Experienced calypso writer Ian Jackson says Dominica’s calypso art form has been maintaining its ground, representing the sentiments of the Dominican populace.
Jackson is of the view that the staging of the art form in Dominica is stronger here more than anywhere else in the region.
“We have kept the whole social commentary content as opposed to just following the trend of what the world is going through in terms of the jump and wave and so forth. I think we best in Dominica more than Trinidad and any country right now, we echo the sentiments of the populace,” Jackson said on DBS.
Jackson has been writing calypso since the 1970s, and is convinced Dominicans have been appreciating the music.
Meanwhile, 20 will take to the stage in the semi-final round of the 2011 calypso competition at 8:30 p.m. tonight at Newtown Savannah.
They will perform in the following order: Dice, Man Himself, Lady Star, Boople, Leandra, Exposer, Peter Pros, Observer, Checker, Trendsetter, Sugar S, Lord Lugas, Young Bull, Sye, Explosion, Soul Puss, Benno, Third Eye, Bobb and Tasha P.
It is so pleasing to know that our calypsonians have stayed true to the art form over the years. They richly deserve all accolades for sustaining a high standard of lyrical quality while retaining genre authenticity. All the best to these artists in taking their God given talents to the highest heights.
Ian Jackson is totally correct to opine that we have kept the whole social commentary content alive. Calypso is about principally to express the sentiments and concerns of the voiceless, of the marginalised, of the oppressed. Some calypsonians are now afraid, refuse to denounce wrongdoings against their friends in high Office, preferring not to sing or to hide the issues under the carpet.
Frankly, what is politics? What is calypso? It cannot simply about JUMP and WAVE. Absolutely NOT. Politics is about our way of life. Politics is about Our struggles against oppression, nepotism, bad governance, food on our table, love for each other, food production, how we relate with the outside world, about our environment, about people’s participation in their economic, social/cultural life. The Calypsonians, as their sacred duty, must condemn in their songs all what is illegal, wrong, corrupt with the society in which the live as well as espousing the good practices in our society. It cannot be songs where we condone corruption, cheating, lying, stealing, or impoverishment of the people especially by those of the ‘Elite Class.’
Calypsoes must expose quick enrichment through illegal means by those in power, while the majority of the people get poorer and poorer. The Calypsonians OWE it to the people, and must Tickle the consciences of the people so that they would be informed of the ills of society and cause them to take the necessary actions to solve their problems.
But frankly, what has been the IMPACT of all those positive lyrics in the songs that we have been hearing for decades? Many do not take time to listen to those positive compositions relating to social, economic and political commentaries and to act accordingly. Otherwise today Dominica would not be in the quagmire that it is in. Agricultural production is DEAD. Our IMPORTS of FOOD, for example, far OUTWEIGH our exports. IMAGINE TODAY in Dominica, Many support an illegal Leader and wrongdoings by people in authority.
We continue to SELL our SOVEREIGNTY, our country for a few dollars more. WE Sell our PASSPORTS to all and sundry. HOW OUTRAGEOUS. WE harbour deep hatred for our fellow men and women. We are becoming 3 CLASS citizens in our own homeland. The TRENDS are disturbing, although our calypsos over the years have been exposing ills after ills, after ills. Some calypsos even suggest good alternatives that are rejected and not listened to.
The calypsonians, more than before, is obliged to be the VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS, using his ART, TALENTS, LYRICS and MUSIC to denounce INJUSTICE in all its forms as well as those who commit illegal and unjust acts. The Calypsonians also need to offer positive workable SOLUTIONS through their lyrics while they entertains.
i agree with jackson now…but thats only because the other islands have gone commercial….calypso is folk song…the other islands have left Dominica behind…Music is an evolving thing like every other thing on earth…we are late and d Calysos are not marketable ..its just like a bottle of wine, sweet but short until next season..u can hardly hear Dominican calypso playing whole year..they just die from the finals..Give me a song somebody!! thats the difference between the other islands and DA..the other islands give u a song.
Congrats to finalists for the Clash of the Titans of Stardom
One man will be left standing ( Last man standing )
Leandra , Lord Lugas , Checker , Sye , Soul Puss , Peter Prosper , Explosion , Dice and Tasha-P Vs King Caressa .
Congrats to the finalists for the clash of the Titans of Stardom
Leandra , Lord Lugas , Soul Puss , Explosion , Checker , Sye , Peter Prosper , Dice and Tasha-P Vs the Champion king Caressa .
Caressa again to succeed .
Leandra , Sigh , Lucas , Soul pus , Peter Pros , Explosion , Checker , Tasha -P & Dice Vs King Caressa .
King of Stardom – clash of the Titans
got to say over the years our calypso has risen to great standards.we are giving trinidad great competition right now.also the up and coming calypsonians have given the shows a great boost,keep up the good work and keep our culture alive everyone.
Jackson the calypso audience are all dead and the rest is just to weak to bounce and wave.what do u expect.you promoting D.A like we always the last.why do you think both camps fail this year even one is doing a little better than the other?Are you satisfied?Boss the young folks run things give them what they want.jump and wave because this recycle calypso competetion is soon dead.
king ghetto u really a hater unno
If DA calypso are so great,how come there have never place in any regional competition? This just hog wash statement.
The three or four Islands that have place high in most of the past competitions are Trinidad,St.lucia,Barbados and Antigua.
The calypso in Da are all made for local entertainment and therefore dies after the carnival season is over.
I can not recall any calypso from Da that made itself a house hold name in the caribbean.
I would like to know what this Mr.Jackson is talking about. In DA the standard may look high but outside of Da it does not pass the quality test.
Word from me.
I want to support your comments in principle. Take for example; Pat Aaron is our most prolific song writer and possible most sucessful in Dominica. I cannot recall one of Pat’s Calypsos that have made it bug in the region.
These guys are good, but their calypsos are only for local consumption as Caressa said Dominica’s calypso is too patriotic. We need calypsos withan international appeal.
The two strongest Caribbean countries are Trinidad & SVG in that field, the others come after…
Totally agree and i only hope we could get all the bands to play calypso on carnival monday and tuesday and they can use the other 363 days to promote their bouyon etc. Carnival is about calypso and steelband
WRONG! WRONG! Who ever said that carnival is only about calypso and steel pan. Don’t get me wrong…I love my calypso, but in a place like Dominica where Cadance has been the very foundation of our music (and as such, an integral part of our heritage), bouyon by extension becomes part of our heritage also. Now bear in mind that the entire purpose of Carnival was to expression the joys of freedom from slavery which also happens to be a crucial segment of our heritage. But I will accept your point that we need to keep our calypso alive and of the highest standard.
I agree with the writer we must remember what Canival is all about and that’s the musice we need more on those especially on those two days.
I want everyone to go out and have a wonderfdul time and please check your attitudes at the doors / gates.