02142020 WEEKEND

Friday, February 14, 2020

art books entertainment film fashion music food culture history

Weekend

OSCAR FASHIONS Pages 13-16

All about Africa Black Food offers a cultural connection

pages 4 & 5

02 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, February 14, 2020

LIFESTYLE

Find your love language

By CARA HUNT | Tribune Features Writer | cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

V

alentine’s Day is all about showing the special people in your life just how much you care. But it doesn’t always have to come down to those three magic words; everyone speaks a different language of love and maybe it’s time you found yours.

The concept of love languages stems from the popular 1992 book “The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate”. In it, author Gary Chapman asserts that there are five distinct ways most couples express affection towards one another.

He explains that these languages are: giving/receiving gifts, spending quality time, giving words of affirmation, performing acts of service and physical touch.

Successful couples are those who can speak each other’s love language. In other words, they each know how the other demonstrates love and affection and wants to receive love and affection in turn.

WORDS OF AFFIRMATION

People who speak this love language are all about compliments and having you tell them just how much they mean to you. You may give them gifts, but the best gift you can give is a compliment. Consider writing them a classic love letter, or even a poem, expressing all the ways you love them. Shower them with praise on social media,

RECEIVING GIFTS

People whose love language is receiving gifts thrive on thoughtful gestures and gifts, both large or small. They want to know that you are willing to make the effort to show you care.

Valentine’s Day is definitely not the time to ignore their love particular language.

Consider gifting them a basket of their favourite foods; order them that special item they’ve had in their Amazon cart but haven’t gotten around to purchasing yet, or buy them a beautiful piece of jewellery or art they can show off to their friends. Remember, the price tag isn’t the deciding factor here; it’s about finding a gift that says ‘I know the person I

am with and know what they like’.

QUALITY TIME

Those who cherish quality time simply want to spend time with their partner this Valentine’s Day weekend.

They would prefer a romantic dinner or getaway for just two rather than a huge bouquet of flowers or an expensive bottle of perfume.

This weekend, plan a beach picnic or walk. Consider taking a day trip to a Family Island where you have time to relax and enjoy each other’s company.

or consider giving them a compliment jar – a container filled with little love notes they can read over the weeks and months ahead.

ACTS OF SERVICE

If your significant other speaks this language, then they want nothing more than a grand gesture to show you care. Take their car to be detailed, pay for a cleaning service at home, or finish that home improvement project they have been nagging about for the past few weeks. They want to know that you are there to help with practical things.

PHYSICAL TOUCH

Those fluent in the physical touch love language want to you to cuddle them, hold their hand and hug them to prove your affection. A perfect way to demonstrate you speak this language is to choose an activity for which you have to get close. For example, snuggling up to watch a movie together.

You can even buy candles and oils and treat your partner to a massage, or consider taking a dance class together.

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Friday, February 14, 2020

Inside Weekend

This weekend in history

My perfect Bahamian weekend Professor Magnus Ekedede, Neurosurgeon

February 14

Interview 4 - 5 Charo Walker-Morley opens a new space to provide Bahamians with ‘black food’ for the soul

Arts and crafts 7 A new approach to the old souvenir industry

Culture 8 - 9 The evolution of Androsia, the fabric of the islands

Photography 10 A Rose-Coloured Lens takes aim at Bahamian cannons

Entertainment 11 The Bahamas Carnival Experience is looking for local talent to take the stage with big international names, plus

Music 12, 17-18 Baha Men’s Isaiah Taylor to receive lifetime achievement honour; Landlord comes close to historic Stellar Awards nomination, and Shay Solo has big R&B dreams

Celebrity 13 - 16 The Weekend Fashion Report takes you to the Oscars red carpet with all its highs and lows

Calendar 19 Things to do around town this weekend

Literary Lives 20 - 23

Following the Pied Piper through the ages

Jewellery 24 Designer Allia M Dean gets intimate with her clientele

Film 25 Romance develops for Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield in ‘The Photograph’

Puzzles 26

Animals 27 The horrors of puppy farms, plus Pet of the Week

• Around 270 AD, Valentine, a holy priest in Rome, was executed for defying Emperor Claudius II’s ban to perform marriages in Rome. Claudius believed Roman men were unwilling to join the army because of their strong attachment to their wives and families.

