All uh dis Talk bout Culture!

The Barbados Youth Development Council recently hosted The National Youth Festival at the grounds of Illaro Court (The Prime Minister's Official Residence).  This group of young people pulled off an event which to my mind was beautifully coordinated. A professional MC and better advertising could have made this the youth event of the year and I also thought that a little more imagination could have been used to determine the winner for the final give away at the end....a wuk-up competition?? They say wukking up is we culture but....come on now, how novel an idea is that?!

I love Calypso. The music. I love calypso, the art form. As a musician  and "a want to be writer", I have a problem equating some of what I hear on the airwaves today with calypso (the music or the art form).  Generally, my opinion is that a few guys sit in the studio, come up with a wicked rhythm and then just drop any old lyrics on top of it. I'm all for evolving art forms but there must be substance in the evolution.  I wonder how many calypsos can be remembered the year after their release. Let me say that I'm not a party person, maybe that's why so many of the party songs don't appeal to me however, I can still appreciate songs like Red Plastic Bag's something's happening and TC's Hot Sun & Riddim These songs speak to the artistic abilities of the writers. I question the abilities of those who can come up with something like "You tink I K"  but I guess the drivel is working for them so, as some would say, I need to hold a corner  and know my place.

Now that we're on the topic of calypso, I recently went to a panel discussion on calypso hosted by the University of the West Indies. The panelists included Red Plastic Bag and Gabby, who have won 

the calypso crown 9 and 7 times respectively. It was really great to sit and listen to these two calypso giants who, through their music, are educators and sociologists and whose songs, after today's news has been forgotten, will live on.  You know the saying education isn't common sense, well, some would say too much education is not always a good thing. After the discussion one 'academic' (all dressed in African garb, Bajan accent and all, obviously having just left the cradle) noted that hearing Gabby speak reminded her of being back in the village, sitting around the rock fire,listening to the orator (sticks finger in throat). I wondered when last she sat around a rock fire and as my friend said, does she know who the orators are? Calypsonians like Gabby, the guy at the rum shop who knows it all, granny, these are all our orators.  I think i need to take a step back in time to experience that rock fire for my self.

On that note, my final  5 for Friday's Pic-o-de-Crop finals, in any order are Gabby; Red Plastice Bag; Blood; TC; John King...all of the signs are there.

Did you Know!

This year the Salvation Army celebrates 145 years of service worldwide and I thought I'd just give you a little bit of information, in case you didn't know about the Army and what it does.

The Salvation Army is a CHURCH! Yes it is. Most people think of the Salvation Army as just a social organization that gives food to the hungry, clothes to the needy, homes to the homeless etc. The Salvation Army was started in 1865 by William Booth in London, England and has existed in Barbados for 112 years.

Did you know that the Salvation Army operates in over 110 countries, including, Sierra Leoone, United Arab Emirates and Pakistan?!

Salvationists refer to their church i.e the building as a Corps. It is basically the place where members of the Salvation Army in a particular district, fellowship, preach the gospel and provide services to the community.

Did you know that there are 11 Salvation Army churches in Barbados. They can be found at Josey Hill and Checker Hall in St. Lucy, Speightstown and Diamond Corner (St. Peter), Seaview and Carlton (St. James) Reed Street and Wellington Street (St. Michael), Wotton (Christ Church) and Long Bay and Four Roads (St. Phillip)

The Salvation Army, unlike other churches wears a uniform. The wearing of the uniform is not to be taken lightly. It basically is a witness as belonging to the body of Christ and also "as a signal of availability to others".

One thing that the Salvation Army worldwide is recognised for is its Brass Bands. Brass banding and music camp are Salvation Army trademarks.  Some of the best brass players from Barbados to Timbuktu have their roots in the Salvation Army.   

Did you know that the Salvation Army recently held it's 4th World Youth Convention in Stockholm Sweden. Young people  from 92 countries came together (under the them "Raised up"), in a time of learning, holiness and fellowship. This event was streamed live and persons from 119 countries dropped in at different times to view the WYC .

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church.

Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Joy,Joy, Joy, there is Joy in the Salvation Army

Joy, Joy, Joy, in the Army of the Lord!

The Goose and the Gander

Now it really boggles the mind why peope feel the need to get into public transportation and play music on their cellphones, watch videos on their personal DVD players and have the sound AT FULL BLAST. After spending all that money on their fancy ipod or blackberry or whatever, do you mean to tell me you can't afford a pair of $5 headphones?!?!?! There are those who would say if I don't' like it buy a car? Well I don't have a car and I take the government bus (which my taxes help to subsidize) and am therefore well within my rights to (a)complain (b)speak out (c)voice my opinion (d)tell dem turn it off or (d)all of the above. Considering that there is a sign in the bus that says, NO LOUD MUSIC and NO RADIOS ALLOWED.

So the other day I decided to try a little experiment. In my own little corner, in that government bus, (which my taxes help to subsidize) I started to sing a song (Jesus is my deliverer) loud enough that those next to me, in front of me and behind me could hear. Boy, who tell me do that! People give me stares, turn around and look at me funny and mutter to themselves, until some brave soul decided to suggest that I could a)sing a little softer or b)not sing at all.  Now, who tell them do that! I oh so politely pointed out, that if they could sit down and listen to the music the other guy a couple rows down was playing AT FULL BLAST (filled with all it's profanity) then they could very well listen to me singing (not loud enough) about my Saviour. That did the trick, the driver (who had heard everything INCLUDING the profanity) decided to put a stop to it after all, what's good for the goose must be good for the gander.

Moral of this story...Jesus is my deliver, I know He delivered me!!!!!!!