The Calypso season is in high gear but not everyone is excited about it.
President of the Dominica State College (DSC) Dr. Donald Peters has stated that the Calypsos are actually bothering him and as a result, the DSC will be hosting a course on calypso writing in the near future.
It appears Peters is not very happy about Calypsos he described as “local” and those written about Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.
“If we believe that it’s okay to keep singing local songs, writing calypsos about Skerrit and you’re going to make money out of it … we are wasting our times,” he said at a business in music award ceremony held at the college last week. “We are probably living in the same fool’s paradise that we sing about.”
Peters noted that it bothers him that Dominica should continue with this level of Calypso, “which doesn’t bring anything back to our country.”
To combat this he announced that very soon the DSC is going to launch a course in Calypso writing.
“It is for anybody who wants to participate,” he stated.
He also said the the DSC will launch a “national competition on Calypso writing” and prizes will be won.
“So that is what the college wants to contribute to the nation,” Peters said. “Learning is key. Knowledge is what will liberate us, not ignorance.”
Peters also took a shot at what he described as “mass ignorance” that he said is coming from local radio stations by people who prefer to sit at home and call “about things they know nothing about” instead of coming to the DSC to educate themselves.
“This is an aberration; this is not right,” the DSC President said.
“THIS IS COOL””
Thanks Dr Peters for this little spark to light up a blazing fire within the Young People of Dominica. I really hope this will take us some where now if you are serious about doing this. This Conversation tells us that it is now time to add Music Education Courses into the programs of study at DSC. This is a great introduction to start talking about developing Music Education at DSC. If put into effect, the fundamentals of song writing could be one of the courses to offer which would make way for the more specific class Dr. peters has mentioned here; that way it would give the student a more open field to be much more creative instead of a “ONE TRACK CALYPSO LYRIC WRITING MIND” The Function of the DSC and any other College or University in this day and age as Dr. peters may well know is not to control people but to empower then. This will be great; not just to improve Calypso Music but it would benefit Dominicans if the DSC implement a Music Education…
; it would benefit all our people interested in Music Education. They could even have night and weekend classes
This is not and should not be about the Prime Minister or any individuals. As a matter- of -fact, the history of Calypso has been exactly what Dr. Peters is saying it should not be for a very long time. A little research can takes us back to the roots of the art form for us to see that. I would agree with him if he wants to see some improvements by those interested in perusing music on a range of levels but not just on a single style of our music which is just fine. Maybe the he may want to address the indecent language in the other foreign styles as well. The focus should be really on much more. We need more educated Musicians, talented writers Music Arrangers, Engineers, Producers like Mr. Mark Marie’s organization which presented some Music Business People, not too long ago. The goal should not just be about wanting our people to stop or be controlled…
and diverted singing a few songs every carnival that may offend the Prime Minister or other people through the art of Calypso Lyrics. People throughout the world tell their stories in the form songs. This is a major way to express ones freedom of speech.
What Dr. Peters is proposing should be refined as a new implementation which should include the study of some Basic College Music courses and even some basic Piano and other Instruments including Dominica musical instruments, dancing and Music. Yes, this should be executed on a much broader scale. As a Dominicans I would even expected to hear about the resurgence of “CADENCELYPSO MUSIC which already has a platform in the WCMF – along with the other styles such as Jazz, Gospel etc as it develops the musical minded in Dominica. That would in turn trigger some worthily changes . We need to encourage students to think for themselves and critique books and other Art forms – from painting, writings, Music etc, not just…
not just calypso . I hope Dr. Peters will consider a “comprehensive music Program” at DSC and light up the minds of our young people in Dominica (and even Draw other Caribbean Students) with Music Education with this one little spark as we join the rest of the world in creating better musical and developing our own Music Art. Thank you
smh this man has a lot of jokes.
Donald if no calypsos are sang about the bad things Skerrit is doing you will be the first to say everything is good in Dominica with the GOVT because no calypsos were sang about Skerrit.
Partner don’t trying to control the people as an educator……….. ” Free Up The People”
Your job is to educate them properly and allow them to think for themselves.
Slavery done my friend.
Dr Peters, Sir what are your views about the Government of Dominica involvement with Bitcoin and the Bit Drop, and not informing the citizens of the country of the facts of this matter? I believe this topic would make for a good calypso and it already has good international appeal because Bitcoin is currently a notorious international financial instrument and Dominica’s association with the Bit Drop is now an international joke or laughing-stock, as we say locally! What are your views, Sir? Should I write that calypso? Is this topic international enough? I promise not to call the PM name!
I just went over the comments again and I can tell you Dr. Peters did not disturb jus one ant nest he root up every existing that can be found. But that’s good it’s articles like these that help us to read and comprehend , I would prefer if we did not get personal, that brings anger and strive .
Absolutely necessary to our cultural heritage. Maybe we should be jamming on classical music, jazz or soul on jouvert morning while sipping champagne. That would make Donald happy. Man please go to the View which is maybe where you belong if you can work again with children in America.
STOP TALKING ABUOT MY DADDY Roosevelt Skerrit
You ignorant fools will one day thank this guy for speaking the truth about calypso being localized. The rest of his comments, don’t really agree with…just read between the lines, fools. This cr@p these guys sing/record/produce each year is a total waste of studio time and resources. Every single calypsonian in D/A sound just alike. You guys need to learn how to change the game – that’s what Peters is talking about. Backwards ever, forward never for you fools living in your paradise of ignorance.
Are you trying to say that one day you expect calypso to reach the Grammy s ? That will never happen my friend so dream on. Calypso will never have international appeal. It does not have the potential to do so because it is a genre of music which is indigenous to the Caribbean. Do you think that calypso is appreciated and popular in places like Curacao, Bonaire and Aruba ? I don’t think so, and they’re right in the Caribbean. Besides that I think that Peters has no genuine interest in the progress and development of calypso or calypsonians. He has an ulterior motive which is shielding his master from the objective criticisms of conscious people.
Be openminded and Believe in Our people…. we Can create our own Grammy … Whats wrong with that ?
And how do you suggest this should be done? Have we asked these performers if they desire to earn a living from their music professionally or are we projecting our desires for international fame upon them?
If our local performers desire more from their art form, they will make that change inherently. No amount of education will bring that about. Dominica has musicians and performers who have earned a living from their art. However, these individuals had a fire in their bellies to be heard and paid beyond our shores.
Let’s not put the cart before the horse here.
Oh boy, if it looks like a duck, if it walks like a duck and if it talks like a duck it is Donald Duck.
Peters, you are living in a FOOLS PARADISE!
I love calypso… Calypsos are great, even those like Spider which made a lot of sense and I would take weeks to decipher the meaning. The challenge to Dr. Peters and Mr. Edgar Hunter and the State College, since they organize their pageant, organize a Calypso competition for the students, before and after the calypso writing course, let us see what the students come up with. Rule number 1. They must be the writers.
There is a saying in Dominica, “mouth open, torrie jump out.” All the torrie that are being pelted at Peters are brought because of his love for Skeritt. As a matter of fact, it is being rumored, he is a political advisor to Skeritt. That friendship and love have been in existence for many years. We have been told, Skeritt has a university degree, in order to obtain that degree, it is alleged, Peters was the one who recruited him, when he (Peters) worked as the registration officer at the University of Mississippi. I hope Peters will learn from that ridiculous statement and stay away as far as possible from the calypsonians and their calypsos. Stay in the education business. I believe his advice would be most needed in terms of how to control the violence at our schools.
I don’t think the issue is so much about lyrical content when you listen chalk dust who is also a literature teacher he sings about the issues taking place in Trinidad . I do believe Dominica and her culture has not been fully tapped into .
Chalk Dust even calls the T&T PM’s name in his Songs. One of them was in 1982; I lived in T&T at the time The following Year Dominica Banned a Dominican Calypsonian from ST JOE Who mentioned Madam Prime Minister ( Ms Charles was PM at that time ) in his song. His song was a Great Song. Where is Freedom of speech in Dominica?
Toyota Peter stick in reverse singing for his supper
These comments came really FAST and FURIOUS and ALL of them negative.
What this shows me is what a former Prime Minister of Dominica said about Dominicans, that they wear their ignorance on their sleeves.
Maybe ‘bother’ is not the word I would use if I were Dr. Peters, but it sure would be something close.
