Friday 15th July 2011

Trinidad & Tobago’s Music Industry to Celebrate 100 Years in 2012.

June 2012 will mark the 100th anniversary of the first calypso recording – ‘Mango Vert’ by Lovey’s String Band when they recorded for Colombia Records in 1912.

Many other Musicians, Calypsonians and Entertainers traveled overseas to record for other popular Record Labels. Within the period 1912 to 1950, significant milestones were accomplished, and it is of utmost importance to highlight the events of our successful past.

RIATT believes a greater appreciation of our cultural inheritance can be achieved when there is an awareness of one’s history. Our aim is to inform stakeholders that our local entertainment traditions have already been an international phenomenon.

RIATT is positioning itself to initiate discussions with other stakeholders, Artiste representative Groups, corporate T&T as well as relevant government ministries to commence the planning process for such an occurrence in our country’s history.

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of our music industry, some of our suggested activities can be , ‘in the classroom’ presentations, exhibitions, workshops, live events, production of documentaries etc.

The following are some significant milestones that will be highlighted:

•The following are some significant milestones that will be highlighted:
• First recordings.
• First overseas Performers/Performances.
• First Steel Pan Recordings.
• First local recordings on Film.
• The first calypso to sell over one million records.
• Our Music Publishing Pioneers.
• First Calypso songs on Billboard.
• First Female Calypsonian to record.
• First ever calypso tent.
• Significant occurrences involving other local genres of music such as Soca, Chutney Soca, Rapso, Parang etc.
• Grammy award winners

For further information contact:
Fabien Alfonso
Email: info@riatt.org
1-868- 707-0400