At a time when the nation's youth continue to be heavily influenced by North American music genres like hip-hop and R&B, teenagers Jeanine Ruiz, 18, and 17-year-old twin brothers Keon and Khai Jeffrey, are working feverishly to help preserve what many consider a dying art-form–parang music.
In 2008, the trio took matters into their own hands when they founded the Armonias Divinas Parang Group, which has been paranging around the country throughout the year.
And while they acknowledge those who paved the way for them, like parang pioneer Daisy Voisin, this group–comprised of 16 members–has no qualms about putting their own spin on the traditional music. "In order for us to keep parang alive, we have to make it more modern. It needs to grow to appeal to the younger generation. We cannot simply regurgitate what was there before," asserts Khai, the more outspoken of the Jeffrey boys.
Khai was quick to point out though, that making it more modern does not mean taking away from its authenticity. "I hate the stereotype of parang," concurs Ruiz, "It is not only about ham and rum. There are other things to sing about."
La Annunciation
The teenagers, whose parents are also involved in the music group, began singing parang at the Bishop Anstey High and Trinity College East–where the Jeffrey brothers still attend. The three, who are also pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music at the University of T&T, make it clear from the get-go that they mean business.
With one composition, titled La Annunciation, already in the bag and another in the making, they're hoping to offer parang lovers new music and etch a place for themselves in the local parang industry.
"What many people do not realise is that parang is not seasonal. It's just more popular during the Christmas season but you can sing it all year through," says Jeanine.
Though few and far between, Keon states that there were other entities which has been working to keep parang music alive. One such entity, he says, is the National Parang Association of T&T (NPATT), which hosts annual contests such as the National Parang Competition. This year's winner walked away with $100, 000 in cash.
Armonias Divinas, which translates into 'divine harmonies' in English, hopes to register with NPATT soon to take part in the 2011 leg of the competition. And contrary to popular belief, Khai notes that more young people are getting involved in parang music. The problem is, they are not being highlighted.
"Every year there's a step forward. At first our friends were surprised that we're into parang. But we started inviting them to events we performed at and now a lot of them actually enjoy it! Even in the schools, more people are joining the parang band...But we need support if we are to make a difference."
The parang enthusiasts, who are also on a mission to "elevate the level of professionalism and musicianship" within the local industry, are keeping their fingers crossed that one day, very soon, parang music will attain its full potential in T&T and beyond.
"It's a genre of music and like all other music, we want parang to be taken seriously. We want to make a difference. We want to build this culture and we hope that it will be accepted in a professional way," says Jeanine.