What all these comments reveal yet again, is that WE DO NOT LIKE TO HEAR THE TRUTH.
The gist of his comments were SPOT ON: Domincan calypsonians cannot market their music outside of Dominica if they continue to sing about Dominican politics, politicians and issues in the way they do. They have no relevance outside of the country.
I’m with you , Dr.Peters. You spoke the truth. Continue to do so.
Just be prepared for the senseless attacks.
I’m sure I’ll get mine.
Sorry ! I did not know ! Sorry I hurt your ego !!
Hmmm, maybe Dr. Peters feels slighted because he has not got his own calypso yet. Not to worry, if he carries on like this, that will soon be corrected.
Folks, let us not get politics with what the Dr said. I quite agree with him. How many of our calypsoes have made it in the regional arena. I recall Taliban being played in St Lucia when West Indies was playing an International cricket game.
Our calypsoes are for local comsumption. The man is saying let us move up the ladder and begin to write songs that can be played in the Caribbean basin and then to international. This would be an export.
I am certain our local writers can write different songs that would make an impact on the Region. The Dr has put out a challenge, let us knock him. I have my isuess with the Doc, however, he makes sense, let us agree.
On another note, he said radio stations. English teaches us that Q95 would be a station and not the plural stations. Again, do not bash the man, intepretating that he meant Q95. He is correct, a lot nonsense is being talked about on the radio STATIONS.
Donald Peters has no idea of what he is talking about when he tries to pontificate on calypso. He does not understand the essence of calypso. I think he is looking for attention, and he has got it
I think de Dr. Knows … he is ignoring it
Why can’t individuals be themselves and express their creativity in songs? Calypsonians express themselves that way and they sing about the events that are happening or taking place. Calypso is part of our culture and expressing one’s self should not be taken away from him or her. This is how it has been for years so why should someone take a course to express himself/herself? That means taking away from that person his/her freedom of expression.
It seems like we will not have any rights after a while and we will be asking for permission to speak in public. Someone please tell me Where Dominica is heading!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ONE LOVE
Calypso is about social commentary. The culture and issues of the time. The context in which we live. What is, and who, was engaged in the greatest “abberation” in recent times in DA?? Whilst the DSC and the Doctor Peters can and should make contributions to upgrading Calypso, and the Docs ideas re Course on Writing are fine… he forgets the context, the recent great “abberation” which many like him would dearly like to forget, put behind them, ‘lets just move on’ attitude… or would they like to consider what has happened as the new “normal”…like someone told me the other day…” yo pa volay-w …ou ped”. The fools in paradise seek to do just that… ignore the “theft”, the bribery, the massive corruption in our much cherished every five year signal event of our democracy. Hip Hip for local content of our calypso. Its not always about making money but may erasing some of our ignorance or “memoirs poule” is important too. And yes Doc lets get the DSC up to the high…
Is he for real. A course on Calypso writing. So mean to tell me that all the Great songs by Pat Jaco and the others were all wrong. Seems like these ppl really want to control us. We dont need any class in writing. what we need is improvments in the DSC. Improve the bad online system allu have there. the system that preventing students from registering or getting a grade because they cant pay tuition ontime.
Well well. Mr Peters, I think that you are disappointed that no one sang about your inappropriate behaviour at the institution that you lead. Look at yourself in the mirror and ask one question: Am I for real? You are a dam hypocrite. You must focus your attention at the more important things,such as the high term fees . You now want to control calypso. Can you sing? So because you are Dr. you feel that your opinion is the gospel? You not ready yet. I am very much unimpressed with your forwardness. Stay in your hole,boy.
Duckie, what the children need are classes on morality to include buggary, abortion and that they should concentrate on their education and not be used by men. Fighting for man, stealing. doing and trafficking drugs etc, also ettiquete.
It’s time to write a calypso about Peters.
I’m curious to see who are the people who will conduct the courses on calypso writing. Does the good doctor even know what is a good calypso?Is it that important to spend money on Dominican calypso which is obviously a product of local consumption? Isn’t there any other truly Dominican idiom that is already international that could be considered? After all the problem is not calypso writing but song writing.
George I agree with you 100% you hit de nail on the head … they need to be given the resources to inprove in the art … not change it but develop it .
Our people need to be impowered Da has somany talented youth. Its Breaks my heart literally when I talk to some of our Youth that want to persue music in so many different ways … “This is an ancient school of though” … Because I am old school 
Dr Peters Could not mean that. I hope he will listen to us here and Do the right thing for our Youth/our people.
It’s extremely depressing to see University lecturers,lawyers Senior counsels, chancillors ,Chairmen of law faculites,priest,ex-priests Phd’s of everything( like the one of 2yrs ago who had a calypso about it)stooping so low make fools of them selves supporting an ID et AL
In my heart there was much to say, and I hope that the boss woulda listen me some day. Although he knew my request was small, but the sting of the whip there to answer me when I call. WE HAD TO CHANT AND SING TO EXPRESS OUR FEELING TO THAT WICKED AND CRUEL MAN THAT WAS THE ONLY MEDICINE TO MAKE HIM LISTEN, CALYPSO CALYPSO BEGUN
That’s all I have to say
De Doc ate too much cow skin & Black pudding during his youth.
Remember the cause of Mad Cow disease?
When I read the headline ,I thought there was a calypso about say something like 2 yrs ago when a certain guy ended up getting compensated4……………………………. By the way has that person collected?
I thought there was a calypso about this doctor too! LMAO!
Donald, are you singing for your supper again?
What do you want oats, cream of wheat or cornmeal?
Plain Pap/ Toloment
Well, Sparrow sang of codfish, white meat and lizards. Maybe, just maybe, if we follow his example we can one day achieve his measure of success with such internationally understood topics.
And oh, don’t forget Mighty Shadow sang of looking for horns. Really and truly the international stage would understand the importance of finding horns, be it for their cars, bikes or otherwise.
by “Looking for horn” Shadow meant that the person was looking to get cheated on…. He didn’t mean the literal meaning of the word.
hmm… This is rather amusing. Mr Peters didn’t support a debate at election time. His reason was, “This is an academic institution, this is not a sensational institution”… yet now he wants to introduce a calypso course and competition. You need to be consistent sir. I guess we shall debate in song!
Nice Dee you can write a calypso about women under garments .Let’s see how this one is taken about.
There is a difference in a debate and educating people on how to utilize words in their calypsoes and how to conduct themselves in so doing.
Calypsonians stand a good chance of being sued for their words. You know one was sued a few years ago. Yet, some hard hearts who also love a scandal do not learn.
My view is, he is doing them a good service to educate them and to assist them in avoiding a court case, at the same time bringing some dignity to calypso songs and those calypsonians. It should be appreciated. If you do not comprehend this, you, too, are in need of this education. Register for this course.
best comment ever!!! hit it to him. that man needs to go and rest himself. he will tired make himself look like a fool
paro you must be paro when you write that,you talking about a political platform vs a educational setting,an adition to the schools curriculum,that’s a good comment to you,dominica have the the dumbest people in the hemisphere
hmm… This is rather amusing. Mr Peters didn’t support a debate at election time. His reason was, “This is an academic institution, this is not a sensational institution”… yet now he wants to introduce a calypso course and competition. You need to be consistent sir. I guess we shall debate in song!
Its about time we joined the civilized world in the way we do things. A culture that tries an individual without due process cannot truthfully claim to be civilized. The calypsonian/writer is judge and jury while his/her audience is the executioner. At what point does the victim get to submit a defence, with or without a microphone? Why is there a need to “mask” something which is legitimate? How is it that the public can know so well something that is masked? Is it because “everybody saying that so is true”? Hypocrisy cannot stand on its own, it always requires defending. Calypso as it is practised will always be a source of division. If you have difficulty understanding this point of view, ask yourself why do you like Calypso.
These days, their types of calypsos are crap. I would not purchase those tapes. We need what which could teach us something new and with respect and dignity. Furthermore, those types of calypsos are not Christian-like. They lack substance. They should sing some decent calypsos. Be good models especially for the youths that they could emulate.
