German TV/BBC to hear Boogsie play
Posted: Wednesday, June 7, 2006
By Joan Rampersad, newsday.co.tt
Len "Boogsie" Sharpe has said that it is a great feeling going to represent our country and TT Phase II Pan Groove. "We have 16 to 17 gigs and we will also be on German television fulfilling the 2-3 requests from them, and BBC also wants us to perform so I think we will make our country proud.
I told my guys that we will not only be going to the World Cup Soccer but to give world cup music to represent our country and it's a good feeling," said Boogsie.
Boogsie made the comment while at Piarco International Airport, where he and his band joined the national cultural contingent that flew out to Germany on Monday night.
Boogsie then asked that the whole country support the Soca Warriors for the great job they are doing, think positive for good results for them and have that faith. Phase II, he said, will be taking with them a new CD that they recorded in their panyard last week Phase II Pan Groove — World Music for promotional use. Boogsie added, "Thanks to the Government for picking Phase II, thanks to everybody. We will make our country proud. We are TT first and then Phase II Pan Groove."
Newsday also caught up with five-time National Calypso Monarch Black Stalin, who said it was an honour to once again represent the country and that he was looking forward to it and to keep the flag flying as he has been doing for 25 to 30 years.
For veteran musician Roy Cape, the trip is very special because of the effort of the Soca Warriors, he said. He added: "A lot of people have contributed and this team has made us see a little dream so it's something very special.
What we are going to do is expose TT and what we are. We as a band, we know that 'Valerie' which was the road march in 1957 is a very popular song in Germany so we have put that together in our repertoire."
The band has eight gigs and will be stationary in pedestrian cobblestone areas at the head of parade routes in Dortmund, Nuremberg and Kaiserslautern, while Phase II will be at the other end of those routes.
Kees Dieffenthaller said he intends to be himself and as passionate as he is as a person. "I think that passion is infectious and it would spread like a wildfire around Germany.
I'm going to do what I do best and deliver TT through my music, and hope that I paint a nice picture to the rest of the world," said Kees who has never performed in Europe before. He also stated: "We are born in rhythm. Rhythm is a part of us, it is our blood and our soul. And how we speak, dance, walk and talk is a natural rhythm. Our natural vibe will come across and I think people will be in awe getting more than they expected."
chutney artiste Rikki Jai felt it a great honour to be called and be among the chosen few. He said: "When you are called and asked to represent your country there is only one thing that you can do.
That is to go out there and represent 100 percent plus VAT, and that is what I intend to do." Jai then explained that our music is a type of music that is lapped up by foreigners because it is so different and special. "They are able to enjoy themselves and participate in everything that we do unlike some other art forms where it's strictly entertainment from the entertainer alone."
http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,38734.html
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