Francisca Carol Allard, Ph. D, is a Freelance Lecturer in Ethnomusicology and Spanish.  Her other qualifications are: M Phil (Liberal Arts: Spanish), Dip Ed (Spanish Curriculum), BA (Spanish & English), Pianoforte Grade VIII (Trinity College of Music, London) & Theory of Music, Grade VIII) Royal Schools of Music, London).

 She is the leader/lead singer of the parang/tropical latin group Dinámicos, which has performed in various parts of Venezuela, Ecuador, New York and the Caribbean. The group has produced four CDs and two records.  She is also a quadruple time winner of the Copyright Organization of Trinidad & Tobago Parang of theYear Award: champion in 2004 & 2006; co-champion with her brother, Philip Allard in 2007 & 2008.

 She has presented a paper, ‘Evangelization of Lapsed Catholic Youths: Challenges and Solutions’, at The Conference on Theology in the Caribbean Today (July 2019); conducted an ‘Easter Parang Workshop’ hosted by the San Rafael Authentic Parang Association (February 2019); presented a paper, ‘Música de parang soca: puente entre pueblos y culturas’, at the 2018 Festival Del Fuego de Santiago de Cuba; performed as moderator at the ‘Parang Forum’, hosted by Government Information Services Limited (2014); functioned as keynote speaker at the ‘Parang Conference & Workshop’, hosted by The National Parang Association of Trinidad and Tobago (2012); and presented papers on the Spanish language & musical style of the  parang art-form at: the Inaugural Conference of Discourse, Power and Resistance (DPR)- Caribbean in 2010 at  UTT, Valsayn Campus, Trinidad;  the REPENSANDO EL MANGLAR (Segundo Simposio de Prácticas Críticas en Estudios Culturales Caribeños) at the University of Mayagüez, Puerto Rico in 2009;  the 2008 ACS Crossroads Conference in Kingston Jamaica; conferences in Trinidad (Simón Bolívar Auditorium & UWI) 2007; the Simposio Internacional Cubadisco 2005 in Havana; and the Encuentro  para la Integración Cultural 2005 in the cities of Maracay, Valencia and Barcelona, Venezuela. 

Her publications are:  ‘Parang: Meeting Ground for Afro and Indo Trinidadians’ in Popular Culture: Arts and Social Change in Latin America. The LV11 Seminar on the Acquisition of Latin American Library Materials. 2014;    ‘Soca Parang / Parang Soca’. The Oral and Pictorial Records Programme Newsletter, No. 40, U.W.I., St. Augustine, June /December 2004.

So much could be said about Mr. Garfield "Ras Shorty I" Blackman and his legacy. The father of Soca, he is a true Icon of Our Heritage. Read: "The Blackmans: all in the family"  

By Georgia Popplewell | Issue 70 (November/December 2004), Caribbean Innovation (15 May 2020)  

"Actors are agents of change. A film, a piece of theatre, a piece of music, or a book can make a difference. It can change the world." -  Alan Rickman

Theatre practitioner, visioneer, stalwart "Tony" Hall was a man who understood the role of the artist to society and impacting social conscience beyond uttered words. Read more about this theatre giant in the article: "Celebrating the genius of Tony Hall" 

A Giant walked amongst us. 

Thank you to guest contributor - musician & educator, Yadav Mohip - for this tribute.

Dennis Hall better known as Sprangalang was originally called “Dracksie” on a tv show segment called “Cultural Sprangalang”, a part of the “Gayelle” television program which was also a production of his brother, Tony Hall, acclaimed playwright who also passed away earlier this year. Both brothers attended Naparima College, which was known back in those days for churning out some of the most notable men of the arts in South Trinidad.

He would adopt the name Sprangalang and go on to become one of the comedic juggernauts in the 80s, as he along with his contemporaries became the definition of the Trinidad Stand Up Comedy.

He is also known for his many apperances in local ads, one of my favourites being “Build with Lall’s” with the big catch line “.... a swizzle stick?!” A staple on TTT during the early 90s. Since those times he has made many an ad unforgettable with his trademark twang.

He would go on to make significant contributions in the realm of culture and broadcasting. Always available to be reached for commentary and a staple voice on the radio. Just a month or so ago I saw him on a live stream discussion with others, as the mulled over the topics he was always known to indulge in, on this occasion they were dealing with the coup.

Who can ever forget his hilarious Christmas songs. They have become synonymous with our Trini Christmas season. Probably his most relevant works to the wider public “Bring D Rum” and “Grrrt” are heard at every gathering. Staples.

This only scratches the surface as to the contribution made by Dennis Hall to the media and entertainment landscape of Trinidad and Tobago.

With the passing of Sprang and Tony, comes a great loss to the cultural fraternity of our country. They leave a legacy which is undeniable. A legacy which many times overlooked and under appreciated. The same legacy which was out in the streets as Errol Fabien was being evicted and his archives thrown out. Thankfully we came together in that time of crisis to make sure that these artistic works, our cultural heritage, not be lost to the jaws of misfortune. Unfortunately our authorities don’t seem to ever see the urgency to preserve the works of these entities and figures, as our local media still has miles to go, and frankly we have never achieved the level of cultural relevance achieved by the likes of the Halls and their contemporaries at their peak.