Dear Facts, your remarks about tapes show how out of touch you are. May I gently remind you that tapes went out with the ark, even cd is getting obsolete people downloading music straight from the net even on their phone. Some of us still have vinyl but that is for collectors of rarities really. Enjoy your carnival anyway.
are you listening to international news, skerrit is getting nothing compared to Obama.. you must be living in the bushes
Oh dear, oh dear ” If you have difficulty understanding this point of view, ask yourself why do you like Calypso”.
Question: Mr or Mrs Anonymous What is your view on Satire?. Nuff said.
Peters also took a shot at what he described as “mass ignorance” that he said is coming from local radio stations by people who prefer to sit at home and call “about things they know nothing about” instead of coming to the DSC to educate themselves.
“This is an aberration; this is not right,” the DSC President said.
Let’s be real Doc Peters. Have you ever taken the time to think for one minute of what Dominica would be like today without a local radio like Q95, the people that sit at their homes and call and those calypsonians that really vocalize the things that are happening in Dominica? Believe you me sir, had it not been for them, Dominica would probably be like Iraq, if not like hell.
Dr. Peters who are you trying to impress & FLATTER? why should the calypsos bother you ? these creeping shadows are foretelling something creepy . today the objects ,subjects and targets of the calypsos are bothered and one wonders why. They want to frighten the people into silence, no talking or singing. The way in which things are happening now, if we do not take a firm stand against that now , later on we may have to pay the supreme sacrifice.
Silver bird we are almost there. remember the movie” Are we there yet?”
Without calypso what would we be?
These are the works of opportunists with human faces.
Such enablers / suitiwehs
Why do Universities give Doctorates to such clowns?
This is the second Doc manifesting backwardness. Should we take their Phds from them & hand them CXC’s?
Educated AHs or studiated AHs-Paul-Keens Douglas.
Hello and good evening my people. Well Mr Peters we live in a Democratic country so if the songs are bothering you then you are living in the past or you want to live in a closed society. Calypsonians are people with creative minds and they sing about current events which people need to know about. Mr Peters please concentrate on educating our college students and prepare them for the job market and stop being a puppet of the current administration. Also Mr Peters you want to hold a course on calypso writing but will that guarantee that the Calypsonians won’t write about the current Political situation. I would like to know in what field Mr Peters hold a doctorate in because he isn’t acting as an educated man.
Some people only view matters one-sided. Some of you are not aware or just ignore it that life is an ongoing progress and perfection; not stagnation and regress. If people are becoming worst in their mannerisms and the type of songs they sing, something is radically wrong with them. In other words, we are to become better not worst. This is what Dr. Peters is trying to relay to all of you/people as you.
People talk/comment and sing about what they perceive those matters to be. This does not mean they are correct. They could be very well be unfair and ignorant. They want change. They do not realize that they are the ones who should change.
Dr. Peters is educated alright and more so than you. If you appreciate such songs, you, too have a severe problem.
It’s a good idea to teach good writing, poetry and music as well as marketing skills. However, social and political commentary has always been an important part of Caribbean culture. This was the only way slaves could expose their masters faults with impunity, and it is one of the unwritten, sacred rights of Caribbean performers. It is also one of the ways we educate each other and share news. May God give the singers the wisdom to compose with wisdom and insight.
Thank you ….well said……
too many master around in Dominica….we are now slaves……..again
sing the calypso, Pastor Bull, Hunter, Dice again…..Ventura, Robin, Daddy Chess, etc,.etc..
Nest songs, we will focus on our State of affairs of our Sate College……..on corruption in government, on child abuse in educational institution………on the high and mightier in society who lure young girls and students with plenty panty pantomime business..
Boy…..Dominica Really Nice…
Those days of slavery are long gone. We are in the year 2015. You want progress, then act in a progressive manner.
And I quote “in everything the prudent acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly”. Proverbs 13:16. This Peter need to think before he speaks.
Mr. Peter if you a really concern about Calypso and Calypsonians singing about social comentry bothers you well you have a problem and I would suggest you start to concern yourself with a lot more important matters that is hindering the development of Dominica instead, Be bold sit down with the PM advised him that this beautiful Island belongs to all Dominicans and not a personal gift and it’s time that he act accordingly.. Another matter Mr.Peter you were given a job at the Collage to make sure student get the best education focus on that instead of running your mouth off about the Calypso songs, too bad, The topics that are mentioned are taking place in the now, and if your Boss(friend) don’t like it tell him to make the changes that are needed immediately , the people are speaking thru their songs and who don’t like lump it. We have some fantastic songs this year and the people is loving it.
Mr.Peter why don’t you concern yourself about the news about BIT Coin and the PM.
But, this is the fun of calypso. I don’t understand this. smhhhhh
Hey Borough Square you know I have similar issues with this blogger Lawrence Ettiene. These guys claim to be covered by the blood but refuse to condemn the nastiness that is going on in this administration. They jump to defend any thing that Skerrit does and now he and mr peters even annoyed at calypsonians for singing their caylpsos. So many issues that Dominica is faced with; bin bobol ,land transfer bobol , fertilizer bobol, alleged sexual abuse, fire bombings, dead man in cell, passport scandal,money missing from treasury, shady ambassadors, keys missing from treasury, bribery , unemployment , unethical behaviors. All these important issues but what lawrence Ettiene and mr peters find a burning issue is about what calypsonians write about mr skerrit. My thinking tells me that these men will see this PM shaking hands with the devil and will still come and defend. borough square do you remember a certain young lady who got hurt because of corruption in a church in Portsmouth?
Is people like mister that have Dominica so!
Your ignorance is projecting itself. You are one of them who should take this course.
I think this is rubbish coming from your mouth stop putting your politic face in our carnival we can do with out people like you and st0p talking for our Pm he has extended the Olive branch to makes peace and unite the people of Dominica but you think by saying that you will get more hands out .Our Pm have no problem with the Songs he is enjoying all and have nothing to fear after all we have Democracy and any Good Prime Minister with nothing to Fear Voted by the people should be Man enough to accept criticism and move on so Peter Find a Woman your age and go to the Show on Saturday and hence forth mind your business and we do not want your class hold it and learn to mind your business.
I live on another Caribbean Island and whenever I try to share our calypsos with non Dominicans they find it very difficult to identify with the lyrics.. I have to constantly explain what is being spoken about. The rhythm is good yes but our lyrics are too local. If we want to make money out of calypso, we must move up to another notch. I am sure the song writers know that. Of course we love to hear the gossips and melee as well but let’s have a mix. Tell me who is going to win a regional competition with these songs.
I agree…..but it is for the local audience……we are suffering here………in Dominica
However the shows are well supported and patronized here in Dominica. The calypsos in Trinidad are also local and we do not understand them all……its al local audience…..Soca is here for jamming and jumping and waving……no lyrics…just flags waving
We no longer hear get the volume of calypso from Trinidad anymore, things have changed. The soca competition in Trinidad is a now much bigger show with bigger money than the Calypso King show…
By the way.. Trinidad Prime Minister Kamala is in calypso……..so Skerrit in it too? He put himself there… not all good news for Dat PM……too much racketeering in Dominica, so “We Must Sing”
Hurricane did, and King Dice among 7 Trinidadian calypsonians was the only one to get an encore in SM
You are correct. I am wondering if I read a similar comment which you wrote, probably last year.
Calypso is social commentary, singing about the ills of the country. The competition is a local and not a regional one, what is wrong with you people?
Isn’t Calypso by nature local? From time to time you will find one or two which transcends our geographical borders but it must be local first.
You cant sing about what’s happening in a next man’s country … most likely it wont be relevant to your plantation!
And are we able to identify with the lyrics of calypso in Trinidad etc – where they sing on Panday and Kamla – Of course not…. Calypso is not designed for any international stage or market but rather to sign about issues affecting the people locally… and the lack of understanding might be more related to our “local accent and pronunciation” than anything else… I have relatives in Trinidad and for as long as I have known them (cousins, uncle and aunt) we have had difficulty understanding each other on the phone and misinterpreting the meaning of certain phrases that mean something different to them than from my understanding.
Parry, I would advise Dr. . Peters that he should concern himself with the education of the young people instead of getting involved in the politicizing of calypsos. He can write as many calypsos as he wants, does he expect Dice to sing a song about Skeritt, if no mention is made about the passport and visas racketeering, the land deals, the binboeball, the disappearance of a Chinese man $54 million, the many unkept government promises, the red clinic, corruption in government and the $92, 000 tax free car.