• In 1929, the “St Valentine’s Day Massacre” took place in a Chicago garage as seven rivals of Al Capone’s gang were gunned down.

• In 1967, Aretha Franklin recorded her cover of Otis Redding’s “Respect” at Atlantic Records in New York.

Today’s birthdays: Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is 78. Journalist Carl Bernstein is 76. Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly is 60.

Actor Simon Pegg is 50. Actress Danai Gurira is 42.

February 15

Q: Saturday breakfast or Sunday brunch?

“Sunday brunch. I hardly eat lunch; I definitely prefer Sunday brunch after church.”

Q: Wine, Kalik, rum or cocktail?

“I prefer fresh squeezed orange juice with the pulp.”

Q: Beach or sofa?

“Sofa. l like to catch up all that I missed during the week sitting on my sofa with my TV remote searching channels.”

Q: What could you not do without?

“My family is my life, I definitely can’t live without my family.”

Q: Weekend away: where would you go?

“Home, for family time!”

• In 1564, Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei was born in Pisa. He went on to become the first known person to study the skies in detail with a telescope. He made numerous significant discoveries in astronomy.

• In 1952, a funeral was held at Windsor Castle for Britain’s King George VI, who had died nine days earlier.

• In 1992, a Milwaukee jury found that Jeffrey Dahmer was sane when he killed and mutilated 15 men and boys.

Today’s birthdays: Actress Jane Seymour is 69. “Simpsons” creator Matt Groening is 66.

Model Janice Dickinson is 65. Actress Amber Riley is 34. Rapper Megan Thee Stallion is 25.

February 16

• In 1923, in Thebes, Egypt, English archaeologist Howard Carter enters the sealed burial chamber of the ancient Egyptian ruler King Tutankhamen.

• In 1959, Fidel Castro became premier of Cuba a month and a-half after the overthrow of Fulgencio Batista.

• In 1968, the first 911 call is placed in the United States in Haleyville, Alabama.

Today’s birthdays: Actor LeVar Burton is 63. Actor-rapper Ice-T is 62. International Tennis Hall of Famer John McEnroe is 61.

Actor Mahershala Ali is 46. Rapper Lupe Fiasco is 38. Actress Elizabeth Olsen is 31.

04 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, February 14, 2020

INTERVIEW

Charo Walker-Morley Helping Bahamians connect with their African roots and teaching them love and appreciation for the motherland has long since been her passion.

Now, she is taking it one step further. She tells Cara Hunt about creating a new physical space where people can find ‘black food’ for their souls.

C

haro WalkerMorley has yet to step foot on African soil, but she already knows whenever she does it will feel like home.

The historian has had a love affair with the motherland for many years now and has spent much of her adult life helping others of African descent learn to appreciate their heritage.

“I am a very Afro-centric person and even though I may not have family from Africa, I believe that all black people have roots in Africa and that there is a very real personal

connection that is not just based on ancient history.”

Charo told Tribune Weekend she loves her own native country, the Bahamas, but says she has always felt that her roots go deeper than the country of her birth.

In college, this passion led her to dig deeper into the past.

“I have always had an interest in history and so I went to the College of the Bahamas and studied history there and then I transferred to Howard University, an Historically Black College and University located in Washington, DC. Going to Howard was such an amazing experience,” she said.

CHARO Walker-Morley in her new Black Food Bookstore and Culture Shop Not only did she take some very interesting history-based courses, but she also got to meet other black students from all over the world.

Upon her return to the Bahamas, she continued to be very involved in promoting African culture.

“I use black interchangeably with African,” she explained, “but I was very much involved in promoting that aspect of our heritage and culture, and eventually that was how I met my husband at one of these events and fortunately he shared my passion.”

Eventually, Charo and her husband Alex Morley turned their passion into a profession and launched their own company: Black Food.

“Black Food has grown in many different ways over the years,” said Charo. “It started as a concept back in 2008 as a way to engage the community on common issues that impact us as Africans throughout the Diaspora and how we should restore our connection with the continent.

