Over 50 students and their teachers benefitted from interactive sessions on the history, categories, and composition of calypso during a series of workshops organised by the Division of Culture.
The workshops were held at 3 locations across Grenada. Facilitators included some of the icons of calypso here in Grenada, namely Elwin McQuilkin (Black Wizard) Edison Francis (Teacher Eddy) and Kelly Clyne (Rootsman Kelly).
Rootsman Kelly who spoke to GIS, expressed how pleased he was with the participation and interest of the students in knowing more about the calypso art form. He also commended the Ministry of Culture on what he dubbed this great initiative.
Two Form 3 students from the Wesley College who participated in the workshop, shared their reasons for participation in the calypso workshop. Martha Bartholomew said she loves calypso and has a passion for singing and aspires to become a calypsonian someday. Kalique Garraway on the other hand, said he would like to be involved in the music industry to be able to help his family and build a proper life.
Based on the participation of the students over the 3 days, culture officials are optimistic that there’s a future for calypso here in Grenada.
Berkley Brathwaite, Calypso Arts Tutor at the Division of Culture said he was pleased with presentations by the facilitators who made the sessions fun and interesting. He added that even the teachers benefitted from the sessions, and now have a better appreciation for the art of calypso.
The Division of Culture organises 2 workshops on calypso annually with the next workshop scheduled to take place in November.
GIS