You cannot teach creativity. I do not know of any song writing school or curriculum that creates winning songs. Most song writers write songs based on their experiences, level of education and knowledge. Producers and editors then review the material and make changes when and where necessary.
Marketing and branding is key. The focus should be on marketing what we have and making slight changes along the way. Have you listened to Mighty Chalk Dust aka PhD Hollis Liverpool?
All his songs are about Trinidad and Caribbean politics, vis-à-vis global issues. His musical style was different because as a History and Social Studies teacher in Trinidad, he wrote about current events in his field and the world around him. This keen eye and intellect cannot be recreated by a University, no matter how hard you try.
Diction and arrangement are two key components that you left out. Maybe joining forces with Heavyweight musical arrangers within the Caribbean would be a much better idea.
but you just made a key point,chalk dust is a college professor,so what does that say to you,the man is right, the man is simply saying write songs that can be recorded and played through out the diaspora,what is wrong about that, the calypso’s that are being sang, is just political gibberish about skerrit and lack substance,is just beth and tory for our local entatainment,is time to wake up and face the world,dominica is to long locked in a small part of the world,look at Antigua with the likes of short shirt,obstinate and swallow,the man is simply saying explore,the same x calypsonian who writes for dice said the same thing in a calypso song,he said some calypsonians long after carnival done,they don’t seek to further their education,so what is this,spit in the sky and it fall back right in your eye.
Chalkdust sings were political
I fraid Karl
Three blind mice
etc….etc…..
What you speak of is a great idea that will not happen in a vacuum. If a writer has limited connection with the outside world and he/she is unable to articulate subjects in a format that can draw the attention of a large audience, a course at DSC will not change that.
Writers can sing about any local topic. What they need to focus on is catchy beats and one liners that can be sampled internationally. For example: Who let the dogs out from the Bahamas. The beat and this simple line in the chorus made this group famous.
We do not have arrangers at home who will push back up musicians to explore accompanying music with these songs by adding for example: Jazz riffs and licks with great bridges to a song’s chorus.
If it’s a D Chord it’s a simple D chord. Very little variation to add uniqueness to these songs.
Many of the successful Caribbean artist reside both in the US and the Caribbean. They also work with renowned producers, arrangers and writers. For example, “Stevie Wonder” wrote, arranged and produced one of Third World’s Albums.
Breaking into the international market is far more complex than taking a writing course at DSC. If you rarely venture out of Dominica or keep up with international events, your writing and arranging style will remain very myopic. This is not the first time that this issue has been spoken about and it will not be the last.
Even our famous Dominican artist did not remain in Dominica. Look at their resume and see where they have been. Guys like Fitzroy Williams have been all over the world honing their skills for decades before they were able to earn a successful living. It’s not an overnight phenomenon.
Peters is just another surrogate of the Prime Minister who has to sing for his supper.
And you have no understanding .. no clue of the foundations of calypso .. or maybe choose to bury ur head in the big pit toilet that Skerrit has built in the process of eliminating the smaller ones.
I agree yesI!! Thats what we are talking about
Peters stated that people are calling into radio stations and talking about things that they are not versed in.
Here’s a list of things to work on Mr. Peters:
1. New road safety/driver manual for all drivers either seeking their first license or renewing one. There are too many accidents on the island.
2. An annual traffic safety week hosted by the college to focus of driver safety and accident reduction on the island.
3. Debates amongst high school students and DSC students to focus on current global events and how they impact the wider Caribbean and Dominica in particular.
4. Seek funds to establish a lab at DSC to focus on agricultural/horticultural research methods. We are agriculturally based.
5. How to grow hybrid cocoa plants that are disease resistant as the price of this commodity on the world market is constantly rising and it could be a great source of economic revenue for Dominican farmers.
This short list should keep you occupied for now.
Peter, take two tablets for cold and “for cough”
calypso is ,social comentry ,and especially ,present ocuring events ,and this is why dice have and will be king for a very long time ,
he do not mix matters ,
If tasha p did not listen to her managers ,and consentrated on social events , She would still be holding the crown ,such a promissing performer ,
But she was miss led by the political cronies who chose to go their way ,didnt care about her future,
DR PETERS, have enough work to do in the collage ,The children are going astray ,getting involve in all kinds of immorality,,sex videos ,etc and he cant fix it ,but he want to fix calypso,,well it really hurt his bobo , but calypso will remain calypso ,So i hopethe next calypso will not be on skerrit ,but on dr pit.
So this …, who aspires to win the Grammy for the category of “BEST RENDITON OF SINGING FOR ONE’S SUPPER”, wants to institutionalize propaganda and indoctrination at the state college. He wants to shape the young, impressionable minds of our youth so they can sing and match lock step with the dictatorial program of the ruling government. My fellow Dominicans, please resist this….. Our future depends on our resistance. TCHEBE WED, PAS MOLE.
can anyone say singing for your supper lol what a joke
Seven times calypso King and the calypsos can’t go anywhere other than Dominica?Peters,You right. The standard of calypso should be beyond the scope of DA.
Mr. DSC president recently called off an political debate among college students. Today, he wants to introduce calypso writing because too many calypsos are written about the pm. How in God name this man is president of the college bits me. Calypso started on the plantation and has always been a form of expressing discontent with masters among other things. The more skeritt behaves like a slave master the more calypso we will write on him. Seems like skeritt and Donald peters skin must be razor thin. There is one solution doctor peters, start writing calypsos praising skeritt. If you need help just go in the catholic song hymnal there are lots of examples. Or, you can simply stop listening. Of all things you want to introduce to college is calypso writing. The easiest way to keep a society back is to stifle creativity and put limits on expression. DNO please permit me to say the DSC president is an idiot and display the very poison of ignorance he claims that exist.
“How in God name this man is president of the college bits me. ..”
Good Question….Go ask the late, former Vice President, Dr. Seaman……….May her soul rest in peace..
When the calypso school comes in play…this is the title for the first calypso song competition is….
” How I became President…?”
Indeed! If he is vexed that there are calypsoes critical of Skerrit, he is free to venerate him in song. Can you compose a calypso, nuh, Doc?
I am thankful that some folks have common sense and actually got what Dr. Peters was saying. Nowhere is he implying muzzling calypso and calypsonians. He is obviously stating that we need to raise the profile of our local calypsos making them more appealing to an international audience. Look at how reggae has become so internationally accepted. We have ample talented artists who can take their talent to an international audience. How can we package and make money from our local music. Yes, it is wit, satire, local/social commentary but it can be done and retain those elements. I always remember when Dice sang, “Animal Farm”. That was a bad song!! We need more like that.
Perhaps the good doctor could have stated that better but I hope we can accept the point.
“Peters also took a shot at what he described as “mass ignorance” that he said is coming from local radio stations by people who prefer to sit at home and call “about things they know nothing about” instead of coming to the DSC to educate themselves.”
Dear Mr. Peters, I have a 16 year old daughter who is out of high school and is home doing nothing. I tried to persuade to go the DSC to further her education, but she told me she is scared of the college? I asked her why she scared of the college and she told me because, because, because, because…….
Maybe you need to restore the image of the DSC
You are an evangelist? I suppose not in the sense of the word. If your daughter is scared to go to College, you should take your daughter to see a counselor/ a psychiatrist. You should realize that she has a problem and a severe one for that matter. Do not blame others for that.
Boople we need a Toyota Donald
But Mr. peters, what really bothers you nou? Are you truly bothered that those talented Caplypsonians are not using their talent to make money? Or, are you bothered that songs about Skerrit open the eyes of laborites to things that are happening in the country that they never heard about since the radio stations don’t say a thing? What really bothers you sir?
Here is Cro Cro in Trinidad singing “Panday de jail is waiting” while PM Panday was still in office. What a pity we cannot sing out like this against corruption in Dominica.
http://youtu.be/moYz-g0_efY
Truth be Told; Why not sing that and more. Don’t sing only that type of calypso because soon people will stop coming and listen to de calypso shows or people will want two separate monarchs a Mas Camp one and a Stardom one with no clash of tents.
That is an interesting thought but not a very good one and could divide us even further apart. I believe, however, we should indeed consider seriously that writing calypso be offered at the College. Calypso is part of our culture, why not do it right.
You have stated it correctly.
