Chalkdust enlightens dunces of calypso

THE EDITOR: Our Carnival season ended without a hitch as, for the first time, we had no controversy of any magnitude. It does not mean we were perfect either.

On reflection, we had a purely professional commentary on our calypso by Dr Hollis "Chalkdust" Liverpool. His complete and competent response set even dunces of calypso like me thinking and emerging more informed.

His authenticity is unquestionable, giving his claim some time ago to being the "calypso umpire." Yes, if in our country we loosely say "a beer is a Carib," then it is, and in the cricketing world if Sobers says "Gavaskar is the best batsman ever," then Gavaskar is.

Today we can say of calypso, "If Chalkie says so, it's so."

This is easily proven by his explanation of the components of rhyme, rhythm, beat, measurement that give shape to song, lyrical content that touches even on picong and current affairs and the like.

Liverpool was able to compare and conclude what are needed to qualify as a calypso. His summary of Dimanche Gras songs was given with facts on what was either missing or short of requirements. His reference to other genres of music was also educational.

Our culture is deeply rooted in our music so our emerging and aspiring songwriters and singers may well consider his tutorship. He is known to have pursued and achieved excellence in this field and is now Professor Emeritus at UTT, heading its Creative Campus.

It will be useful indeed to have him conduct sessions on the "greatest genre of music – our calypso."

"By calypso our stories are told with rhythm to touch our soul," as sung by King Austin so many years ago. Over to you TUCO.

LENNOX SIRJUESINGH

via e-mail