“We began with an online platform to share information while selling a small selection of books and then transitioned to hosting events within the community.”

She added: “Our brand evolved to include many more books related to the concepts and theories emerging from our events and we soon began sourcing authentic African and African-inspired clothing, jewellery and products to sell

at events and on our website.

At first it was an online shop where we sold items online, and then we would do a lot of vlogging where we did commentary and discussed black events locally and internationally.”

The books that focused on black issues, she said, were a major hit with buyers, “It is especially important for our young readers to see themselves represented in books,” noted Charo.

Initially, the couple sold their wares at pop-up events around town and they also held a small event every so often at the Cancer Society of the Bahamas.

“It used to be an event with complimentary food and drinks and art, and while I

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Friday, February 14, 2020

wouldn’t say we had a huge amount of people, it was a large enough gathering that we had a wonderful time and people would really look forward to attending it,” she said.

Eventually, Charo said, it became frustrating constantly having to pack and repack and store items between events, and thus the idea to settle in a brick and mortar location came about.

Black Food is a celebration of all things African.

The brand collaborates with vendors and artisans in the Bahamas and throughout the African Diaspora to curate a unique collection of books, clothing and handcrafted jewellery sourced from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, the United States, Jamaica, and the Bahamas.

“When people hear the name ‘Black Food’ they automatically think that we are either a restaurant or some type of food related business.

But the name has nothing to do with food that you actually eat,” she said.

She said that one day, she and her husband where driving and discussing the types of messages and items they wanted to let their clients know about “And I said something like ‘this is good food they need, they really need this black food’, and I looked at him and said that is what we need to call it.”

The new store, the Black Food Bookstore and Culture Shop, is located on the corner corner of Robinson Road and East Street.

Charo said she and her husband focused on creating a space where literature, fashion and hard-to-find natural products could draw customers in and then they could expand on the conversation surrounding culture and community that began online.

“The pop-up shop format gave us valuable customer feedback and we started planning for a storefront where we could not only continue to source products from our network of global vendors, but

also partner with more local vendors to provide a space for them to showcase their products to a broader consumer base,” she said.

In addition to retail products, she is also looking at hosting book signings, poetry readings, movie nights and other events in the new 600 sq ft space.

“Our goal is to continue the conversation as it relates to our culture. We want the storefront to be an extension of our mission of feeding the mind, body and soul of our community and we are starting to see that process take shape.”

The store is a dream come true for the couple, but Charo is also about to fulfil another life-long dream: she is planning a trip to Ghana for later this year.

“I will be going to Ghana and one of the places that I most interested in seeing is Elmina Castle,” she said.

The landmark is where the so-called “Door of No Return” can be found – the place where millions of Africans where held in holding cells before being hustled onto ships destined for a life of slavery.

“Even if I never stepped foot on African soil, it is still a part of me.

And there are many people who may not have the opportunity to ever go to Africa, but it will still be a part of you.”

It is estimated round 30,000 slaves a year passed through Elmina, right up until 1814 when the Dutch slave trade was abolished, seven years after the British. Ceded to the British in 1872, Elmina Castle was hardly in use until Ghana’s independence.

“Even if I never stepped foot on African soil, it is still a part of me. And there are many people who may not have the opportunity to ever go to Africa, but it will still be a part of you,” said Charo.

“Kwame Nkrumah (the first prime minister of Ghana) said: ‘I am not African because I was born in Africa, but because Africa was born in me.’”

IN addition to Afro-centric books and hard-to-find natural products, Black Food also offers Africaninspired clothing like this head wrap.

ELMINA Castle in Ghana, through which countless Africans passed before boarding ships on their way to a life of slavery.

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Friday, February 14, 2020

ARTS AND CRAFTS

A new approach to an old industry

By ALESHA CADET | Tribune Features writer | acadet@tribunemedia.net

S

traw work and Junkanoo-inspired art have long been a staple of the Bahamian souvenir market. However, over the years foreign-made and mass-produced items found their way into local markets and stores, often pushing out handmade and authentically Bahamian arts and crafts.

This started to change when the Ministry of Tourism sent out a call a few years ago for local artisans to create souvenirs. One young artist who heeded this call was Collette Ferguson.

