Source: Panmax G, March 12, 2022

While most other 16-year-old girls are spending their time chatting with friends on social media, going shopping and all those other fun things teenagers usually do, Camryn Champion is preparing to wow the judges at the next round of the 20th season of American Idol, a reality television series in which aspiring singers compete for a recording contract and a shot at making it big in the music industry.
Champion put new meaning to her name when, from among the thousands of people who auditioned for the show, she earned herself a golden ticket to Hollywood on February 27, which secures her advancement to the next round in the competition.
Champion's maternal grandparents Quinn and Vidya Jogie are originally from Chaguanas, Trinidad and now live in Long Island, New York.


She said her grandmother is a big Idol fan and always encouraged her to audition, believing she could make it all the way to the top. Champion agreed to do it when she was old enough, but said although her life revolved around music, deep down she never believed she would get the opportunity to do so. But then the unimaginable happened and she found herself on a stage in Nashville auditioning for singers Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, just like her grandmother predicted.
"I was super interested in music since I was about four and I started writing my own music when I was 12. In 2018, I entered a singing competition in New York called Coast 2 Coast Live and I won first place," the New Jersey resident told Sunday Newsday in a phone interview. This win drew attention to what the then 13-year-old was capable of and paved the way for her grandmother's dream come true.
"After I won that competition, they (talent scouts) asked my parents if I wanted to audition for Idol."
Because of the covid19 pandemic, Champion said the initial part of the process was virtual.
"I just had to send in videos, did interviews on Zoom calls and I had to sing online. When I made it through that round, I went to Nashville to audition live before the judges."
​

There, Champion put her heart and soul into her performance of Sam Smith's I'm Not the Only One. She said she chose that song because, apart from liking Smith's music, she felt the tone was good for her range.
"It was nerve wracking," she said about her turn in the spotlight and under heavy musical scrutiny.
"I was really nervous because I was the third person to audition out of the day one auditions and I was one of the younger contestants. The first girl who auditioned came out crying, making me even more nervous."
But as skittish as she was, the judges made her feel hopeful that she would get through to the next round when, after her performance, they encouraged her to delve deeper, relax and just embrace the song. She said she never expected them to be so "cool" and didn't think that she'd get to talk to them, even off camera.
"It was really a super cool opportunity. I was so close to the judges and they were all so nice. The entire experience was great. I had never been to Nashville, so I got to see a new place. In Nashville there is music everywhere, so I loved that so much."
And as excited as she is about the next round, Champion has had to hold her tongue about it because of her contractual obligation to American Idol.
"I’m not allowed to talk about what happens in the future with the show...But I can say that the winner gets a cash prize and they're signed to an American Idol contract to help promote their music."
Champion said she doesn't have a specific preference as it regards listening to music. But for singing, she leans toward R&B.
"I just like music on a whole. Each artiste is so different and it’s cool to have role models in different genres."
With no formal training, her talent is all natural and something she's "just always done it," even going so far as teaching herself to play the piano.
But, she told WMN, because music has always been "the dream" it may be time to start formalising it.
"When I go to college I'd like to study performing arts, but also business to deal with that aspect of it."
The junior at Rancocas Valley Regional High School said the only other thing she loves as much as music is volleyball and is on her school's team.
And although she has never been to TT, she is familiar with the beauty and tastes of the islands because her relatives frequently visit.
"My sister dances a lot and is always dancing to soca. I too love the music, and we all love the food because my family cooks Trini food all the time. I always hear about the beaches, food and the music and I'm just so jealous of everyone. I'd really love to visit some time."
For now, though, the focus is on the goal of becoming the next American Idol.
(Source: Newday, March 12, 2022)

