BUZZ Back
Who Let the Underdog Out? Continued melodious voices of Nat King Cole and Harry Belafonte. SJ: Have you worked with any interesting artists or performers in the past? Is there anyone you’d still like to work with in the future? RB: I have performed with Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley, Paul Anka and Rueben Blades. It would be a great thrill to share the stage with Mr. Harry Belafonte himself. SJ: “Antigua is Home” is undoubtedly an epic song. What inspired the concept and who did you work with in creating this memorable piece? RB: "Antigua is Home" was inspired and created by Doctor Prince Ramsey. I worked with him to complete the lyrics and melody. Frankie MacIntosh, a prolific music arranger from St. Vincent, brought the song to life. It is indeed one of the most memorable music pieces that I have had the pleasure to perform. I was inspired to write this song because I did not feel that there was a single tune out there at the time that really captured the beauty, history and culture of A & B. SJ: As A & B’s cultural Ambassador how do you utilize your title in promoting A & B? RB: The designation of Cultural Ambassador is a great honor to bestow on any citizen. I am honored to use my voice to help promote A & B, in collaboration with the US Tourism Office. There is little doubt that my status as Ambassador has enhanced my public profile and broadened my platform as an entertainer. I leverage my “enhanced persona” humbly, to keep the spotlight shining on A & B. SJ: With so many western influences on our society what elements of our culture do you think might have been lost? How can A & B maintain A&B BUZZ – Aug/Sep, 2011
“It’s the cultural connection that draws them [visitors] to A&B… and will keep them coming back.” its unique cultural identity? RB: Our customs can’t be insulated from the dominant culture of the United States but certain aspects of our rich culture are A.W.O.L and should be preserved in a more sustainable way. Our unique language and ways of preparing food should be passed on to the next generation as emblems of our heritage. SJ: Why is calypso as an art form important to our culture? RB: Calypso is germane to the upkeep of our language, history and customs. I view calypso as the corner stone of our indigenous culture and calypsoninans as the guardians of our fragile progressing democracy. “Don’t stop the Carnival" is an admonition, not merely a shout of merriment. If we ever stop the music, it would be a blackout and we might as well go home. Calypso is Culture!! SJ: How can we achieve greater cultural integration in our tourism product? How do music and culture contribute to tourism promotions? RB: Cultural integration is a worldwide movement --"We are all one family" Tourists are in search of sea, sun and fun, but it's the cultural connection that draws them to A & B in the first instance and will keep them coming back. Excite our visitors with cultural calisthenics and help them create life long memories of A & B. SJ: Tell us something about yourself that most people may not know. RB: As an Ambassador and performer, my life is pretty much an open book. However, I bet most people would be surprised to know that I am also a CPA and avid runner.