The First Lap: Keeping the Carnival Alive

 First Lap Won’t Be Canada’s Last Lap - It All Happens This Sunday 

Reveller's Mas Costume Model on the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Catwalk 

By Stephen Weir / photographs courtesy of Toronto Carnival. What’s in a name these days?  For followers of the carnival arts, the moniker First Lap: Keeping the Carnival Alive presented by Carib Beer speaks long and loudly of the reemergence of the annual Toronto Caribbean Carnival traditions and all of its moving parts.

(Macomere Fifi right)

Coming to a cell phone, tablet and computer near you will be a taped gathering of the Mas Bands. You will see the launch of new Mas Band costumes, the sweet sounds of Soca star David Rudder (i.e. King David), a performance by Dance Caribe and the best in Canadian style Pan Music.

 

The 2021 First Lap is a professionally shot feature length programme that will soon be aired in Toronto and the Caribbean. It happens this Sunday evening (April 11).  For 90 minutes the Toronto’s top carnival models will be showing for the first time this carnival season costumes from six Toronto Mas Camps.

(Tribal Carnival model right)

“ We have been working on the First Lap online show for the past two weeks,” explained Digital Imaging Technology manager Anthony Berot. 

Using a seasoned crew and broadcast quality cameras, the show was filmed over two days on the Queen Elizabeth Theatre stage (Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto), explained Berot.  

That was before the latest round of Covid restrictions were dropped. The broadcast crew made sure that all the guidelines were followed and that everyone stayed safe.

(Mas K Camp Model at right)

The First Lap: Keeping the Carnival Alive will air free on April 11^th on the Festival’s website (www.torontocarnival.ca) and on the Festival’s FaceBook, YouTube and Twitch accounts.  As well Trinidad’s Wack Radio (a popular Caribbean online Radio/Television station dedicated to promoting the music and culture of Trinidad and Tobago) will be streaming the show on Sunday at 7pm.

All-star Pan Orchestra on stage at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre

The actual nuts and bolts of putting this show together was handled by three veterans producers of the annual Toronto Caribbean Carnival Parade - Wendy Jones, Kwesi Thomas, and Adrian Charles.

David Rudder on stage left

The Toronto Carnival has already posted a 3-minute First Lap video tease on Facebook. Narrated by SKF the Champ, (DJ Sheldon K Francis); he introduces the models from Louis Saldenah’s Mas K Camp, Epic Carnival, Tribal Carnival, Venom Carnival,  Carnival Nationz and NBA great Jamaal Magloire and his Revellers.

Epic Model on Stage Wearing Carnival Mas Costume

 

Interspaced between the costume reveals, SKF introduces international Soca star David Rudder and his band. Performing as well are two top Calypsonian singers – Connecter (Joel Davis) and Macomere Fifi (Eulith Tara Banks) as well as a Pan all-star band drawing in musicians from the Ontario SteelPan Association 

(Carnival Nationz Mas Model left)

It is the First Lap programme -- the precursor to more carnival events online and live in 2021.  Mas Bandleader Louis Saldenah recently spoke to the media about carnival activities this summer.  He and his fellow leaders are hoping to do lots more this year but they are watching closely what the Province of Ontario is doing in terms of Covid restrictions on public events in 2021.

Calypso singer Connector performs on First Lap

“The festival is secondary to people’s health and controlling the coronavirus, he told the Toronto Star and other online news outlets. “Dead people can’t participate in a parade.”

“First Lap: Keeping the Carnival Alive Presented by Carib show is already to roll this Sunday,” said Anthony Berot. “There are many different platforms that will be airing the programme. If people miss the 7pm airing or want to see it again, check out the www.torontocarnival.ca website. We will have it up and running during the month of April.”