Memories of calypsonian Kenny J (Kenwrick Joseph) and grief flooded social media following his death.
Kenny J spent what was one of his favourite times of the year, Christmas, at the Augustus Long Hospital, Pointe-a-Pierre, fighting for his life.
After a two-week battle with Covid-19, which saw him being treated in the intensive care unit, Kenny J succumbed to the dreaded virus that has claimed close to 3,000 lives in Trinidad and Tobago.
His daughter, Jesselle Joseph, yesterday confirmed that her father was fully vaccinated. He was 69 years old.
Kenny J was featured recently in a public service announcement video series spearheaded by promoter Randy Glasgow and produced by the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB).
The series comprised short video clips in which artistes and other popular personalities encouraged members of the general public to get vaccinated.
Playing his guitar, Kenny J sang, “Doh hesitate, just vaccinate. Yuh want to go in the mall, yuh want tings get back normal. Yuh want to see Kenny sing…”
Prior to falling ill, Kenny J performed at several Christmas events, including a WACK FM Christmas special and the Parang with Rome concert, where he reminded audiences to get vaccinated and to always be careful.
Honey-dipped voice
A retired police officer, Kenny J won the National Police Services Calypso Monarch title in 1987. From there he began to perform professionally and in 1990 he placed second in the National Calypso Monarch final having sung, “Addicted To Sweet Soca” and “Leave She Alone”.
Kenny J possessed a honey-dipped voice just like Baron and Sugar Aloes, which made him a hit with both men and women.
His quiet manner and infectious smile endeared him to his fellow calypsonians who considered him the consummate gentleman.
Kenny J tried his hand at soca parang in 1993, releasing “The Paint Brush,” a well-crafted double entendre that became an instant hit.
The song became synonymous with Kenny J and the Christmas season, through the years becoming an evergreen classic. He would enjoy the same level of success with two other soca parang releases during the 1990s, “Alexander” and “Hush Yuh Mout,” which guaranteed Kenny J work during the Christmas season for over two decades.
True cultural icon
Kenny J died one day after the calypso fraternity lost Clifton Ryan, the Mighty Bomber, who was 93.\
Speaking briefly with the Express yesterday, president of the Police Service Social and Welfare Association Insp Gideon Dickson extended his condolences to the family of the former policeman.
“We were deeply saddened upon hearing the news today. We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and retired colleagues of Mr Kenny J.
His legacy will certainly live on in his music. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Dickson said.
Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Randall Mitchell paid tribute to both men in a social media post: “My deepest condolences to the families of Mighty Bomber and Kenny J.
Thank you for the contribution you made to enhancing our music and for taking Trinidad and Tobago internationally. May you both rest in peace. Folded hands.”
And National Carnival Commission (NCC) chairman and calypsonian Winston “Gypsy” Peters, in a Facebook post yesterday, extended “condolences to the family of Kenwrick ‘Kenny J’ Joseph, the fraternity will surely miss you. Rest In Peace!”
Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar extended condolences, stating: “Rest in Peace to a true cultural icon Kenny J. Condolences to all his loved ones during this time of mourning.” (Source: Trinidad Express, Jan 2, 2022)

Trinidad-born opera singer Jeanine De Bique will make her debut at the Paris Opera today.
DeBique, who is originally from San Fernando, will play the title role in Alcina, a 1735 opera by George Frideric Handel. 
In the opera, Alcina creates a magnificent palace to lure her many lovers. One of these is Ruggiero, a warrior, who under Alcina’s spell has forsaken his duty and his betrothed, Bradamante.
Alcina by Handel will be staged by Robert Carsen production with musical direction by Thomas Hengelbrock and the Balthassar Neumann ensemble and will run from November 25 to December 30.
In addition to her Paris debut, De Bique is also celebrating the release of her first album Mirrors. The album showcases the arias of female characters from Handel's operas as well as other Baroque composers.
A graduate of St Joseph's Convent, Port-of-Spain, De Bique holds Undergraduate and Masters degrees from the Manhattan School of Music and has performed on major stages all over the world, appearing in the 2018/2019 season in  Handel’s Rodelinda at Opéra de Lille, as Aida in the world premiere of Caruso a Cuba by Micha Hamel at Dutch National Opera, Mahler’s Symphony No 4, conducted by Teodor Currentzis, in Milan, St Petersburg, Munich and Budapest, and Handel’s Messiah with the Melbourne Symphony, among many others. (Source: the Loop, Nov. 25, 2021)

​The Black Man, Dr. Leroy Calliste, five-time Calypso Monarch Black Stalin,  celebrated his 80th Birthday on Friday, 24th September, Republic Day.
Birthday blessings, health and happiness galore uncle Leroy, we love yuh baaaaaaaad!

