2nd Edition Newsletter 2017
Launch of KTMLS2K17 ‘Dismantling the Colonial Legacy: Reflections from a New Front Line’ Both activists brought their insight and experience to Trinidad and Tobago and spoke about the psychological war that continues to be waged against people of African Descent. Their presentations detailed how persons of African descent continue to be denied representation in the physical spaces in which they live and indicated that this lack of inclusivity is illustrative of society’s refusal to acknowledge the contributions of Africans to world development. Furthermore, the overt glorification of colonialism is both an open affront to Africans who were enslaved and their descendants. So what can persons of African descent do? Michael and Cleo encourage the African community to continue to demand representation in all aspects of society. They remind us that challenging symbolism of colonialism and chattel slavery is not an attempt to erase or rewrite history but to ensure that that history is not whitewashed. (L-R) Ms Cleo Lake co founder of Countering Colston and Michael ‘Quess’ Moore co founder of ‘Take Em Down’ NOLA
On June 25th 2017 the Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad and Tobago in collaboration with Rhodes Must Fall Caribbean launched the Kwame Ture Memorial Lecture Series (KTMLS2K17) at the Central Bank Auditiorium. The featured speakers were Mr. Michael ‘Quess ‘ Moore, critically acclaimed poet, activist and one of the principle leaders of Take Em Down NOLA and Ms Cleo Lake artist, activist, Councillor for Cotham, England and founding member of Countering Colston spoke on the theme, ‘Dismantling the Colonial Legacy: Reflections from a New Front Line’. The speakers shared their insight and experience as young persons who are playing leadership role in what is developing to be a global movement to remove symbols of colonialism and white surpremacy. Both Michael ‘Quess’ Moore and Cleo Lake represent a young generation acutely aware of the exploitation and oppression faced by persons of African descent and are prepared to do something about it. Michael, like many other African Americans are often confronted with unsolicited hate aimed at them and must also navigate white spaces which glorify colonialism and slavery. Michael’s journey, though originating out of the Black Lives Matter Movement has focused his efforts on removing monuments to the US Confederacy. On May 19th 2017, history was made in the South of the United States of America as a bronze statue of General Robert E. Lee, an officer of the Confederate army located in the state of New Orleans, was removed from its towering 60 foot plinth. Take Em’ Down NOLA has gone on to identify for removal one hundred and twenty more public spaces in New Orleans, which commemorate the Confederacy.
Shabaka Kambon with Cleo Lake and Michael ‘Quess’ Moore at the Launch of the 2017 KTMLS
While in Trinidad, Michael and Cleo joined Shabaka Kambon and members of the indigenous community in the official launch of the Cross Rhodes Freedom Project. The Project, led by Shabaka, ‘‘seeks to construct a more genuinely emancipated society with a new architecture of spirit and values based not just the ravages of the past but on the enduring triumphs of our heritage.” Thus far the project has presented a proposal to the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, to rename Millner Hall and has strengthened the call for the removal of the Columbus statue located on the Brian Lara Promenade. in Port-of Spain. The Columbus statues which are located on the Brian Lara Promenade and in Moruga are Cleo Lake has been leading the movement to challenge the glorification of symbols and reminders of the decimation of the indigenous European colonialism in Britain. Her campaign is in the city of Bristol, opulation followed by the enslavement of African persons. home to slave trader, Edward Colston, who was able to amass great wealth as a member of the Royal African Company, which held the Shabaka Kambon has joined Michael, Cleo and countless others monopoly in Britain on trading in gold, ivory and Africans from 1662. Cleo who are leading the fight for the dismantling of the colonial legacy, Lake’s efforts to stop the open glorification of Edward Colston in Bristol, still represented by images and monuments which occupy has successfully resulted in the decision to give a new name and prominent spaces in our societies. renovated structure to Colston Hall in 2018.
Wayne ‘Lion’Osuna , Master Drummer 2017 Keeper of the Tradition Awardee America and the United States of America. Wayne Osuna continues to work diligently to ensure the continuity of the tradition of African drumming within the African community.
