Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (Tuco) president Lutalo Masimba (Brother Resistance) celebrated his 60th birthday on October 24 and was treated to a celebration deserving a king the preceding evening at De Nu Pub (The Mas Camp) in Woodbrook.
The event was organised by Tuco administration and staff, coordinated by the organisation's trustee Annmarie Parks-Kojo (Twiggy), and hosted by 2012 National Calypso Monarch Duane O'Connor.
Among the specially invited guests in attendance were Dr McArtha Lewis (Calypso Rose), Emancipation Support Committee chairman Khafra Kambon, National Carnival Commission (NCC) vice-chairman Don Sylvester, National Carnival Bands Association chairman David Lopez, Pan Trinbago vice-president Byron Serrette, Tuco assistant general secretary Shirlaine Hendrickson, Tuco North Zone head Mark John (Contender), former Minister of Culture Joan Yuille-Williams, Justice Malcolm Holdip, musician Carl "Beaver" Henderson, International Divas Cabaret owner Rudy Ottley, St Ann's Reforestation head Akilah Jaramogi, Resistance's brother Neil Lewis and sister-in-law Dr Pat Dardaine-Ragguet.
The event was also attended by several popular calypsonians including reigning national monarch Roderick "Chucky" Gordon, former monarch Michael "Sugar Aloes" Osouna, Bro Superior, SuperBlue, Explainer, All Rounder, Lady Wonder, Bro Mudada, Abebele and members of the Network Rapso Riddum Band.
Greetings were brought by representatives from a number of organisations including Omari Ashby of the Rapso movement. Resistance was presented with a huge cake by Tuco staffer Beverly Martin and gifts were given to him by calypsonian William "Dr Will B" Bannister, rapso artiste Mark Nottingham and Chucky.
After the formal aspect of the evening a party/show was held featuring live performances by All Rounder, SuperBlue, Baron, Denise Belfon, Johnny King and Resistance's son Kwame Jones. Three of Jones' sisters were also in attendance.
Who is Brother Resistance?
Brother Resistance (Lutalo Masimba) is considered a living pioneer of Rapso, and is well known both at home and internationally, commonly referred to as the "Rapso Ambassador." Culturally active since the early 70s, he has emerged as the foremost "rhythm" poet of the Caribbean.
Resistance has flown the T&T flag throughout Europe, North America, South America, Southern Africa and the Caribbean. He was recognised in 1992 by the Government of T&T with the Hummingbird Medal (Silver) for his commitment to culture. Brother Resistance holds a BA in History and Economics from UWI and a MA in Carnival Studies from UTT. He is a published author with his book, Rapso Explosion, 1986, Karia Press, London. He is also well known for his theatrical ability having played the lead role of Aldrick the Dragon in the Earl Lovelace's production The Dragon Can't Dance in the late 80's and also in 2002. Resistance was nominated for the Cacique Award of best actor for the role of Aldrik when the production was staged in 2002.
He has received numerous international awards. He was one of 50 distinguished UWI Alumni of the St Augustine Campus April 2011 who were honoured at the UWI Alumni Association T&T Chapter's (UWIAA) inaugural Distinguished Alumni Awards which formed part of the St Augustine Campus' 50th Anniversary celebrations.
Brother Resistance is currently serving his second term as President of Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (Tuco). He is a Commissioner on the NCC Board and has also served as president of Cott and the Writers Union of T&T.