I am over 70 years of age, I love calypso and have been following the art form and various shows over the many years. However, while listening to a live broadcast by two ladies on radio station Power 102.1, covering the Calypso Fiesta on Saturday, I was saddened when they said early in the show that our culture of “pelting toilet paper at singers was dying as the people responsible for such displays were getting old and no one was replacing them.”
I do not see this as part of our culture, in fact I see it as disgraceful and disrespectful to our many calypsonians who work so hard to fulfil their dream of appearing on the big stage only to be treated with such disrespect.
Dear radio announcers, if you are both so interested in such actions which you claim to be your culture, why not establish a new brigade starting with your children, friends and family and see how it feels after that experience. I am sure that your appreciation for that type of your culture would not be the same.
I advise you both when you make comments, especially on the airwaves, they should be positive and in the best interest of our calypsonians and by extension our nation.
Later on during the show the announcers got their wish when Winston Gypsy Peters was in fact pelted with toilet paper. He received this treatment for rendering a very powerful and topical calypso, but the great exponent of the art was able to pelt back a barrage of “toilet paper in song” giving sound advice to those responsible.
Gypsy, I commend you for the way you handled the situation without being obscene. You are a gentleman and have the qualities which other calypsonians should emulate. I extend best wishes to you in the finals.
Lady announcers, how you feel?
Joseph Maraj,
La Seiva,
Maracas Valley.