Photo © Garth St. Clair (Facebook Page)
The Calypsonian is the voice of the people, the messenger of truth and sometimes he or she will address a controversial topic or create controversy with the topic of choice. Today we have a song entitled "Nation Before Race" sung by Garth St Clair. Garth is the messenger but the core of the discourse lies in the heart and mind of the writer, Mr. Gregor Ballantyne. So let's get to it.
Do you remember the Matrix movie and the scene where Morpheus asked Neo to take the Red pill or Blue pill? Well today we have the Trinidad and Tobago version of that scene however, there is just one pill to take... a very bitter pill devoid of love but penned from a very dark place (some may say enlightened place).
I listened to the song and remarked, "damn, Mr. Ballantyne is pissed off". Someone from the East Indian community really did something that caused this song to be penned. Maybe it was something he had in the works for some time or he 'had an epiphany (a moment)' that brought about an 'ah ha, I got it' feeling that brought this song to life. There is enough going on with race relations across the globe. I gave this song some thought and responded with an essay... I took a break and went for a drive. On my return home I decided to scrap the essay. We don't want to add fuel to the upcoming fire-storm. C'est la vie!
Regardless of my views or your views on the subject matter nothing is going to be resolved without national dialogue on the subject. I say, let all jackasses bray (on both sides of the argument)! This is a scathing social commentary and one that pours salt in a open wound. Tell us what you thinkl
Trinidad and Tobago already has to deal with a horrible crime situation and now the influx of Venezuelan nationals seeking refuge along with a growing Chinese and Nigerian population. Trust me everyone will get their fair share of hate and disgust. In the end the nation may become more polarized with shared distrust but adding to the diversity of the nation. Partisanship does not belong to one race only.
In the interim we leave the outcome/the success or failure of this song in your hands. Some will agree while others will be upset. All I have to say is take a deep breath and step back. Let the air clear because in the end we will learn that we have more in common with each other. Our culture is a mixture of our beautiful populace... yes, there are those who cause problems but I doubt we will ever see a Kosovo in Trinidad and Tobago. Songs like this one may be addressed to a few who create disgust but in the end the entire race will be labeled with the stain of a few... that is the travesty here... a sad one indeed.
So let's be clear, the song was well written (you can dislike how the subject was handled but have to admit he did a good job). We love the music... excellent job done by Caliston Pantor.Finally, the messenger, Garth St. Clair, delivered with the vocals. Regarless of your 'feelings' you have to admit that this was a good delivery. So let the conversations begin. The voice of the people, the Calypsonian has addressed the topic of 'Nation Before Race'. What is your opinion?
Do you remember the Matrix movie and the scene where Morpheus asked Neo to take the Red pill or Blue pill? Well today we have the Trinidad and Tobago version of that scene however, there is just one pill to take... a very bitter pill devoid of love but penned from a very dark place (some may say enlightened place).
Regardless of my views or your views on the subject matter nothing is going to be resolved without national dialogue on the subject. I say, let all jackasses bray (on both sides of the argument)! This is a scathing social commentary and one that pours salt in a open wound. Tell us what you thinkl
Trinidad and Tobago already has to deal with a horrible crime situation and now the influx of Venezuelan nationals seeking refuge along with a growing Chinese and Nigerian population. Trust me everyone will get their fair share of hate and disgust. In the end the nation may become more polarized with shared distrust but adding to the diversity of the nation. Partisanship does not belong to one race only.
In the interim we leave the outcome/the success or failure of this song in your hands. Some will agree while others will be upset. All I have to say is take a deep breath and step back. Let the air clear because in the end we will learn that we have more in common with each other. Our culture is a mixture of our beautiful populace... yes, there are those who cause problems but I doubt we will ever see a Kosovo in Trinidad and Tobago. Songs like this one may be addressed to a few who create disgust but in the end the entire race will be labeled with the stain of a few... that is the travesty here... a sad one indeed.
So let's be clear, the song was well written (you can dislike how the subject was handled but have to admit he did a good job). We love the music... excellent job done by Caliston Pantor.Finally, the messenger, Garth St. Clair, delivered with the vocals. Regarless of your 'feelings' you have to admit that this was a good delivery. So let the conversations begin. The voice of the people, the Calypsonian has addressed the topic of 'Nation Before Race'. What is your opinion?
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Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Nation Before RaceWritten by Gregory Ballantyne
Performed by: Garth St. Clair
Arranged by: Caliston Pantor
Background Vocals by: Natalie Yorke
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