The annual Yoruba Village Drum Festival took place on the 10th June 2017 at the Yoruba Village Square. Drumming groups and rapso artistes from across Trinidad and Tobago came together to honour African ancestors and particularly the Yoruba people, who settled in east Port of Spain. The cast featured ten drumming and dancing groups as well as ten rapso artistes who gave patrons a unique experience at the open air concert. New to the cast of performers this year, were rapso artistes Ronnix and Soul Fyah, who entertained the audience with their positive lyrics as well as San Juan Secondary School Cultural Association whose young members wowed everyone with their dancing skills and amazing rhythm section.
Felicia King an outstanding student of South East Port of Spain Secondary School was honoured in commemoration of the UN International Day of the African Child. Her commitment to excelling in the field of academics and athletics have set her apart and is a testimony to the skills, talents and diligence of our African youth
Wayne Osuna aka Lion 2017 recipient of the Keeper of the Tradition Award
Claxton Bay Tamboo Bamboo Group lead the procession before the commencement of the Yoruba Village Drum Festival
Adrian Leonce MP for Morvant/Laventille East awards Wayne Osuna with the 2017 Keeper of the Tradition Award
The Yoruba Village Drum Festival is an opportunity to honour one elder who has contributed to the retention of African tradition and one youth from the community who has excelled in the field of art, athletics or academics. This year the Keeper of the Tradition Award was presented to Wayne Osuna also known as ‘Lion’. Wayne Osuna hails from east Port of Spain where from a very young age he was exposed to the Orisha tradition and the role of the drum in the spiritual practice
Wayne Osuna made his first drum when he wanted to join the Best Village Competition and the easiest way to do so was to create it. During the course of his career as a musician and master drummer, Wayne Osuna has worked with Culture Shop, directors of top dance and theatre companies such as Noble Douglas and Linda Pollard Lake as well as the Creative Arts Centre of the University of the West Indies and the Bagasse Theatre Company.
Deputy Mayor presents Felicia King with an award in honour of the UN International Day of the African Child
The annual Yoruba Village Drum Festival allows for the continued recognition of a community, origin is grounded in the survival of the Yoruba people of Nigeria. It is an opportunity to fully appreciate and celebrate the contributions of the Yoruba community in particular and the African community in general to the cultural landscape of Trinidad and Tobago.
Drum Circle and libation ceremony at the Yoruba Village Drum Festival
In addition, Lion has worked with the country’s leading musicians, rapso artistes, calypsonians and steel orchestras, including, Clive Zanda, Mungal Patassar, Brother Resistance, Three Canal, Ella Andall, Sugar Aloes, Singing Sandra, Relator, Penguin, Pamberi and Trinidad All Stars. His work with Pamberi Steel Orchestra and the Malick Folk Performers has allowed him to travel throughout the world including the Caribbean, South America
San Juan South Cultural Organisation performs at the Yoruba Village Drum Festival
SHIKAMOO SANDRA Tribute to Singing Sandra at 2017 Pan African Concert Concert performing at the concert. Singing Sandra’s career began in 1980 when she joined Lower Morvant Way of Life Performing Group. During her time with the group she received awards for Best Chantuelle, Best Female Singer and the Best Actress award for three consecutive years. Her work with Lower Morvant Way of Life Performing Group caught the attention of Felix Scott, who encouraged her to pursue the Calypso genre.
Sandra Des Vignes aka Singing Sandra
By 1987 Singing Sandra had conquered the Calypso arena earning several titles including the National Calypso Queen of Trinidad and Tobago, Calypso Queen of the World in St. Maarten in 1987, Calypso Queen of the Universe 1991{Dominica}, Awa Sangho at the 2015 Pan African Festival at the Lidji Yasu Omowale CARIFESTA Regional Monarch 1992 and Emancipation Village National Calypso Monarch in 1999 and 2002. To date Singing Sandra remains the only female calypsonian to have earned two Who can forget Singing Sandra’s iconic National Calypso Monarch Titles. 2003 Dimanche Gras performance of ‘Ancient Rhythms’ when she called on Orisia deities so proudly and defiantly right before she belted out her first vocals. ‘Voices from the Ghetto’ told so melodiously, the plight faced by many persons of African descent who live in east Port of Spain and are forced to deal with the apathy of government institutions.
On Monday 31st July, the ESCTT will pay tribute in song, rhythm and dance to Sandra Des Vignes better known as Singing Sandra at the 2017 Pan African Concert at the Lidji Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village, located at the Queens Park Savannah.
