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Mother, wife and author, Terneisha Amun, holds an Associate degree in Criminal Justice and previously worked as a student aide at the Primary school level, but her unwavering passion for promoting cultural education, “one book at a time”, resulted in the launch of her first book, The Calypso Baby.
The book, she said, is a means of enabling local and international audiences of any age to learn about Calypso at both casual and academic levels.
Amun’s pen name is Te’Amun, and The Calypso Baby, this, part one—A Visit to My Grandparents – features 100 calypsonians.
“I penned this book primarily based on the evident need to create a fun and interactive avenue not only for Trinidadian children, but also the world at large to experience and partake of our sweet kaiso music, and through their desire to publish more cultural education content, the Brower Park Library in Brooklyn New York describes it as ‘a seed planted to seek out and listen to some of the famous calypsonians that are referenced in the story and activities’.”
Amun further stated that it’s not only her burning desire that fueled the ultimate product but her three-year-old son, Akihmien Amun, who admirably showed a natural propensity to calypso and music. “I wanted to introduce him to calypso from a very young age, and he absolutely loves it. He particularly loves the music of Ras Shorty I, David Rudder, Black Stalin and Drupatee.”
The Calypso Baby (Part One) entails fun activities for the entire family embracing Word Search, Crossword, and Comprehension, among other areas.
Te’Amun also explained that her grandmother’s upbringing properly positioned her to be a wholesome woman—to be kind, humble, generous and have a strong relationship with God. “It was during my childhood and seeing my grandmother’s love for Calypso music that gave me the motivation to promote cultural education via the launch of my first book: The Calypso Baby.”
Proving to be not only brain but also beauty, Te’Amun is the reigning second runner-up Mrs World Trinidad & Tobago 2022 and Mrs Photogenic, Mrs Elegance and Mrs Fitness.
The Calypso Baby’s ten top calypsos are Roaring Lion, Black Stalin, Ras Shorty I, Brian London, Drupatee, Brother Valentino, David Rudder, Mistah Shak, Ras Kommanda, and Terri Lyons.
The book, at $100, can be sourced via: thecalypsobaby@gmail.com; on Amazon, bookstores in San Fernando, and Brentwood Mall in Chaguanas.