​​Rudolph Charles - Born in 1938 in Laventille, Charles gravitated towards the Gay Desperadoes in 1958 and became the band’s leader three years after. He was known to carry his hammer around and was always ready to find the perfect note. He gave Desperadoes its characteristic tone which it’s known for even today. As an innovator, he was always willing to experiment to find ways of improving the Steelpan. He was the first to chrome pans which enhanced their tonal quality, durability and appearance. He also improved the canopies by using aluminum and designing them in a new shape. Collaborating with tuners Bertie Marshall and Lincoln Noel, the Rocket pan, Nine and Twelve bass pan, Quadrophonic pan and Triple Second Pan were created. He led the Desperadoes to 6 Panorama titles and 2 Music Festival titles. He was awarded the Chaconia Medal Silver posthumously in 2014. He passed away in 1985.
Neville Jules - He began as a Tamboo Bamboo player before becoming a founding member of the Trinidad All Stars steel orchestra during the 1940s. He was captain, tuner and arranger for the All Stars and during the 1950s and 60s he initiated a rivalry where All Stars would play a classical piece to a calypso beat. Invaders led by Ellie Mannette followed and the selections of each band became known as “The Bomb”. Jules is credited with inventing the Tune Boom which later became the Bass pan, the Grundig which later became the Cello pan and the Cuatro pan which is known today as the guitar pan. He received the Humming Bird Medal Bronze in 1970 and Chaconia Medal Silver in 2018. He passed away in 2020. (Source: the Mannette Academy of Dance, August 19, 2021)

​Ray Holman - Started playing pan at the age of 13 with the Invaders Steel Orchestra. Soon after, he was arranging for the band classics such as “Etude in Ab”. In 1963 he would go on to become a member of Starlift and started arranging for them shortly afterwards. By 1969, he won the Panorama competition with “The Bull” by Lord Kitchener and again in 1970 with “Queen of the Bands” sung by Sparrow. In 1972, he became the first steelband arranger to compose and play his own music for panorama; “Pan on the Move”. Since then Ray has gone on to arrange several of his own compositions for many bands. “Life’s too short” and “Special Brew” for Invaders and Tokyo respectively, along with “Pan Woman” by Exodus, “Steelband Paradise” by Humming Bird Pan Groove, “Panic” by Phase II, “Sapna” by Skiffle. In 2006, he reunited with Starlift and took them to 3rd place with another unforgettable composition “If We Really Want”. He has also arranged and recorded with steel bands and artists in the US, Canada, Japan and Europe. In 1988 he was awarded the Humming Bird Medal Silver.
Clive Bradley - His interest in music started at high school where he taught himself to play the guitar. He later went on the learn the keyboard and play with several bands including the Clarence Curvan band. His introduction to steelband arranging came in 1968 with the Desperadoes Steel Orchestra. Two years later, he won his first Panorama with the band with his arrangement of Lord Kitchener’s “Margie”. He would go on to win 5 more titles with Desperadoes - “Pan in Harmony” “Hasley Crawford” “Rebecca” “In My House” and “Picture on my Wall”. Bradley also arranged for Pandemonium Steel Orchestra and in 1988 placed second with what is considered one of the most memorable steelband arrangements to date, “Sailing”. In 1998, he was also victorious with Nutones Steel Orchestra, arranging “High Mas”. Continuing in winners row, his arrangement of “Ordinary People” took Desperadoes to 1st place in 2005 in the Pan in the 21st Century competition. Throughout his career he arranged for the New York panorama and was victorious on 10 occasions, even winning with the same song he won with for Trinidad panorama in 1999; “In My House” was played by Pantonic Steel Orchestra. He passed away in 2005.(Source: the Mannette Academy of Music, Aug 14, 2021) 