Miss Dolly, David Rudder and Macomere Fifi Are All On Board for the Friday July 31^st Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride Live and Online

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 30, 2020 ... This year’s 15^th annual Freedom Train Ride is going live and virtual! Get on board live on A Different Booklist Cultural Centre’s YouTube page beginning at 10:45 PM on the eve of Emancipation day, Friday July 31st, 202.0

The Emancipation Day “Underground Freedom Train” Ride is symbolic of the role of the Underground Railroad within Canada’s history. This train ride is recognition of the historic date of Emancipation Day on August 1^st when slavery was abolished in the British Empire. It is also a celebration of the power and potential of the peoples of African descent.

A Different Booklist Cultural Centre (ADBCC) and the 2020 Freedom Train Ride Committee are pleased to announce this year's Conductor, Ms. Dorothy Sharp. Dorothy Sharp is a pillar in the Ontario Black Community. Affectionately known as "Ms. Dolly", she is over ninety years strong and is the matriarch of a family that has made significant contributions in Canada.  

David Rudder

Joining Ms. Dolly online are two well known Soca and Calypso performers – David Rudder and former Calypso Monarch winner Macomere Fifi (Eulith Tara Woods).  Both Mr. Rudder and Ms. Woods will be singing live during the event broadcast.

"We are excited about bringing the train ride to a virtual platform and the world's stage," said Itah Sadu, Founder and Chair of the Freedom Train Ride Committee. "This year we are connecting with people nationally and internationally with the theme of diasporic crossings and relationships, and furthering the conversations on reparations for people of African descent.  We have traveled by foot, by bus, by train and by water, and now we are traveling virtually."

The train ride will be held online and live on A Different Booklist Cultural Centre's YouTube page from July 31st, 2020 at 10:30 PM to August 1st, 2020 at 12:15 AM. 

Fifi crowned Monarch

Everyone is welcome on this Underground Freedom Train Ride to celebrate Emancipation Day.  Sponsors of this year’s digital ride include the African Canadian Heritage Association, The Coalition of Black Trade Unionist, the TTC, A Different Booklist Cultural Centre and the Zero Gun Violence Movement.

For Further Information Contact:

Itah Sadu

A Different Booklist

416-538-0889

Twitter @FreedomTrainTOR

Singing Competition this Saturday evening in Scarborough - Calypso Monarch

2011 Calypso Monarch Competition
Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival

The Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes (OCPA) will hold the KAISO365 Calypso Monarch Competition, Saturday, July 23, 2011 to choose the top Calypso singer at the Chinese Cultural Centre, (P.C. Ho. Theatre) 5183 Sheppard Avenue, East, (Parking entrance on Progress Avenue).
Finalists this year are: Spice, King Smokey, Beginner, Newton P, Mr. Wonderful, Panman Pat, Structure, and Redman.
The nine finalists – eight plus last year's winner Macomere Fifi - will perform two newly composed calypsos before a panel of judges. Each song will be awarded points out of a maximum of 100 points divided into five (5) categories as follows:
Lyrics 30
Melody 30
Vocal Rendition 25
Originality 10
Presentation 5
In addition, there will be the following special awards categories: Most Original, Best Competition on a Local Topic, Most Humorous, Best Arrangement, Best New Artiste.
The Calypso Monarch Competition attracts singers from across the GTA and beyond and has been held annually in Toronto for the past 30 years. The 2010 first prizewinner was Macomere Fifi singing, “ Haiti will Rise Again” and “Your Turn To Die”. Macomere Fifi will be defending her crown.
The Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes is a non-profit organization whose offices are located at Suite 120 – 215 Spadina Ave., Toronto ON. M5T 2C7.

2010 CALYPSO COMPETITION RESULTS

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Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes (OCPA)
“KAISO 365” Calypso Monarch Finals

Toronto, ON, Canada: The Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes (OCPA) hosted its 2010 “KAISO 365” Calypso Monarch Finals at The Imperial Oil Auditorium, Ontario Science Centre on Saturday, July 24th, 2010. This sold out event saw nine calypsonians compete for the title of OCPA’s 2010 Calypso Monarch.

