verbiage is just simply appalling.

    • Anonymous
      October 27, 2014

      U r really troublesome

    • LucianDominican
      October 27, 2014

      Unbelievable! We in Saint Lucia, young and old love and appreciate Midnight Groovers. Come again guys, you all gave us a great show for our money at swaye Kwêyòl.

    • Proud Dominican
      October 27, 2014

      trubble sum. You are an idiot. Maybe you a lonely person who has no friends. I fell sorry for you. Hope you grow old because there is something in store for you. :-P :lol: :lol: Or maybe you just hate GrandBayrians.

    • no more love 4uAgain
      October 27, 2014

      I cannot believe so far three persons gave @ Trubble Sum thumbs up. 1 would be one two many and three just tells the world why Dominica in so behind. Too many dummies!

    • Views Expressed
      October 27, 2014

      This guy is associated with Skerrit cabal for too long….he has no morale…..no sense of direction and no respect………my friend you hanging around the corrupt outdated DLP for too long….

      get real…gt on board TEAM DOMINICA

      CHANGE IS A MUST

    • anonymous
      October 27, 2014

      You clearly have no sense of nor appreciation for music. good music can never be outdated n this comes from someone who has actually studied music. Shame on you #LongLiveCadenceMusic #LongLiveMidnightGroovers

    • watchdog
      October 28, 2014

      @troublesome……. I don’t know if you are doing this to get attention! If not, then you are a poor excuse for a Dominican (if you are one). Your level of disrespect shown to stalwarts of our music is appalling. I just hope whoever you are you are not in any position of authority because if so God help us. Wow………..

  30. NY
    October 27, 2014

    True words Chubby. Some bands needs to start writing songs which make sense instead of “I want to go down in your sousse” That’s real slackness and disrespectful, not something that can be marketed at a high level.

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