Collette, who began her love affair with all things artistic while still in junior high, started her journey by learning how to paint before branching out into crafting.

“Over the years I became inspired by watching all the handmade crafts that were being sold in the souvenir market. I said to myself, I can make this craft. In April 1994, the call for authentic Bahamian-made crafts by the Ministry of Tourism was made and I jumped into the programme. In 2013, I began a two-year research into how to cut the straw plait without support and into shapes.

Learning this material over the years was an investment, but it was very exciting to see silver top palm designs made into endless shapes,” she told Tribune Weekend.

Armed with her new knowledge and skills, Collette created the Coco Reef Craft Company – a small creative business with a young team that specialises in straw and Junkanoo designs for everyday accessories with both

“Bimini Road” Celtic knot pendant necklace

“Anne Bonny” burlap plait wristlet with raffia handle

WIRE-beaded straw earrings

ELEUTHERA straw plait flower necklace with beads and rhinestones local and visiting customers in mind. They make jewellery, bags and décor pieces.

“Coco Reef Crafts is moving towards making crafts a much more versatile product that will further promote Bahamian-made art that is wearable and should be used

as a patriotic decoration,” said Collette.

“Straw plait, stemmed flowers and décor are my next creations. Going forward I also plan to manufacture products as decoration for homes, offices, schools and businesses.”

OVAL “Peas n’ Rice” straw earrings, necklace and ring set The Coco Reef Craft Company makes an appearance at Pompey Square every Tuesday and Friday as a part of Creative Nassau, and on Saturday and Sundays with the Ministry of Tourism.

“The feedback I have received from my Bahamian

brothers and sisters is priceless and very encouraging.

A lot say they didn’t know it can be done and others say they are very proud of our Bahamian people’s creativity,” said Collette.

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Friday, February 14, 2020

culture

S

ince 1973, the year the Bahamas became a sovereign nation, Androsia has been the unofficial fabric of the country. But the unique batik material first got its start in the late 60s, and where else but on a beach.

It was the hibiscus flowers, the natural sponges, the native coral, and the footprints of a baby in the sand that inspired the very first prints. That baby was Casey Birch, the granddaughter of Rosi Birch, founder of Androsia Hand Made Batik Factory, who today runs the family business. Now, in 2020, Casey and her team are hard at work, introducing Androsia to a new decade and a new generation.

Although not as ubiquitous it was in the 70s, 80s and even 90s, Androsia is still the fabric that is most associated with the Bahamas, and people are finding new ways to incorporate it into modern fashions.

“In the modern day we continue to make new fabric designs every year – commissioned or artistic. We do keep our clothing as simple as we can, but we produce simple beach accessories and home items as well. One of our largest markets, and something that makes us completely unique globally, is that we can do customised fabrics for businesses, events or individuals. We have some very loyal customers who generally like to ‘buy Bahamian’, that includes designers, schools, non-profits, hotels, government offices, and businesses like banks, even Wendy’s has their own Androsia print. You can commission a design and can have your own unique handmade fabric that we can reproduce forever,” Casey told Tribune Weekend.

She and her team love fulfilling unique commissions for weddings, birthdays or special trips. They are proud when people choose to celebrate the important moments in their lives wearing Androsia.

“When we see pictures of weddings featuring Androsia at the factory, we love it. We

The fabric of the islands

The evolution of Androsia

By ALESHA CADET | Tribune Features writer | acadet@tribunemedia.net

“This is not just a fabric like any other you can buy in a store; it’s really the product of caring and talented people doing very intricate work.”

ANDROSIA placemats and napkins

also see quite a few purchases from outside the country from people who may not have a connection to the Bahamas but are looking for unique handmade, ethically produced fabrics,” said Casey.

Casey took over from her father, Dirk Birch a few years ago, and reorganised the company, putting it online with a functional e-commerce site. She took and continues to take steps to ensure that Androsia will be around for a long time yet.

Explaining the process of making Androsia, Casey said: “Androsia is a batik fabric.

Batik is an ancient Southeast Asian technique for printing fabric. It is still practiced all around the world today, except there is no other place that produces stamps as we do. We’ve put our own spin on that art form.”