A panel of qualified, volunteer judges awarded points based on the following criteria: Lyrics (max. 35 points); Melody (20); Rendition (25); Presentation (10); and Originality (10) for a total of 100 points. The order of merit was determined by discarding the highest and the lowest score per contestant. 2010 OCPA Head Judge: Lennox Borel.

The above judging criteria was used for OCPA’s Preliminary, and Final competition(s). The judges’ decision is final, and the Monarch results were announced at the end of the July 24th show. They are as follows:

2010 OPCA Kaiso 365 - Calypso Monarch Results

RANK - NAME (STAGE NAME - SOBRIQUET) - HERITAGE
1st Eulith Tara Woods (MACOMERE FIFI) - Tobagonian-Canadian
2nd Michael Thomas (REDMAN) - Grenadian-Canadian (2009 defending champ)
3rd Bryan Thornhill (STRUCTURE) - Barbadian-Canadian
4th Hamilton Alexander (The WEB) - Trinidadian-Canadian
5th Smokey Burke (SMOKEY) - Barbadian-Canadian
6th Guney Cedeno (GUNEY) - Trinidadian-Canadian
7th Zunaki Tuitt (NAKI) - Trinidadian-Canadian
8th Leslie Carrabon (DeCARRA) - Trinidadian-Canadian
9th Trevor Quammie (PENSHIONER) - Trinidadian-Canadian

In addition to a cash prize of over $5000, Eulith Tara Woods (Macomere Fifi) will receive a trip to London , England for its Notting Hill Carnival, and a trip to Atlanta for its 2011 Georgia Caribbean Carnival.

The 2010 OCPA Kaiso 365 Canadian Calypso Monarch Finals was carried live-to-air on Saturday, July 24th, 2010 on radio locally and worldwide via CHRY 105.5FM (www.chry.fm). Special guest performances were had from Young Rashida, and Akima Paul – 2009 London Calypso Monarch.

Nine other annual, special awards were also announced on Saturday, July 24th, 2010. They included:

BEST LYRICS
“Your Turn to Die” – Winston Maingot and Carlyle Bailey

BEST MELODY
“Your Turn to Die” – Winston Maingot

BEST PRESENTATION
Eulith Tara Woods (Macomere Fifi) for the song “Haiti Will Rise Again”

BEST VOCAL RENDITION
Eulith Tara Woods (Macomere Fifi) for the song “Your Turn to Die”

MOST ORIGINAL CALYPSO
“ Haiti Will Rise Again” – Lyrics by Winston Maingot and Carlyle Bailey; Melody by Winston
Maingot; Sung by Eulith Tara Woods (Macomere Fifi)

BEST COMPOSITION ON A LOCAL TOPIC
“We Watching You” – Lyrics by Bryan Thornhill

MOST HUMOUROUS CALYPSO
“It Ain’t Right” – Lyrics by Kenny Quammie; Melody by Mathew John; Arranged by Kenny
Quammie & Mathew John; Sung by Trevor Quammie (Penshioner)

BEST ARRANGEMENT
“ Haiti Will Rise Again” – Winston Maingot

PEOPLE’S CHOICE
Eulith Tara Woods (Macomere Fifi)

The "Kaiso 365" Calypso Monarch competition is presented by the Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes (OCPA), a non-profit arts organization (www.ocpacalypsoca.com). OCPA is a cultural presenting partner in the annual Scotiabank Caribana Festival (www.caribanafestival.com).