Though it makes for an “eye grabbing” story, the author took Peters’ comments out of context
Peter’s was simply trying to urge people to focus on legit means of advancing island revenue such as: Ultra Running, Medical Tourism, etc.
He has good reason for this. If you look at the published stats, the cruise ships aren’t actually bringing a lot of revenue to Dominica. And that is frustrating!
Peter’s is not saying calypsos are evil or shouldn’t be enjoyed. He was trying to speak about the topic of how the islands government is frivolous when it comes to actively promoting outside business into Dominica!
You can twist this any way you want but this is a blatant attempt at controlling the contents of our calypsos by Dr. Peters’ boss. The idea of a national calypso writing competition by the DSC, with prize money confirms this. Where would this money come from for instance, if not the govt.?
A calypso written purposely for an international market does not guarantee its success. In any case, not all calypsonians perform simply for the money. If their songs are not topical and spontaneous they will die at birth. If Dr. Peters’ wants more success for Dominica, why does he not initiate a Caribbean song contest to be held here in Dominica, using the stadium? Calypso is calypso and best left well alone.
You need to stop your crap, and stop making excuse for that guy, what does tourism have to do with it! The tourism who visits Dominica, are from countries, where you all sit an watch pornography all day, there is vulgarity in most songs we hear on Radio here okay.
Don’t dictate to any one person in Dominica how they should conduct themselves. In America the head of the nation; the president condones homosexuality, the same applies to England, they make that filth legal, which is worst? A simple calypso which is song, and forgotten within a short period of time. Nobody took anything out of context! Our calypso is a cultural thing which dates back to the days when you people stole us from Africa, and brought us to the America’s and the Caribbean and enslaved us treated our forefather’s as beast of burden Kaiso as the term then was their only escape. Just because we need the tourist dollar, doesn’t’ mean we have to change our culture to suit you that black bourgeois!
Your…
The people have elected the government to do just what your interpretation of DCS president said. For 15 years its been wellfare economics. Government lead, people follow. How can an economy grow when leaders focus on loans and grants and begging. This state college president is part of the sociopsychological disease afflicting Dominica right now
This is one of the ignorance, coming from you that Dr. Peters must have meant. Is there a country in the world which does not get loans and grants?
You prefer to be narrow-minded about begging. If the PM begs it is for Dominica and nationals. How much do you contribute to the revenue of Dominica in especially income tax?
Peter has spoken, he is not a child. Allow Peter to explain himself. You are not helping Peter here you are only exposing him more as a political hatchet man defending the wrongs of a bloody dictator. Express your own views man.
Cesare , you are too kind. Its obvious Dr Peters is annoyed about the issues Dominicans choose to sing and talk about. He may have a point in that some topical issues are only of interest to us, and may not be of sufficient interest to the outside market we may be targeting. But even that may be a misconception since visitors who are interested in your island also have an interest in its people, its music and culture. When you leave the US Mainland for the Caribbean, you dont go buying Wendy’s and KFC. You seek out restaurants that allow you to sample the local foods. And you also want to seek out the local music and select something to take back that enables you to remember you were in Dominica. Dr Peters is an intellectual and does have some talent but I suspect he might have been drunk when he made those remarks. If he is interested in assisting he would be better advised to structure his marketing program at the College to include the marketing of local calypsoes.
Cesare, For your information , if I read right, Peters saying too much songs etc on PM Skerrit…. In other words sing nice songs of how Dominica Nice….and Skerrit nice.. and not about……the Haitian racketeering,,,,,,the bin bobol…
This government continues to steal election, waste states resources, abuse states resources and you want us like the slave master take us to the State college to right nice calypso about de Massa that he throw his corn at us and cluck…cluck we eat and stay poor as beggars for ever….well Massa day done long time sar………no more Pantomime from Trinidad……
Trini calypso too hot…the Doc run away singing pantomime in his hand , in his suitcase……..finish that song please someone……..
” He was trying to speak about the topic of how the islands government is frivolous when it comes to actively promoting outside business into Dominica!”
Look man all of us Dominicans are not idiots, can’t read people who lack comprehension of the English language okay. In any event you have identified the biggest flaw in the government and that is Skerrit, and the rest lack the ability to attract forging investment into the country. In fifteen years going on twenty, Skerrit have not brought a single foreign investor into the country! Not one., if anything the labor party has driven many foreign investors away. The Shine Company comes to mind.
As for the crap about frivolous: the definition can be as simply as “waste of time, or without merit.” Then again it could mean “little weight or importance.” In all aspects you are correct, as there is no sound basis for your Skerrit, and Donald nonsense, neither in fact or law! “frivolous.”
SMH…We seem to have missed the point….It is about time that our calypso is written to suit just the local market. We need to start thinking international…Mr. Peters, I will keep my ears open for when the calypso writing course in available.
@Good Vibes February 9, 2015 “It is about time that our calypso is written to suit just the local market. We need to start thinking international” You said it for me, my friend!
Liz, nothing; absolutely nothing is wrong with the songs these guys compose you know. Calypso has been around for more than a hundred years, yet it never made its way into any foreign home. I lived in England, where there is a very large West Indian population, if you visit a white persons home in England, and you hear calypso, I guaranty, that home has an inter-racial family, Black and white relationship, the same applies to America, and Canada.
Reggae, or anything the Jamaicans sing, are sold internationally, the lyrics, and rendition matters not to the white people who buy’s Reggae. I have a song by Bob Marley, in which he said “a whore is a whore, a bitch is bitch” ect, ect.; I play that in the streets of Los Angeles, I witness White people on the streets driving on the Strip, and Las Vegas Blvd., playing that same song in their car. People like Donald Peters, and that unknown defender need to shut up! He is talking about tourist: Torrist jam to any kind of music while…
You all don’t understand calypso then. It is social commentary on what affects people most in daily life. So most of it will be focused on local issues. Calypso is never made with the global market in mind in the first place. Ask the calypsonians themselves if they make their songs with the idea of making them wealthy. Garcon, most of the time it is costing them.
You see, it is not only politicians who are dictators: Peters attitude is nothing less than that of a dictator, how can a calypso be troubling to him. Calypso’s are written based on certain topics, and way the write see, and feels abut the situation. Rhyming is the key to the song that is what makes it a calypso. People supposed to express themselves according to their own personal standards, and not according to what some bourgeoisie would like to hear. This is man who denied students the opportunity to debate in DSC which is owned by the people, is now talking talking crap about teach who how to write what calypso. Your duty is to get the DSC accredited, you can’t even do that, never mind teach people how to write calypso.
I suspect you want to become governor over calypso, so that only people warring red, will get to sing, hence the one who’s shirt is deeper red will win!
Best you change your name to Francisco Criticise-o Telemaque-o
His name change to @Telemacologie avec sa e kay rester bien.
Shut up you fool if you are unable to discern a compliment from criticism, perhaps you should take private lessons from Donald Peters! Who am I am criticizing? You can kiss up to Donald stupidity if you wish, if you believe you will get something by kissing up to the cabal that’s your prerogative: Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque work for what he wants; I accept nothing from people in general, never mind politicians!
If I criticize Donald I have every right to do so, because he is talking nonsense, hogwash, decaying baloney. He think we do not know the man who is defending his stupidity is another stooge pigeon of the cabal!
Mr. Skerrit, if nobody makes a calypso about you, you are not important.
Yes, he has certainly made a reputation for himself…. poor fella……. he will continue to give calypso sustenance
As my Grandma use to say, ‘Edukasion pa lesprie’- ‘education is not common sense’. Peters exemplifies that fact- poor fellow he is so full of himself.
SAY BIG HOMIE WA GOING ON?? Man mn.. Worry about education not entertainment…… Smh because what y’all gotta talk about y’all don’t b… U need help for an educated man
Carnival songs are as old as carnival itself, which goes back into antiquity. Nor are they confined to Dominica or the Caribbean. To this day they are also performed in Italy for example, where carnival is celebrated at the same time as here. These “canti carnascialeschi”, recorded since the 15th.16th. centuries have their roots in bawdy songs,” typically satiric, obscene and reveling in the double entendre” (i.e. double meaning – see:Carnival Song under Wikipedia). Not unlike our calypsos, which have gained African rhyhtms along the way. It is a folk art and should remain so. Any attempt to put it into a corset by formally teaching it at DSC would stultify and kill it off. Leave our calypso alone Dr. Peters!
