Is the Calypso culture dying or dead in the VI?
Last night was the staging of what many describe as being one of the events of Festival that drew the largest crowd in years gone by. However, with the scant attendance of last night many ponder whether persons have lost interest in the art form in the Virgin Islands or whether persons have chosen to boycott most of the events.
One aspect of the discussion has taken to social media, which suggests that the love for calypso is dying. A Facebook post by Nicki DrummerGirl Wheatly stated: “I went to the calypso show last night and I must say it was great! We should also appreciate the participants who take part every year. However, the crowd was not as much as I expected, is the art of Calypso Dying in the BVI? Or is it already dead... How can we revive and get our younger kids involved in what I consider one of the best events for the Festival Season? Can this be something implemented in our School Music Classes? Something's gotta happen fast, before it's dead altogether....Thoughts?”
Most persons who join in the conversation shared two opinions- that the art is dying if not dead and that it should be taught in schools.
Calypso hanging by a thread
According to Noel Jardine, calypso is hanging on by a thread. “Everyone here wants to rap now. Also, there is barely any young people doing it and you know to a younger audience that would make it look more appealing and relatable. Something like the history of calypso can be taught in music classes,” he said and also added, “To me...festival on a whole needs a revamp.”
Greg Adams shared like sentiments when he said, “Calypso is definitely dying..sad but true.”
He, however, feels that it’s because many depend on the government to keep the art alive. “Like most other things it has been dependent on government for years. Here is a lil secret people...Government can't do everything! With a bit of private assistance, a renewed interest can be generated. How about having calypso tents (not competitions) or reviews throughout the year? There are a number of excellent writers here, we can tap into their skill to write songs for junior performers. Even a summer music camp that would introduce students to calypso and fungi band music. With the right interest generated the art form can be revived.”
Spyce Pryncess thinks calypso is dying all over, noting that the art has fallen victim to soca and other genres which are proving more popular these days. “While calypso shows may be better organised and attended in other islands around the region, I'm sure the artistes would tell you there's declining support for the art form. I like Greg's idea, a summer camp or even at Easter because they need adequate time to prepare. Or maybe added to the music curriculum or offered as an extracurricular activity with a competition/showcase at the end.”
Some persons even challenged the orchestrator of the conversation to put out a call for persons who once excelled in calypso to return. One such person named was Mrs Arliene T. Penn, who is also a talented steel pan player.
Another concern, however, is that Wednesday night is not ideal for the show. Many calypsonians, including Queen Shereen, have called for the competition to be held on a weekend.
Optimistic
In other sections, many are contenting that Festival activities in East End and Carrot Bay are likely to draw a better support this year and predict that Friday’s (July 29, 2016) International Night is likely to be the best for the Rita Francis Festiville.
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28 Responses to “Is the Calypso culture dying or dead in the VI?”
No Fish fry Fridays, we have jerk chicken on Friday now. No beef patte for lunch we have cheap Chinese food. No mauby we have red bull now. We are even upset that the spate villages have their own festival celebration when that is how it's always been from Village picnic days. Is there PEAS & RICE in the BVI now? Everywhere I go it's RICE & PEAS. BVI ppl never hand rolled dumplings for soup. WE have our own way but these foreign minded folks got confused.
BVI DOES NEED TO LEARN TO HOLD ON TO THEIR CULTURE WHILE EVOLVING WITH THE TIMES
EVERY ISLAND AND COUNTRY HAS BEEN INFLUENCED BY SOMEONE OR SOMETHING FROM THE BEGINNING OF TIMES SO DON'T BLAME IMMIGRANTS FOR THEIR INFLUENCE. IT'S CALLED LIFE.
BVI STOP ACTING STUSH AND TAKE WHA ALL IN THE BUSH
Please keep small axe out of this. Thank you.