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Media Contacts:

Stephen Weir
Stephen Weir & Associates
Tel: 416-801-3101
Email: stephen@stephenweir.com

Olympic Pictures of Caribana performers in Vancouver - on stage

CARIBANA FESTIVAL TEACHES OLYMPIC AUDIENCE HOW TO HAVE "MAS" APPEAL

Two pictures from today's performance by Toronto Caribana Festival performers are included with this e-mail. Cutline information:
* from the stage: Left to right, Danielle Ramjattan, Nicki Ramjass and Martin Scott-Pascall show Olympic goers how to play Mas! Scott-Pascall is also the Artist Director on the tour.
* Macomere Fifi (Eulith Woods) one of North America's best Calypsonian singer performs on stage at the Ontario Pavillion inside the Olympic grounds in Vancouver
An all-star cast of Mas Players, Calypso singers and Pan Artistes performed the first of three performancess at the Ontario Pavilion within the Olympic site in Vancouver.
The Ontario Government has built a 13,000 sq ft Pavilion at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver to showcase the province’s leading technological, cultural and culinary advancements. As the largest summer festival in the province and the cultural jewel of the country, Scotiabank Caribana was approached to produce a 10 min video and to stage three - one hour performances, one each on February 14th, 15th and 16th.
The intent of the festival's participation is to help promote the City of Toronto and the Province of Ontario as a premier tourist destination to visit and do business. It will take the form of a 13-member team showcasing the various carnival arts; Mas’, Calypso and Steel pan.
The Ontario Pavilion is setting a new standard in creativity and innovation. It offers visitors a unique, one-of-a-kind, inspirational experience that will live on in their memories for years to come and reinforce Ontario’s Olympic brand message — “There’s No Place Like This…” An initiative of the Ministry of Tourism, the Pavilion will feature the best Ontario has to offer from a tourism perspective, featuring nightly concerts, culinary experiences, film, technology, the arts and a jaw dropping Scotiabank Caribana performance!
Audiences in Vancouver are experiencing some of the exciting entertainment that make the 3-week Scotiabank Festival Canada’s biggest tourist draw -- next to the Olympics. This year Scotiabank kicks off Tuesday July 13th at the Yonge Dundas Square. The parade will be held along Toronto’s waterfront on July 31st. The festival ends on Sunday August 1st with the DeScotiabank Caribana Lime at Ontario Place.
Even after the Scotiabank Caribana performers have left Vancouver, visitors to the Olympics will see breathtaking images from the annual Toronto festival. Last summer The Canadian Tourism Commission, in association with the Canada’s Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium, sent a film crew right onto the Scotiabank Caribana parade route and shot high definition footage to be used in a video postcard about the Festival.
The Caribana video postcard (one of two dozen made for the Olympics) has been reproduced into four lengths (2.5 minutes, 1 minute, 30 seconds, and 15 seconds), dubbed into several languages, and provided to over 200 official Olympic Games’ broadcasters around the world to be seem by a potential cumulative audience of over 10 billion people.
The Scotiabank Caribana Festival is an exciting two-week cultural explosion of Caribbean music, cuisine, revelry as well as visual and performing arts. Now in its 43rd year, it has become a major international event and the largest cultural festival of its kind in North America. As Scotiabank Caribana is an international cultural phenomenon, the great metropolis of Toronto and its environs will come alive as the city explodes with the pulsating rhythms and melodies of Calypso, Soca, Reggae, Chutney, and Steel Pan music. The Festival Management Committee oversees the running of North America’s largest outdoor festival. www.caribanafestival.com
VANCOUVER TEAM
Ontario Pavilion “CARIBANA”
1. Denise Hererra-Jackson ---- Festival Director
2. Roborta Atkinson ---- Manager
3. Martin Scott-Pascall ---- Artistic Director/Choreographer
4. Tara Eulith Woods ---- Calypsonian
5. Hameed Shaqq ---- Pannist
6. Denise Chang Kit ---- Masquerader/Dancer
7. Lysha DeFreitas ---- Masquerader/Dancer
8. Danielle Edwards ---- Masquerader/Dancer
9. Danielle Ramjattan ---- Masquerader/Dancer
10. Nicki Ramjass ---- Masquerader/Dancer
11. Catrina Ziesman ---- Masquerader/Dancer
12. Sakita Boodhoo ---- Masquerader/Dancer
13. Christiane Tetreault ---- Masquerader/Dancer
Photos by Roberta Atkinson