Trinbago Unified Calypsonians' Organisation (Tuco) began its Junior Calypso vacation camp five years ago with the intention of creating better writers and composers of the art form. And Tuco president Lutalo "Brother Resistance" Masimba, says he is proud of the results he has seen so far.Masimba told the T&T Guardian the camp held annually during the July/August vacation, was derived from an existing programme by the organisation, the Youth Development Initiative, started by calypsonian and former Tuco president, Eric "Pink Panther" Taylor."This was like the centrepiece of an overall development for the youth in calypso," said Masimba.
He said the organisation felt it was important for budding and even existing calypsonians to learn the dynamics of the craft. He added, most of the students over the years included young calypsonians like current Junior Soca Monarch Jeremy Rodriguez, former Junior Calypso Monarch Aaron Duncan, and Kevaughn Calliste, son of veteran calypsonian Leroy "Black Stalin" Calliste.
"A calypsonian must not only perform a song but he must also know the basics of writing and composing one. In addition, a calypsonian has to also learn how to develop a personality–that is a big part of being a performer," said Masimba.He outlined the objectives of the camp and said at the end, students should be able to identify the role of calypso in the development of T&T society; put the calypso art form into its historical context; identify and understand some of the literary devices used in calypso; sing at least one verse and chorus of their own original calypso; sing in extempo style at least one verse and chorus on a given topic to the standard tunes; distinguish the calypso beat from other genres of music; engage in extempore war; use the analytical and listening skills in the camp to enhance their comprehension in other spheres of activity, especially in their academics; give some biographical data and/or interesting anecdotes on various named calypsonians; identify the devastating effects of substance abuse and to socialise with others of a similar interest.
Masimba said the camp is available at various locations to facilitate all who are interested. For students in the east, the camp is held at the Tunapuna Boys' RC School. The Grand Stand, Queen's Park Savannah venue, welcomes those living in the north and the south/central camp is conducted at the conference room of WACK 90.1FM. He noted a camp will soon be available in Tobago.This year's facilitators include calypsonians, Anne Marie Parks Kojo, Francois Ottley, Leslie-Ann Bristow, Llewellyn "Short Pants" Mac Intosh, Myron Bruce, musician Kensa Thomas and composer Larry Harewood. Thespian Debra Boucaud-Mason will also lend her expertise in stage presentation, while radio personality Garth St Clair will give talks on the dangers of substance abuse.Upon completion of the course, students receive a certificate of participation. The camp began on July 8 and will end on July 24.
For more information visit Tuco's Facebook page at Tuco Trinidad-Tobago.