| Aggrieved Calypsonian, Lurlene James aka Singing LurleneBy Alex Wayne “The calypso art form will die altogether if it is not given the deserved attention, sponsorship and recognition it so truly deserves.”These were the words of Guyanese talented calypsonian, Lurlene James (Singing Lurlene),Kurt Warner Cardinals Jersey, in a recent interview with this newspaper.Over the years, calypsonians have all complained of the lukewarm response given to the art and still today many such artistes are lamenting that their pleas and observations have all fallen on deaf ears.Yesterday, the veteran calypso queen noted that the art was indeed brilliant and artistic. She however declared that despite the rich traditional value of calypso, the public and relevant authorities, for some strange reason, have turned blind eyes on the need for the development of calypso.The normally peppy singer explained that the art is disintegrating rapidly, since persons do not have respect for the music discipline while the artistes struggle to maintain its survival.“Calypso is a tradition which should be kept alive and be respected by all. But sadly, we have to acknowledge the fact that it will disappear unless the authorities responsible for its development contribute to this art as expected. If this occurs, then the public will learn to appreciate it, which will see it develop to its maximum.”Even as she mouthed the above, James dictated that calypsonians are only tolerated when Guyana celebrates its annual Mashramani celebrations. She stressed that even the ‘big time’ promoters in Guyana help to contribute to the downfall of calypso locally,Wholesale Jerseys China, since they do not event attempt to have calypsonians included on the entertainment packages they create.According to James, when its time for calypsonians to perform, they ‘endure hell’ at the hands of corporate entities who are definitely not interested in sponsoring them to ensure their presentations and production are of the best standard.James explained that corporate entities are always reluctant to contribute financially, which most times results in the poor presentations many calypsonians bring to the entertainment platter.“We are at a great disadvantage and nobody seems to care. Its impossible to get sponsorship from practically anyone and most times we have to come up with our own ideas to make money which often results in poor presentation at competitive forums”.James noted that at Mash competitions, they are ‘backed up against the wall’ as they attempt to find cash to create costumes, pay for music scores and pay for props whenever used. She noted that the Mash Secretariat would only give them $10,000 every time they perform,Wholesale Hockey Jerseys 2018, even though their music scores alone cost $15,000.The singer lamented the fact that when performing out of town, in many cases they are forced to pay for their own accommodation, transportation and may even have to provides meals and accommodation for back-up performers.James is calling on the relevant authorities to make available the same large cash incentives they bestow on the soca and chutney competitions for the calypso segments. Presently, she is hoping that as they reform the Guyana Calypso Association, that a major corporate sponsor will adopt the organization as several other companies have done in various other areas of entertainment and cultural art.James also stressed the fact that musicians need to be more loyal and dedicated to the art since ‘too many hustlers in the business’ are also preventing its mobility. She explained many singers are ‘doing it for the money’ and went on to point out that engaging in any activity without the love and affection for its existence, can very well contribute to its detriment.The singer pointed out that for years they have raised theses issues with the Mash Secretariat,wholesale nfl jerseys, but so far have seen no improvement, or strategies implemented to better the situation.The singer is hoping that changes be made so as to ensure calypsonians enjoy the fringe benefits and luxuries given to other entertainers.Who is the‘Singing Lurlene’It would be most unkind to conclude without letting our readers know who really this woman who is campaigning for all calypsonians is.She is 46 years old and is a single parent of four who still dreams of her husband, the Mighty Contender, who was a phenomenal calypsonian in the land. She has been singing calypso since 1977, but actually began her singing as a young child in the then Zion City Church.It was during the time as a student of the then Bourda Community High School that she got her first break. Her school needed a representative for the Schools’ Calypso Mash Competition and she with a selection she composed in her bathroom,Cheap Jerseys Free, entered and won the title.Just around that time she entered and won the Youth Week Calypso Contest and never looked back after.She later joined the Alberttown Police Youth Club and won both the Mash Calypso and Youth Week Contests a second time around.In 1979, she entered the first ever calypso competition for females and placed fourth, coming up against giants like Lady Guymine, Singing Desiree, O Hara,Wholesale China Jerseys, Matumba and many others.In 1987, she went on to win the regional Mash Calypso Competition,NFL Jerseys China Cheap, where she demolished stalwarts like Ras Marcus, the Mighty Kendingo and some of the more ‘scorching contenders’.At present she is preparing some explosive calypsoes which she raves will ‘tear the place apart’ when they are released. |