In the early days, fabric and garments were hand-painted with wax and dyed on the beach, then sent out to local women to sew and finish.

Thus, enabling women to work from home and giving them the flexibility they needed to tend to their families.

Since then, the process has been refined and developed, but remains very similar.

The Androsia team still uses some of the original designs conceived by Rosi Birch over 40 years ago, inspired by the beauty of the Bahamas. All the stamps used to print the fabric are hand-carved. These are moulded from sponge and foam. And everything is still dried under the Bahamian sun.

The amount of skilled work that goes into every yard of fabric is amazing, said Casey, and many of the employees, most of whom are still women, have worked at Androsia for years, if not decades, and are truly master artisans.

“All of our production is still done on Andros island.

We start by hand-carving each unique stamp. This can take up to 10 hours for each stamp, and some designs have over six stamps each. These need to be redone every six months.

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Friday, February 14, 2020

FOR more than 40 years, Androsia has been the unofficial fabric of the Bahamas.

ANDROSIA is still dried in the Bahamian sun

STAMPS to print the fabric are all hand-carved

Then we hand-stamp and dye tens of thousands of yards of fabric per year in hundreds of different patterns.

Many of those are cut and sewn into easy island wear or shipped out as bolts of fabric. We also have a commission service and produce special designs for our customers,” she said.

Androsia’s success over the years has inspired copycats, but Casey said there is a simple way to determine if a print is the real deal. Look for the “Androsia” stamp. It is stamped into every yard of fabric to ensure authenticity. And if it doesn’t say “Androsia”, it isn’t handmade batik and maybe was not even created in the Bahamas.

“If you enjoy the look of Androsia or if it is meaningful to you to buy something made in the Bahamas, please double-check if it is authentic. We find a lot of people are very proud to support Androsia, and they want to buy Bahamian, however they are using imported fabrics that are not made in the country. One thing we always like is when people visit our factory. Even if they have worn or purchased Androsia, they usually have no idea of the amount of work that goes into making it. This is not just a fabric like any other you can buy in a store; it’s really the product of caring and talented people doing very intricate work,” said Casey.

“For me, it’s important to try to encourage and continue artistic industries in the Bahamas. This means trying to take Bahamian produced goods and grow them into industries that don’t sacrifice quality for quantity. To know that a decorative item was produced in the country, that it is an accumulation of a lot of skilled work, that it’s not mass produced or imported, is, I think, important.”

Through the decades the Androsia family has opened stores, closed stores, entered into the e-commerce market and expanded to include international shipping, but one thing has remained the same: their commitment to quality and consistency.

“We will continue doing what we’ve always done; quietly produce beautiful handmade fabric right here on Andros island,” said Casey.

In Nassau, Androsia can be purchased at Commonwealth Fabrics, and in Andros directly from the factory.

For more information, e-mail info@ androsia.com or visit www.androsia. com.

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photography

The canons of Nassau

B

eauty is all around us in the Bahamas, on land and in the sea. But many of us are too busy with everyday life to pause and really see and enjoy the astonishing sights that surround us. Veteran photographer ROLAND ROSE captures both the ordinary and extraordinary and puts it in frame for us so we can see our environment in a new light.

The canons, most of which are aimed at the harbour mouth, never fired a shot in anger.

Pirates and Spanish invaders and even American navel forces were never bothered by this show of force

TOP right: Fort Charlotte; middle right: Seven or eight broadside facing the harbour, bottom four at sea level opposite Clifford Park; middle left: Fort Montagu in moonlight; top left: a reconditioned canon for display at Westward Villas.

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Friday, February 14, 2020

entertainment

A chance at Carnival stardom for local artists

By JEFFARAH GIBSON | Tribune Features Writer | jgibson@tribunemedia.net

W

e are just 76 days away from the third instalment of the Bahamas Carnival Experience, a three-day weekend filled with wild fetes, a vibrant road march and live concerts.

The concerts, especially, are a treat for revellers as some of the most popular soca acts and international artists are invited to the party.

