|
|
|
Central Rainbow Calypso Stars Tent
|
Central Rainbow Calypso Stars Interviews
'Charlie Tempo', 'Rando' and Rajkumar Raymond
TriniSoca.com Reporters
Interview Recorded: January 27, 2006
Tonight we are at the Central Rainbow Calypso Stars Tent in Chaguanas where the Calypso Stars have come to entertain and be judged for the Semi-finals of the Calypso Monarch Competition. This Tent which was launched on December 12th is in its second straight year at the Chaguanas Community Centre. Managed with the assistance of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO) and other corporate sponsors, Central Rainbow Stars proudly operates with a full cast. The cast includes a number of long-standing performers as well as newcomers. However, on this particular night, the Tent will be hosting the Hard Core Kaiso 2006 Competition. This Competition will be the first to be visited by judges for the Semi-finals of the Calypso Monarch Competition which would be held in Skinner's Park Savannah in San Fernando.
Charlie Charlemagne aka 'Charlie Tempo'
Charlie Charlemagne
TRINISOCA: Now we will be conducting short interviews with the artistes who have performed tonight. I will start with a gentleman by the name of Charlie Charlemagne, better known as 'Charlie Tempo'. Mr. Charlemagne performed a song entitled, "Voice of Kitchener".
TRINISOCA: Mr. Charlemagne, how long have you been in Calypso?
CHARLIE TEMPO: I have been in Calypso for about twenty-four years now.
TRINISOCA: Tell me, what motivated you to get into Calypso?
CHARLIE TEMPO: For years I've always liked the art form. I used to follow Calypsonians like 'Chalkie' when they had their shows. They used to encourage me to go into Calypso. In 1981, I was in the Young Brigade Calypso Tent with 'Sparrow'. Back then they used to call me 'Complainer'. That was my old sobriquet until they changed it a few years ago to my new sobriquet 'Charlie Tempo'. I relaxed from the Calypso for a few years and then I came back about three years ago.
TRINISOCA: What exactly made you make this change?
CHARLIE TEMPO: I came in with a little tempo song and I told the people it's best that I change my name to 'Charlie Tempo'.
TRINISOCA: Has Calypso done anything for you?
CHARLIE TEMPO: Right now I have four records on CD and they all play on the radio stations.
TRINISOCA: How do you feel your chances are in the competition tonight?
CHARLIE TEMPO: I believe I have a great chance.
TRINISOCA: Thank you sir.
Carlos Andrews aka 'Rando'
Carlos Andrews
TRINISOCA: The Competition is in full gear now and everything seems to be flowing smoothly. The next Calypsonian I am about to interview is Mr. Carlos Andrews, better known as 'Rando'. The song Mr. Andrews performed tonight was entitled "Market Bell".
TRINISOCA: Mr. Andrews, how long have you been singing Calypso?
RANDO: I have been singing Calypso for over twenty years now.
TRINISOCA: What influenced you to go into singing Calypso?
RANDO: It started with the 'Mighty Sparrow'. My mother liked him and I wanted to prove to her that I could match up to him.
TRINISOCA: Do you think you have reached his standards?
RANDO: Well, I sang with him in 1985. He was ending his first half and I was starting his second half. That was my biggest achievement. To me that was like winning a crown. After that I decided to stay with it.
TRINISOCA: What do you see happening in the future for you with Calypso?
RANDO: I want to make the Semi-finals this year.
TRINISOCA: Have you ever made it that far in competition?
RANDO: No, I never made it but I feel this year is my year.
TRINISOCA: Do you have any words of advice for anyone out there who decides that they want to go into Calypso?
RANDO: Yes. Calypso is a great art so they should learn to play the guitar and come in; we have room. I also want to say goodnight to my children and my wife and best of luck to myself.
TRINISOCA: Thank you very much sir.
Rajkumar Raymond
Rajkumar Raymond
TRINISOCA: I now have with me Mr. Rajkumar Raymond who goes by the sobriquet 'Raymond'. His performance tonight, which had the audience roaring was entitled, "You Driving Too Fast".
TRINISOCA: Mr. Rajkumar, what influenced you to get into Calypso?
RAYMOND: I was inspired to sing Calypso by going to see Calypsonians perform at various shows. I also like to sing.
TRINISOCA: How long have you been singing?
RAYMOND: I have been singing about three years now. I was a musician before I started to sing. I can play the steelpan, the organ and the guitar.
TRINISOCA: What Steelband did you play with?
RAYMOND: I played with Renegades in 1985 for Panorama. I also played with our band, 'The Raymond Family', from Belmont. The band eventually left Trinidad to go to Canada in 1969. They are now based over there.
TRINISOCA: How has your experience been in Calypso?
RAYMOND: Well, this is about the third or fourth time I have been on the stage and I like it. I feel happy just to go on the stage and sing.
TRINISOCA: Do you have any advice for anyone new wishing to come into Calypso?
RAYMOND: They should do their best and enjoy it. Even if they do not reach great heights, at least they could enjoy what they are doing.
TRINISOCA: Thank you sir.
|
|