And why is the doctor not in Moscow? Is he still learning to say: Доминика паспорт для продажи….Dominica passports for sale?
If I were Dr. Donald Peters instead of taking the messengers to task, I would simply do the following:
1. I would pull Mr. Skerrit on a side and remind him that Euginia Charles, Edison James, Rosie Douglas, and Piere Charles, all served as PM and no calysonian wrote songs about them
2. I would tell Mr. Skerrit that if no songs were written about the character of his predecessors who served for 26 yrs combined, and after 10 years calysonians write nasty songs about him every year, then maybe he needs to correct something
3. I would ask Mr. Skerrit to conduct an independent investigation about the songs written about him, and if there is no evidence of accusations against him, then take those calypsonians to court.
4. I would tell Mr. Skerrit that if he cannot do any of the above then both Skerrit and Donald should shup up and take their blows.
Who was the mamo that was rocking the boat? This is the type of mass ignorance Peters is talking about. Educate yourself before writing nonsense.
@ Marguerite, I was referring to songs that question the corrupt character of those leaders. In 18 years of Mamo and 4.5 yrs of Edison, I cannot think of any calypso that really questions their character. So far in 10 yrs of Skerrit he has at least three songs every year. This is the type of mass ignorance Peters is talking about. Educate yourself before trying to defend Skerrit
That’s not true… I remember years ago lieutenant Something had had a song Alaska on Mamo and what about the bugging song on Edison and dem stop tell lies man,all that is Calypso boss.
@ MrMan, your comment just confirmed my point. After 18 yrs you cannot even remember the person that wrote about Mamo. Alaska has nothing to do with her character. Concerning Edison and them, the bugging has nothing to do with their character, In fact although Edison is hated by laborites, the majority of Dominicans, including laborites respect the man. Is that the case with Skerrit? In fact even those that support him and sing for their supper have a real hard time respecting him. No wonder every year at list three songs are about him and his corrupt practices.
Fact is , Calypsos have been sang about previous leaders … but not about allegations of corruption .. I believe there was one which likened Mamo to a dictator ” Iron Lady” i believe was the name of the song … Not sure of the artist … I know President Lily , General Natty ,The Rabbit and The Hurricane , may have sang songs which were anti government and made reference to corruption or dictatorial tendencies on the part of the DFP and the Dame … but Skerro is all about corruption , and other ills of the power possessed.
An empty Vessel. This man should have longhave been fired from the college and is skerrit that have him there so he must be bothered by calypsos about his god.
Here we go again. We are so divided by political lines, we can not even see anything good in what someone else says as long as it is not our party and particular UWP supporters.
7 years Dice has won the Calypso Crown. This young man is an entertainer and is very talented but is his talent being used productively or is he satisfied with winning a crown every year and that is enough. all of his songs has been against the DLP government. We should stop singing only for Dominica. For instance we in Dominica enjoyed Sparrow up to this day and Sparrow calypso is enjoyed all over.
Our Carnival Queen can represent Dominica all over the Caribbean. They continue to be in Pageants and certain things are expected of them in a year. One such winner was a Miss World contestant.
I believe also calypsoians who write their own songs and as an incentive for more writers, should be added in the judging. If you can sing, perform and write that should be part of the judging process.
Nonsense….so everybody who sings write their own songs ….Zoe sa contwaye in moun
Doubting Thomas can you tell us who is the current calypso king of Saint Vincent Saint Lucia and or Saint Kitts? You and others cant because calypsos in theses islands are focused on local topics; you and Peters are so full of it. What I would agree to is the teaching of music in the college so our youngsters would be able to read and write music- so this Bouyon thing will have some musical structure but calypso is a well respected art form in the World that cant be institutionalized. You will always have calypsos for the tent, under the tree, for comedy, entertainment and for dancing; Trinidad is the land of calypso and there are all varieties- if Peters wants a certain kind of slant then he should start writing and singing his own and he could also write for the rest of the cabal and like have said to others come in jump into the ring man..
Mr Peters, is this the most pertinent issue you can comment on. What about integrity, fairness, transparency in govt etc. For an educated man you choose to talk crap. Are you not the same person who would not allow a debate by your students about politics yet still you allow the PM to launch the DLP manifesto in the same establishment. Supposedly educated people like you, Mr Aaron et al are among what ails this country,
Do you know that calypso was derived from the slaves of yesteryear? That was their only means of comment on those who had enslaved them. Nothing has changed, we are still enslaved by … you and Aaron and the whole cabinet, they have the money to enslave us. Both of you guys and lots of others like you are singing for your supper.
I would like to hear comment on our economic situation/prospects which is far more important that you asinine about calypso. You sound and act like a pompous man, education is no substitute for common sense.
I agree with you 100% .I would say so much more to Mr Peters , but 1000 words is not enough so i will just agree with you .
…give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully 1st Timothy 5:14B
Mr. Peters, are you sure that skerrit and others are not giving calypsonians reasons for writing songs about them? Sir, Euginia Charles served as Prime Minister for some 18 yrs, and apart from the “Iron lady” song about her, which really had to do with her tuffness, I don’t remember anyone writing any nasty song about her. She was replaced by Eddison James, who served for 4.5 years, and although he and his UWP were accused of corruption by the DLP and DFP, not one song was written about Edison James. Rosie and Charles also served as PM for a combined 4 yrs and although the manager of a radio station had all kinds of nasty thing to say abot Pierre Charles and that donkey sound, not one song was composed about Piero. Mr. Skerrit succeeded Charles and has been in power for 11 years, and every single year their is a minimum of 2 songs about him and his character. Maybe u need 2 talk 2 him
I am not sure what the heck is Donald Peters trying to achieve. First off calypso Will always be primarily about politics. The evidence is there from Patrick John to Edison to Rosie to Pierre Charles. The same applies to calypso in Trinidad, St Kitts, Bahamas,Tortola,St Marten And all other Caribbean countries.
Donald calypso music has never been a high selling genre because calypso is a seasonal commodity. Besides how many calypsos from other islands are big sellers. Calypso as it is is about domestic entertainment and consumption.
it is totally intriguing when intellectuals debase themselves to fancy low life politicians. Where was Donald when Mama got demonized by Laborites -from Soukoyan mana mordara,wearing galvanized panty,not having children, had an affair with Reagan,hated poor people and much more. Today calypso is even much milder particularly now that the cabal is quick to sue.
Donald himself should consider himself lucky that he is not included in some calypso.
Calypso is social commentary. Maybe you need to listen to calypsoes from Trinidad as well
“We are living in a fools paradise”. King Dice for al l of your talents and skills, you are wasting your years simply singing partisan songs. Singing for your ghetto youths in one year and against the government of PM Skerrit the following year has not gotten you any further than where you started in terms of marketing your talents and skills so aptly demonstrated in song. DICE smart up. Get out of the “fools paradise”. Do a simple introspection. Take the resident Dominican public (more youths and the one-eyed commentator) and the diaspora out of the equation, what do you have by way of publicity for your songs? Why aren’t you a household name in St. Lucia for example after all those years and having won all those crowns? Why is your handlers only prepare politically partisan songs for you? Compare your repertoire of songs to that of the Picki for example. You have been more successful than the PICKi in the art form. But Pick’s wide ranging subjects area put you in shade. Think…
But Observer, the problem for Dice and other calypsonians is not the topic, the lyrics or anything to do with the calypsoes. The problem the calypsonians have is the means to market their songs/music. So what is required is an integration of that element in the marketing program at the State College.
http://www.bajanreporter.com/2013/03/is-calypso-music-a-unifying-or-divisive-force-in-the-caribbean-by-rebecca-theodore/
He also said the the DSC will launch a “national competition on Calypso writing” and prizes will be won
Mr. peters would better serve the nation if he launched a national competition on moral ethics, honesty, justice, and transparency especially for those who seek to hold political office and top positions in the nation.
Mr Peters , had it been the other way around would affect you or concern you as it does now ? What truly affects you or hurts you sir ? The fact that it touches home and someone uncover what happens behind closed doors with your friends who you’re a beneficiary of their evil-doings ? It’s really a shame that you an educated man knowing well the history of calypso has always been to voice out what affects the people and a country , and so too the channel through which information that many would hear on some of our local radio stations are made aware of . When it hit Mamo , Pierro , PJ and others where was your voice . Man you and those who’re anti-democratic leave us the hell alone . We’ll be jamming more calypso . Next year , we’ll have one on the nonsense going on at the college .
