Cadence-Lypso is still vibrant and touching lives, says Ophelia

Dominica’s Lady of Song, the legendary Ophelia Olivaccé-Marie, strongly believes that Cadence-Lypso is still alive and is touching the lives of people.

She expressed her views during an interview with members of the media following an exceptional performance with her band on night two of the 25th Edition of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF).

Ophelia, who is no stranger to the big stage, had not performed at the WCMF for the past 6 years.

“I was part of the first festival, I was the Lady of Song and all of those good things, so it made sense for me to have been there…,” she said. “They gave me half an hour, that’s fine. Some people are not pleased. They think it was too short, but for me it was good,” she said. “I managed to express myself, and I brought back to people the songs that they liked me for.”

She continued, “I heard them sing, I saw them dance. I was very pleased. It helped me understand that Cadence-Lypso is still alive and still touching people, and still there as a valuable form within which we can express ourselves.”

Beautifully attired in her African wear, Olivaccé-Marie said she had fun and was comfortable during her entire performance on stage, “and I had fun.”

“I am not the best singer, but I am Ophelia, and I will continue being Ophelia.”

Meanwhile, when asked about the main challenge the African diaspora faces in reconnecting with its roots, Olivaccé-Marie expressed that a lack of cohesion is at the core.

“We all are not on the same page. Some people tell you that, that is the past and you should forget about it. We do not realize that our past is our roots, it is the basis in which we build. And if we do not understand where we are coming [from], it will be difficult for us to have the best journey moving forward,” She emphasized. “So what we need to try to do is for all of us to kind of be on the same page. Maybe some at the front, some not understanding but willing to learn, and then the others follow.”

She added, “It’s only when we have good examples, inspiration, and passion, we can have people moving forward, and the majority of people who are moving forward will make those challenges less.”