Legendary local musician Jeff Joseph will be remembered on Tuesday evening at an event hosted by Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) and the Dominica Festivals Committee (DFC) in St. Joseph.
The event dubbed “An Evening to Remember Jeff Jo; on the one year anniversary of his death” will take place at Matthew’s Hall in St. Joseph from 7:00 p.m.
Organizers say it will recall the lifelong contribution to the music and cultural landscape of Dominica and Creole world by this extraordinary Dominican personality who passed away on November 23rd, 2011.
Jefferson Osbert Joseph, affectionately known as ‘Jeff Jo’ and who was born in St. Joseph in 1953, left a rich legacy through his music and songs and his great humanity.
He was the outstanding lead singer of the musical band Gramacks which he led for many years before embarking on a successful solo career until his untimely death one year ago.
To perpetuate his memory and to examine his outstanding contributions and his impact both on the Dominican music scene and on his home community of St. Joseph, the DDA/DFC is collaborating with the St. Joseph Village Council and the family of the music legend in St. Joseph to put on this important public forum.
The forum will highlight contributions from three lead speakers and short presentations from other invited guests.
Musicologist and cultural activist Gregory Rabess will “examine the musical and cultural significance of Jeff Jo” while Dominica’s Lady of Song, Ophelia will speak on “Jeff Jo, the musical icon” highlighting his contribution to cadence—lypso and Dominica’s popular music scene.”
Attorney and St. Joseph native, Elue Charles will speak on “Jeff Jo’s Impact on the St. Joseph community”.
There will be remarks from the Chairperson of the St. Joseph Village Council, Mrs. Vina Royer and the Parliamentary Representative for St. Joseph, Kelver Darroux as well as a DFC representative while closing remarks will come from a member of Jeff Jo’s family.
The public is invited to attend this very important public forum and to express their solidarity with the family, friends and colleagues of Jeff Jo.
The venue will open at 6:00 p.m. featuring Jeff Jo’s music and documented works. The public forum will start at 7:00 p.m.
Good morning. We must remember his contribution to our culture but can we name a street after him,ex, Jeff Joseph Ave or Street somewhere in St Joseph or Roseau. Maybe we can rename King George V St in his memory because I have no idea what this person did for us or who this person was.
the RCI TEAM from martinique and gwada wore a JEFF JO memory t shirt every night of the WCMF.tribute was paid to the man on the 23rd.and we heard little from DOMINICA.young people in the french countries know more about Jeff than those in DA.all the same it’s still a good thing to honour the man.big up sen jo
Jeff Jo’s ideals and aspirations, as skillfully exhibited in his music, was to spread Dominica’s creative,indigenous CadenceLypso rhythms to the world. That he did successfully.
I challenge our youth, adults all to reflect deeply to the call of the sweet, absorbing music to love DA more, respect each other, fight for equal rights and justice among others.
For ‘Big-wigs to, boldly in our face, break the laws and disregard our Constitution and to be supported by sections of people is dampening Jeff Jo’s legacy.
What about decline in the standard of living of St. Joseph villagers? Gov’t has neglected the farming community. Construction works for the Chinese is priority. Unemployment rising. 15% VAT draining pockets. High food and utility bills killing. St. Joe people are bawling and reeling under pressure from neglect.
No talk, especially by those who give tacit support to corrupt practices in our society, will bring back the standard of living St. Joe once enjoyed. History will record that Jeff Jo’s village, St. Joe, is facing its worse times for the past 12 years.
Let the spirit of Jeff Jo energise all of us to follow the path of TRUTH and righteousness. Let his music mobilise all of us to be really cultured and to take our country back from the present dictatorship and neo-colonial trends. Then and only then would we be acknowledging his works as one of Dominica’s popular cultural icons.
thats nice to honor jeff joe after he dead. now it’s time that we give flowers to the legendarys who’s still alive like chubby.. not when he’s dead that we’re gonna be up and about throwing tributes to them. we need to change this around.
when d man dead thats when he is more popular. by the way admin, the manner that you answer bloggers is very unprofessional even if the blogger was disrespectful or harsh…
I WOULD BE VERY HAPPY TO SEE THIS NATION HONOR OUR Legendary ICON Jeff JO,by renaming the Windsor park Jeff JO STADIUM.HE left us a great and outstanding legacy at home and aboard where he had an impact on the lives of many.Therefore let us all come together as a nation and start the ball rolling in honor of keeping his spirit alive`
+”;
I saw lately Jeff in Paris he was wearing a Dominica T-shirt he was proud of his country,The French Islands comunity Martinique,Guadeloupe and French Guyana held a mass in Paris for Jeff Joseph the hall was packed with people there were alot of sadness towards Jeff death .R.I.P Jeff
Dear DNO, Is this tonight? If so, why are these events always posted at the last minute? Maybe it was announced throughout the village in St Joe and others know about it through word of mouth, but…c’mon…let people know ahead of time. Remember, you’re in the NEWS business!!
ADMIN: The information was released today and it was never announced in the village before. So how would we know?
Then my agologies. Can’t believe it wasn’t announced in the village either! This happens all the time with events. Sorry.
Hmmm DNO. You don’t fight fire with fire. Rather, you maintain a professional attitude in your answers.
my question to you, do you always depend on one source to obtain information., Again thats our major downfall. We never have a plan B
It is truly amazing what will be done in your name after you are dead
And thats how we have been. Take a look at curtis at DBS an outstanding radio host has he been acknowledge.
i agree with you maindesk