Singing for your supper, Peters. Bin bobol does not bother you? Gon Emmanuel’s bombing does not bother you? Illegalities in land transfers, in elections does not bother you? Stop trying to get intelligent people to bury themselves in the widespread corruption that is now the hallmark of this administration.
I wonder what Dr Chalkdust would say about that? Dr. Peters really believe that we are living in a fool’s paradise. He lived in Trinidad and Tobago and am sure he listened to calypsos over there. In all the Caribbean islands politicians get the most blows from calypsonians. Maybe Peters have not heard of Sugar Aloes and Cro Cro. It is a fact that Eric Williams was a target for Chalkdust. The problem as I see it is that Dr Peters is conviniently forgetting that calypsos were meant to be sung against the massa.
All politics is said to be local and so is calypso. If a song written in Dominica has international appeal then all good but you cannot expect writers to write songs hoping to attract international attention. Peters should get more proactive and organize a calypso competition among the college students. Then he will see if he will like what he gets.
Massa days are done. duck
Come on people stop living in ignorance. I do not support Skerrit but what is wrong if
Come on people while I do not condone some of the decisions Skerrit has made, I would like us to stop the ignorance and listen to Peters. what is wrong if he offers a course for us to benefit in calypso writing? Are we satisfied with the quality of calypso which are being written? Won’t it be nice if we learn to write better?
lol you labour sympathizers and your tricks.
Emphasis should be on education,not that crap.He should be offering free college courses to the underprivileged ones so that they can better serve their country.
Wow!!! Academia @ its worst in a “Fool’s Paradise.” He so out of touch, it’s too funny. Big-up to all those who see it as it is. Calypso will continue to evolve to levels higher than Donald Peters.
Dr. Peters, we understand your motivation very well. Maybe you are even dreaming of a diplomatic post? You remind me of that old English record label, His Masters Voice!
It bothering Donald because he knows very well what is being said is the truth, it is burning their chest that is why he has to say what he saying.
poor you boy!!!!!
You feeling sorry for your padna de PM.
you vex dat after 15 years of DLP rule de reality is we living in a fool’s paradise?
where is de paradise dat de P speak of?…….
Red Clinic?
Come and see me in my office?
IF TINGS WERE DIFFERENT HUNTER GHOST AND SCRUNTER WOULD BE DE FIRST TO BOAST IT OFF!!!!!
You want to dictate what calypso songs should say????
Why you and edgar doh be de official calypso writers to hand out songs nuh?
dat is how yoy want it?
Well make de DLP be de official Calypso song writers for de Dominica Calypso Association nuh..
you expected dat de songs would sing de praises of Skerrit and DLP new victory?
so u vex now….you trying to be an abrasion sir
I WANT SKERRIT TO COME OUT ON RADIO AND MAKE COMMENT ABOUT CALYPSO ABOUT HIM?
STOP SINGING FOR YOUR SUPPER!
YOU HAVE DE JOB ALREADY!
SKERRIT WILL NOT DARE COME ON RADIO CRYING SAYING WE TALKING MAL ABOUT HIM!
HE WILL LIVE DAT SINING FOR THOSE DAT COME THRU DE BACK DOOR!!
Again we miss the point because of political bias, the point is to be able to make money from our calypsos, tell me where will you hear some of these songs outside of DA. We need to think regional and international. Remember “hot,hot”, i played that song in college and everybody danced. Eventually it was recorded but Buster and became a huge hit. So check the msg.
Name me one musical arranger in Dominica who has gained regional prominence lately? Look at who arranged the songs for some of the people that you speak off. We need to join forces with great arrangers and producers within the wider Caribbean.
They will then refine what our local writers and singers have initially done and produce a final product that jumps off the chart. There are some things in life that you just can’t legislate. I get Peters’ point, but you can tell that he is way off base on this one despite his intentions.
The second issue is that we also mix both English and Creole in our calypsos. The creole aspect will never sell intentionally unless there’s a killer beat or rhythm that jumps at people.
The most successful Jamaican artist usually sing multiple versions of the same song. There are some for the local Caribbean Market and some for the American and European. These are just some of the additional approaches that were omitted in this article.
Good observation….that is message from you for developing to a positive idea, good point sir. You made no mention of Skerrit – On the other hand the Doctor`s focussed was on why sing about Skerrit and his corrupt government etc …well I MUST SING …the song must be sung about….as is…..calypso represents the views of the masses.
On the other hand, do our Calypsoians want to go international..? ????? we cannot force them. Its one thing to sing a local competition another to be a regional and international artiste..
I think Mr. Peter has a point, and I also think those same sentiments were echoed by Mr. Letang, who has been in the music industry for many many many years. If you listen to most of the calypsos this year, they are political and geared in one direction at discriminating the head of state or prominent people in our society that are serving and have served well. If your only contribution to nation building, is to criticize in calypso form well serving citizens, like Mr. Donald, you too are in a fool’s paradise, because your calypso commentary, should have one motive, which is one of education, singing with a message to transform the minds of well thinking people. Too many of the lyrical contents are of a gutter nature. As a DOMINICAN, I am concerned about the mindset of our people. We do not seek to celebrate others in their successes, we are bent of being base in our scope of things. So it is a right move Mr. Donald to begin an educational thrust at the college.
Lawrence when you make a statement you must support it. Please provide examples of the calypso that you said are discriminating. I find it very surprising that you are commenting on calypso when people like you are suppose to be ” saved by the blood of Jesus ” and are not participants in secular music.
The hypocrisy of you people is upsetting.
When miko, Dusty, Dafa, and others were singig about Freedom Party government you were probably not a back slider then so you could not have heard the calypsos like Ayatola, Madame Prime Minister you told us Freedom is Better, chebais Soukoyan La.
How it is that Calypsonians must do like the pastors, Priests, the lawyers, magistrates, so called Christians like you and pretend that the country is on the right path , that our government is clean and above board
Lawrence, Donald does not have any point! It is all about power, and control, all he is doing here is talk crap singing for his dinner to be in Skerrit who controls him like a poppet favor! We confirm that when he denied the students the opportunity from having a political debate in the State College. I have seen many debates college campuses; high school students debate in school.
However, in Dominica, Donald Peters and Skerrit deny the up and coming leaders of our country the opportunity to engage in a political debate in an institution which the taxpayers country who are their parents. I’ve attended college and university, I attended, and listen to debates on campus, not one Dean of those institutions ever deny students from debating, political or otherwise, his concern is to politicized calypso, so when someone writes a calypso, unless it is approved by some bourgeoisie, it will not play on Radio, nor in sing in public. That is dictatorship; He needs to shut up!
What patat educational thrust? Is he self that felt politics had no place in the college. Ever hear more nonsense than that? colleges world wide encouraging healthy debates between students from politics to morality. Here in Dominica the mody president of the DSC want to stifle the students and you talking about educational thrust?
You say you concerned about the mindset of the people are you not concerned about the mindset of the government? Look how long Skerrit talk about racketeering in ministry of immigration and labour up to now no heads rolling. I think your head screwed on backward.
So Bossman you even had the gall to bring in Letang in it? You find what Letang said made any logical sense? A man like Norman Letang that has been playing calypso for all those years all of a sudden doesn’t want to play song that against people. Boy this is really a fool’s paradise.
Please write a Calypso on Mister. For the head of a higher learning institution Mr. talking xxxx.
Have you read “The Political Calypso : True Opposition in Trinidad and Tobago” or the paper on “Embracing the Political Calypso and Engaging Healing”?