Members of United Sisters
Shikamoo Sandra will feature a cast of performers, which include Malick Folk Performers, Kareen Asche, Stephen Marcelle, Alana Sinnette, Makeda Darius, WASAFOLI and the Golden Voice of Mali, Awa Sangho. Irita Bagwatsingh 2016 winner of the ESCTT Spoken Word Competition will also pay tribute to Singing Sandra with her winning dramatization of Sandra’s ‘Ancient Rhythms’. Marvellous Marva and Tigress who once sang along with Singing Sandra and the now transitioned Lady B as part of the United Sisters will also be performing
She is not only celebrated and cherished for her singing achievements as a Calypso music icon, but also her loving and nurturing demeanour. She is fondly known as “mother” to her country and wears this title with great pride. ESCTT is proud to honor a stalwart in the Calypso industry and a strong woman of African descent who embodies dignity and strength.
Singing Sandra at the 2013 Pan African Concert
Singing Sandra’s amazing stage presence and ability to sing with passion has earned her a dedicated fan base that can relate to her songs, which cover topics ranging from humanity and spirituality to black pride. Her messages in the songs ‘Voices from the Ghetto’, ‘Ancient Rhythms’ and ‘Die with My Dignity’ have resonated with Caribbean people, who hear their experiences as persons of African descent, unfold before them against the backdrop of drum beats.
Who can forget Singing Sandra’s iconic
Members of Wasafoli dance troupe who will be performing at the 2017 Pan African Concert
Qurux Africa 3: An Evening of African Beauty This year Qurux Africa 3 was held on Sunday 2nd July at Hotel Normandie Under the Trees as part of the 2017 Pan African Festival Commemorating Emancipation. The event featured talented local designers including The Nubian Experience, Mahogany Stuff, African Ark Jewelry, The Cloth, Ethiopia, Derron Attzs Design Label, and AfrocenCHic. Imat’s Creations from Martinique was also featured as well as Charisma Fashion and Haylooks Designs all the way from Ghana. Entertainment was provided by Wasafoli and patrons had the opportunity to shop while there. The evening proved to be a showcase of elegance and style.
ESCTT UPDATES Opening of Lidji Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village will take place on Friday 28th July 2017 at the Lidji Yasu Omowale Village in the Queens Park Savannah. In this our 25th anniversary the theme is 25 Years On: Celebration, Reflection, Recommitment. The opening night concert, Kijana-Youth on the Frontline, will through music, song and dance performed by young artistes, demonstrate that the seeds of the emancipation commemoration, have taken root in today’s generation of artistes. Artistes, who have their own issues to articulate and who use their own medium in those expressions. ‘KIJANA –Youth on the Frontline’ will bring to the audience an experience of artistic interpretations by a cross section of leading performing artistes from today’s generation. Emancipation Day Celebrations begins each year at 4.00 a,m. at the Trinidad All Stars Pan Yard with a libation ceremony in tribute to the African ancestors. This is followed by a procession to the Treasury Building where there is a re-dramatization of the Emancipation Proclamation, the site of the original proclamation on August 1st 1834. At 9.00 a.m. the Kambule Street Procession leaves the Brain Lara Promenade and heads to the Emancipation Village, where persons can enjoy the great ambience and in particular the offerings of the micro entrepreneurs and artistes. The day ends with a Flambeau Procession which leaves the Emancipation Village and heads to the Trinidad All Stars Pan Yard. African Union and the Diaspora: This year delegates from the African Union(AU) and the Caribbean Pan African Network(CPAN) will join ESCTT for the 2017 Pan African Festival. The CPAN delegation will include representatives from Martinique, Costa Rica, Barbados, Suriname, Curacao and Guyana led by the Chairman of CPAN David Comissiong, while the Director of the AU Citizens and Diaspora Directorate, El Basheer A. El Madani and the Policy Officer-Americas and the Caribbean, Mr. Kyeretwie Osei will form the AU delegation. The parties will participate in the Forum on Africa and its Diaspora carded for Sunday 30th July as well as the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Symposium carded for Monday 31 st July. Both parties will join the ESCTT, representatives from the government and the diplomatic corp and thousands of cultural, community and religious groups for the August 1 st Emancipation Day Kambule Street Procession.