To protect and preserve our creatives of yesterday, is to enable the creatives of tomorrow.

Rest easy Sprang.

You were important.

You will be missed.

• Yadav Mohip

Mr. Gilbert Maynard started in 1947 together with mas man, Mc Coplan producing “Indian Warrior” (Black and Gold costumes). In 1948, he worked again with Mr. Coplan to create a Sun god character, but this time bending wire for his own hat/bonnet with the colors of red, yellow and white. The journey and passion to make mas became a way of life for Gilbert as he walked from his new home in Marabella to his place of birth Ste Madeline every night. 

In 1951 he cooperated with the band "Free French" with their portrayal “United Nations” but was disenchanted with this section and so decided to move on to another band led by Jo Jo Charles, captain of the steel band “Hatters”. He was solely responsible for the creation of the "Drum Major", winning consecutively for 4 straight years.

In 1957, Mr. Maynard decided to lead a mas band of his own. A small following, he presented to San Fernando an English Sailor band called “HMS Eagles”. The players were drilled inmarching and that year they won a special prize. The next year (1958) he  presented “The Queen Birthday Parade” and in 1959 an American Military portrayal called “West Point Story”. 

In 1960, he presented “Funny Face Sailor” but due to the volume of work in decorating jackets he decided to shift to History Mas and in 1961 paraded the streets of San Fernando with his presentation “Oriental Fantasy”. Unfortunately, the next two years saw some controversy and no mas was presented. However, in 1964 he was approached by Lennox “Bobby” Mohammed’s father, who encouraged him to bring his band back on the road along with them, as it was their first time doing so. The presentation “Buffalo Hunters” with the Guinness Cavaliers Steel Band came to life that carnival. 

Then, in 1965, the “Enchanted Kingdom” was displayed for spectators to enjoy its beauty and this was done until the late 1980’s.

 Mr. Torrance Iqbal Mohammed is a descendant of indentured immigrants who cam from Bengal, India in 1863 and built the first Mosque in Princes Town. He was born on 4th October, 1931 to Goole and Goolshan Mohammed in Iere Village, Princes Town. 

NGC Sanfest 2017 brochure: "Mr. Mohammed is a founding member of the Arawak Dance Group, the San Fernando Arts Council, the National Dance Association of Trinidad & Tobago, and the Sando Cultural Ambassadors. For many years, he served as Chairman of the San Fernando Arts Council, as well as on numerous civil, regional and national committees, including the National Cultural Council, National Carnival Committee, the Prime Minister's Best Village Trophy Competition and the San Fernando Carnival Committee.

He was a City Councillor for 16 years and served as Deputy Mayor of San Fernando (1999-2003). Torrance has been a Cultural Ambassador for Trinidad and Tobago during many regional and international cultural exchanges as both actor and dancer. 

Torrance has been a cultural activist for over 50 years and has served in the capacity of producer, artistic director, choreographer, dancer, actor, tutor and adjudicator. He was awarded the Medal of Merit in 1976 for his contribution to the cultural development of our society." 

 Additional reading: "A Dance Legend Remembers" | Trinidad Guardian | 16th Nov. 2005

TEDx PortofSpain:

After graduating with Distinction from Mausica Teachers College in 1971, Elizabeth Montano (Lady) started her career as an educator and teacher. In 1977 she made the University’s honourable performance list when she received her Certificate in Education with Distinction. By 1979 she was awarded her Degree in Education; also with Distinction. That was quickly followed by her appointment as a Guidance Officer, a position in which she served for nine years before taking early retirement in 1989. Her career has juxtaposed Academia and supporting the meteoric rise of her son’s career. Under her guidance, Machel became one of the most successful Soca/Calypso artists in the world. As if she wasn’t busy enough, Lady found time in 2006 to dive back into academia at the University of the West Indies and graduated with a Diploma in ACEM (Entertainment Management with Distinction).

2014 was a significant year as it marked her retirement as Machel’s manager and the start of another deep dive into academia. In 2018 she was awarded an MPhil in Cultural Studies. Lady took pride in shining an academic lens on the career she helped build. Her research thesis entitled ‘The Making of Monk Monte: Creativity and Commodification in Trinidad and Tobago popular culture’ discusses her experiences and maps out a road to success that did not exist before she charted the course. As a “retiree” she co-lead Machel Montano Foundation for Greatness; headed the family’s Chocolate Company – Montanos’ Chocolate Co. Ltd.

Additionally, she straddles the roles of Author and Director of several companies in the Montano empire. “Liz Montano” – “Lady” – “Elizabeth Montano” whichever you chose is synonymous with success in the soca world because of the pivotal role she played in nurturing the career of Machel Montano. Her accomplishments are no less impressive. Her fans can anticipate the publication of Memoirs because that’s the next goal on “Lady’s agenda.”

Mr. Kenny Phillips is a cultural icon of Trinidad & Tobago. His work in the field of music as a producer is extensive. As the owner of WACK Radio, a radio station with 100 per cent local content, he has successfully pioneered into the areas of broadcasting and music. He continuously innovates with each challenge met as he bridges the gap between generations in the local music industry and pushes the boundary of what is possible.  Read more about his journey in the article, "Kenny Phillips: keeping the culture alive", written by Mrs. Laura Dowrich-Phillips.