Sweet vibes at Latin Fusion Music Festival

The inaugural Latin Fusion Music Festival marked a significant achievement for La Casa de Fusión as it celebrated its ten-year anniversary and the 50th birthday of its founder, Alicia Jaggasar.

The festival was a blend of culture, talent, and dance and was attended by Minister of Education Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic Didier Chabert, and his wife, Marguerite; Embassy of Peru Chargé d' Affaires Raúl Daniel Loarte Ruíz and Eintou Pearl Springer.

A media release said a special highlight of the evening was the presentation of a cuatro to Jaggasar and the launch of the Parang Training Institute – El Alma de Parranda. The Black Collar Creative Foundation and the family of the late Janine Charles-Farray, who worked closely with the National Parang Association, presented this token of appreciation for Jaggasar 's dedication and commitment to elevating parang and her work with the nation's youth. The presentation was made by Rhoma Spencer, the foundation's patron and host of the evening. Both Gadsby-Dolly and Ruiz praised Jaggasar for her work with the parang artform, the release said.

“Alicia Jaggasar continues to push the boundaries of Caribbean music, by creating unique musical blends and indeed, what can possibly be considered a distinct genre, incorporating the rhythms of our Trinbagonian heritage. This music is infectious, beautiful and resonates deeply with our musical heritage. It is a pleasure to witness the growth of Fusion Music,” Gadsby-Dolly said.

Ruiz praised the "great effort by Alicia and the performances of Mario, and Amrika Mutroo."

“It was a magical concert on Saturday evening at Estate 101. Alicia Jaggasar organised an exceptional Latin Fusion event during which the audience was swept away by the music and the talent of the artistes.

"I discovered the music of La Parranda de Trinidad, which has its roots in Spanish culture and that is something in common with my country, and it was delightful to hear well-known Peruvian songs, like, Saca las Manos y le dije a Papa," Ruiz said.

Reflecting on the night''s accomplishments, Jaggasar said, "My heart sheds joyful tears as I watched the flowers of seeds planted ten years ago bloom. God has led me on a path, and I felt anointed. I know Wayne would have been proud. I remember feeling blessed to be surrounded by young people doing what they love and how happy I felt to provide another opportunity for them. The proudest moment was watching my son Michael Jagdeo and daughter Maria Jagdeo perform on stage with me. The support of family, friends, fans, and lovers of culture gave me hope and the strength to continue to push forward."

The Latin Fusion Music Festival will take place annually and is a key part of La Casa de Fusión's fundraising initiative to launch and support the Parang Training Institute – El Alma de Parranda, the release said.

Next year’s festival takes place on June 28 with plans to feature two international acts.

To donate and support the institute can contact 785-0248 or e-mail lacasadefusion@gmail.com. Contributions can be made to La Casa de Fusión’s Republic Bank chequing account: 440 801 302 201.