​Anthony Williams
Before forming the North Stars around 1949, Williams was a member of the Sun Valley Steel Orchestra. In 1951 he was chosen as a member of the Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra (TASPO) to represent the country at the Festival of Britain. As a tuner, Williams developed a note placement scheme whereby each tone was surrounded by other harmonic tones (the “fourths and fifths” tenor Pan) which enhanced the sound. This “spider web” pattern not only improved the tonal quality but is the main reason for the tenor pan becoming a major teaching tool for music theory worldwide. Additionally, he was the first person to add wheels to bass drums in 1956. As an arranger and music director he led North Stars to victories in the Music Festival in 1962 with “Voices of Spring” and again in 1966 with “Poet and Peasant” as well as the first two Panoramas in 1963 and 1964 with “Dan is the Man” and “Mama Dis is Mas.” In 1968 he once again led North Stars in shows and concerts with celebrated pianist Winnifred Atwell with performances locally, as well as the Bahamas and New York. This collaboration went on to produce the widely acclaimed recording “Ivory and Steel” which was the first of its kind. Williams was awarded the Humming Bird Medal Bronze in 1969 and the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in 2008. He received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of the West Indies in 2016 and recently received another Doctorate from the Northern Illinois University this year.
Bertram “Bertie” Marshall
Bertie Marshall is responsible for several innovations and tuning advancements in the Steelpan world. By 1956 he revolutionized the tuning of steelpans by adding octaves and harmonics which gave pans a “brighter” sound. From Success Village, Laventille, he led the Metronomes Steel Orchestra and then the Armed Forces Steel Orchestra which became the legendary Laventille Highlanders. As an arranger, he produced several bomb classics such as “Let Every Valley be Exalted”, “Gypsy Rondo” and “May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You”. He introduced the use of canopies to protect pans from the sun as well as inaugurated amplified pans during the 1965 carnival. Bertie created the Double Tenor pan and in 1970 he became the resident tuner for the Desperadoes Steel Orchestra. He collaborated with the band’s leader Rudolph Charles on the chariot pan, quadraphonic and 12 bass pan. He was awarded the Chaconia Medal Gold in 1992 and the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in 2008. He passed away in 2012 (Source: the Mannette Academy of Music, August 12, 2021)

Junior Pouchet - The Silver Stars steel orchestra was formed in the 1950s and in 1954 Junior started to arrange for them. By 1956 he was captain and arranger for the band. He went on to arrange many memorable “Bomb” tunes such as “Elizabethan Serenade” (1964), “Wonderful Land” (1966) and “The Theme from Dr. Zhivago” (1967). In 1970 he led Silver Stars to 3rd place in the National Panorama competition with his arrangement of “Simple Calypso” sung by Blakie. He went on to become one of the greatest ambassadors for the Steelpan as he led his band, Adventureland Steelband, which was made up of Silver Stars members, to perform at Epcot Center in Disney World from 1971 to 1999. He passed away in 2012.
Edwin Pouchet - In 1973, Edwin joined his older brother at Disney World, he became so versatile that in 1982, upon his return to Trinidad, he arranged for the Invaders Steel Orchestra. In 1983, he went to arrange for the Adventureland Steelband at Tokyo Disneyland. Fast forward to 2002 and Edwin arranges “Love Theme” for Silver Stars in the Pan in the 21st Century competition and is victorious. He goes on the win again in 2007 with the “Phantom of the Opera”. His Panorama success started in 2004 when Silver Stars won the medium band category playing “Pure Party”. He went on to take Silver Stars to back to back victories in the large band category in 2009 and 2010 with “First in de Line” and “Battle Zone”. Edwin also arranged for Katzenjammers Steel Orchestra in the medium band category and took them to victory in 2011 and 2012 with his compositions “Wake up” and “This is Bachannal” respectively. He passed away in 2014. (Source:  The Mannette Academy of Music Aug 7, 2021)

​