You should be ashamed of yourself and this say a lot about the future of the state’s highest learning institution
how you can host a course in calypso writing when you don’t know about calypso including its origins…
The words of Matt in the morning are not taken seriously. ” it is better to be considered a fool, then to open your mouth and remove all doubts.” Like Donald, I heard similar sentiments coming from the mouth of the Krazy man last week. According to the Krazy man, he cannot take the songs of calypsonian Dice and sell them in places like St. Lucia, New York, Miami. One of Sparrow’s most popular calypso was Jean and Dianna, a song about prostitutes. Mighty Chalkdust became very popular all over the world, because of his calypso , ” ah fraid carl,” a song about the former attorney general of Trinidad. Here in Dominica, marry de girl Charlie, about a former Minister of Government. All those calypsos and many more have made those artists thousands of dollars nationally and internationally. Donald’s problem is not calypso writing, he is concerned about the political destruction of his boy, in calypso, which is heard all over the…
It sounds like you are pushing your political agenda. In Dominica calypso is carnival and carnival is calypso. The guys come up with one or two songs, which historically has been based on social and political issues affecting the country. You are not young so you know that. The guys compose songs for and against parties in power and opposition and that’s what makes the art for so special. The ones that stray from the issues or touch on global issues are not popular locally. I would urge you to allow people to vent freely. You and your academic misconceptions are only trying to silence people and in this case calypsonians. All great calypsonians has sang on the burning issues in their respective countries so why do you want to change that now? Are you on a mission to protect someone? If you said the standard of music generally needs addressing I may agree with you but your specific issue with choice of topic and localisation of calypso is rubbish. Let people expose the dictator…
A shame that The President of the college has to make such s blatant political statement.
Calypso has Always had Political content and long may it continue.
We desperately need new leadership in this country at all levels.
Its amazing the things that bothers the educated people of this country, people that our children have to look-up to. Good Morales means nothing to them; for instance, when aged men prey on young ladies that can be their grand daughters. The standard of this people does not worth a discussion.
Calypso is our CNN and NBC, I get lots of info from calypso. Go somewhere and chill with your BULL____.
Another toyota running his mouth….man shut up and go read ur proverbs…..
peters there are soo many things that should be bothering you…….like why are the college fees increasing every semester…………..like why is it sooo difficult tooo get a dam degree at the college………………….people can sing about what they want…………..the college does not need a calypso course……..peters shut up that hole in you face please…….sooo very annoyed.
It is a common behavior for the Peter brothers to rub there noses in things that do not concern them, they’re political parasites
Well looks like he needs to focus his attention and energy elsewhere. Encouraging the teaching of music would be a start. I’ve also noticed that the emphasis on sports in schools is almost non existent.
Such a foolish comment from the president of a college. What! The style of writing would be how not to write about the PM? And his cohorts? Who the hell do these people like Peter’s think they are. They are trying to do everything to censor Dominicans. Five more years of dictatorship. You sure got what you voted for.
Sometimes, you need to be able to see the bigger picture and not just focus on the words that the person is saying. We are too quick to criticise people’s opinions.
I must add..we are very quick to attack the educated ones.
I’m trying to see the connection been calypso and dsc.I live in the US for a long time now so maybe there’s something that I’m missing.
I fully agree with you Peters. Time and time again, most of the calypsos make absolutely no sense!
In addition, people must understand that not all good performers can craft a good song and as such, there is absolutely nothing wrong in performers do like Dice and work with a good song writer.
No wonder King Dice is already my King for 2015!!! He has no contest!
The truth sometimes makes no sense to certain people until it’s too late.
Peter please keep your bias opinion to yourself. You are the one living in a fools paradise . Calypso has been around and it has been the same tune for decades.
you never print my comments so i will keep it simple just to see if you will print it.
the president with all due respect sound like a illiterate on that topic. where is he from with the crap he is talking about.
Then you wonder why your comments are not posted? Thank you DNO for sparing us readers.
Marguerite, you’re a very arrogant specimen. You think too much of your intelligence, and I hope that attitude does not prevent you from seeing how silly you are. Everybody, including those you perceive to be less intelligent than you, has a story and deserves to be heard. Accept some humility before you lose yourself.
I agree with you 100, we have the talent but we misuse it. Take De Bull song the man has a great starting song then he go sikiri sikiri sikiri, he tried fixing it the last night. I love kaiso, people have a problem with some of the songs because of the political party you support, am not in that boopley song is a masterful song he sings it well, we know Toyota is not cheap so rite there we know he is not singing the truth but that’s what acting singing is most times it’s fictional.
Crap. Did you grow up in Portmouth where Eugenia took all kinds of insults from calypsonians
just don’t understand you Peoplet and your political biases. You called UWP corrupt ti win election now you are upset because the blatantly corrupt Labor Party is being exposed in calypso. Who need calypso to see hiw corrupt Skerrit And his gang is
Zicack, you missed my point and Peters own, prove me or the man wrong Dice win Calypso 7 times tell me which other country station you heard his songs playing. That Skerritt thing only selling DA for two weeks then it dead pave a way for the young kids so they can grow their talent, that’s why I saw a lot of people bashing Chad for doing his own thing that a bright young man who saw this Calypso thing wont bring him where he would like to be. Could you imagine if Bob Marley only sang about Manley and them, all the man saying is you have to write and sing to make a living if that’s what you into. Do you think I care who they sing about? I know what’s true and what’s play acting, you so wrong, you missed the part where I said Boopley has a masterful song and he sings it very well you have to give the man credit, I hope Dice read this because he can take that class for free because he won so much, after all these years is still Pat. All I know Sting Ray song can play in any country.
Ok Mr.Petres we hear you but quit signing for your damn supper. Skerrrt will not dear say anything but you feel you have BIG cahunas and therefore want to speak on the aggrieved’ behalf so go ahead and do so. Keep the calypso writing course at DSC for yourself because long before you were born Dominicans were writing and singing calypsos so be advised we DONT need your course Mr. Smartty-pants! It would be better for you to advocate the teaching of music at all schools so we can build a music industry rather than try to critize and/ or destroy an art form that is sacred to our history. Who do you think you are sir? Boy boy boy politics sure make people do strange things.
Assertive, NOT Aggressive!
he know the reason why he feel so strongly about it.. they so dat dnt want people to have freedom of speech..
peters you singing for your supper boy, you bow down to skerrit…have you no shame?
I actually agree with Peters. Calypsonians like Sparrow and Lord Kitchener for example sang calypso a which are international e.g; Jean& Dinah & Sugar Bum and hence were bought all over the world. To sing only about local issues is so insular. They need to look at the bigger picture. Peter’s idea of a course in Calypso Writing is brilliant! They’ll probably write about that now!!!
You talking rubbish…Jean and Dinah was about the local prostitutes in Trinidad during World War II…Sugar BumBum was about a local big-bottom woman in Trinidad shaking her tail…de only reason why it went international is because of MARKETING….and that has always been our problem in Dominica why our Calypso don’t hit the international market.
So Donald Peters if you REALLY want to help Calypso and Calypsonians in Dominica then have a course in Marketing our local Calypso….
My dear Sugar Bum was Lord Kitchener’s horse!!! You’re the one talking manure!! I spent time at Raino Rama Palace with Kitchener & his wife and my children loved going with him to feed Sugar Bum!!! The point that Peters made is very important for the future of our Calypsonians. Although Gypsy sang about toilet paper and the ship is sinking, it referred to events in Trinidad but not as specific as those against The PM or the Speaker!!!
Petres shut your mouth
Mr peters you know nothing about calypso, if it bothers you, move to another planet! Because it’s caribbean culture, you can’t change it because you font like it.you and skerrit is not DA, get a life somewhere else out of DA, maybe it’s time you retire you just to old
Man like u and others, calypso that is bothering you? So many dishonest things that are being done by those u follow because of benefits. Even calypso all you want to kill?
Coming from a man who declared that the college was not the place for political debate around election time….this means nothing other than his is just one more mouth trying to stifle government opposition in Dominica.
you so right..they shud make the song on you instead..
If seasonal calypso’s did not unsettle some people there would be no point in singing them. It is the tradition of calypso to poke fun at and ridicule persons, and issues, in the public arena. It is the one time in the year people can vent their emotions freely. There are always the laws of libel and slander for whoever feels aggrieved to resort to. Those in public office put themselves under the microscope and must expect comments of approval but more often than not of criticism. The old adage applies, if you can’t stand the heat stay away from the kitchen.
Here goes….again..u hate it …i like it… i really like it…
you want to tell wat to sing about to…well we really finish in that dominica weeeee…
Peters shut the hell up……… want to turn Dominica into a communist state,go to Trinidad and listen to calypso over the years.Skerrit is not god and your and educated man and this is the trash that comes out of your mouth,man shut the hell up..Tell the students how much Skerrit paid you to speak this trash.