New to this year’s Bahamas Carnival Experience, scheduled for May 1-3, is the Rising Stars competition that will see talented singers and musicians hit the stage for a chance to win $10,000 and bolster their careers. It will be held at the Thomas A Robinson Stadium.

The Rising Stars competition seeks to give both aspiring and established local artists the opportunity to create a hit song for the 2020 Bahamas Carnival season and perform it live in front of an audience of thousands.

“The Rising Stars competition goes back to what was started during the first year of Bahamas Carnival, which was an opportunity to give young artists the chance to perform on stage with international acts,” said Trevor Davis, president of Polantra Media, event organisers.

“We decided to bring this event back because we realised Bahamians have not been getting their fair share of the international stage. So we really want to do what we can and play our part to help mould some of our Bahamian acts to get to that stage.”

According to Mr Davis, a panel of industry experts will evaluate each submission and

SAMMI Starr and Fanshawn Taylor, past winners of the Music Masters competition, which has been revamped and returns this year as the Rising Stars competition.

“...we realised Bahamians have not been getting their fair share of the international stage. So we really want to do what we can and play our part to help mould some of our Bahamian acts to get to that stage.” narrow it down to a group of semi-finalists.

And entrants can submit more than one song, he said.

“We have a panel of musicians who will take the best of the best, present it to the public as well as the media houses and DJs and let

everyone know that these are the chosen semi-finalists.”

Organisers are appealing to artists who make “highenergy” music that will keep the people dancing all night long to submit their songs.

Fan voting will also play a major part in the Rising Stars

competition and will make up a percentage of the score that will determine which of the semi-finalists makes it to the final six who will then get to perform on the big stage on Friday, May 1, at Bahamas Carnival 2020.

“We’re looking for new and established artists,” said Mr Davis. “We have some established artists who still haven’t reached the pinnacle of their career and so we want act as a stepping stone for them to get there.”

As for the concert, while the lineup of headliners has not yet been finalised Mr Davis said artists of different genres are being sought after.

“Even though Carnival is comprised of mostly soca music, we are definitely seeking artists from other genres, as long as it’s current and has

the energy to get concertgoers excited and wanting to see an act. In the past we’ve looked at everything from rap to reggae. So we’re definitely open to anything that’s going to add another layer of energy to the festival,” he said.

Mr Davis promises people can once again expect to see the region’s top artists, performing the hottest songs of the day.

“But they can also expect a festival feel this year where you’ll have international food, international acts and continuous music all day while the venue is open,” he said.

Interested artists are encouraged to record their song and submit it to thebahamascarnival@gmail.com.

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MUSIC

Baha Men's Isaiah Taylor to receive lifetime achievement honour at Elevation Awards

By JEFFARAH GIBSON | Tribune Features Writer | jgibson@tribunemedia.net

B

ahamian music icon Isaiah Taylor will receive the Ronnie Butler Lifetime Achievement Award when the 2020 Elevation Awards are held later this year.

The leader of the Grammyaward winning group Baha Men has been described as a son of the soil and an artist who showcases the Bahamian spirit on the world stage. He will receive the honour during the awards show scheduled for April 4 at Sapodilla Estate.

Isaiah Taylor is best known as the lead bass player and driving force behind the Baha Men, who became world famous with their version of “Who Let the Dogs Out?”.

The song peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart, as well as topping the charts in Australia and New Zealand, and reached the Top 40 in the United States. It was Britain’s fourth biggest-selling single of 2000, and went on to become one of the highest-selling singles of the decade not to reach number one. The track went on to win the Grammy for Best Dance Recording in 2001.

Taylor taught himself to play the guitar when he was 21 and subsequently joined the band High Voltage, known for bringing the sounds of

Junkanoo to the popular music stage in the late 1970s and into the 90s. He also collaborated with Tyrone “Dr Off” Fitzgerald, of Funky Nassau fame. Dr Off was one of the pioneers who helped to shape the sound of Junkanoo outside of the traditional festival environment.

In 1992, High Voltage changed its name to Baha Men. And although membership has changed over the years, Taylor’s mentorship and leadership kept the band together, leading to success and numerous awards.

Among their many accomplishments are several awards, including a Grammy Award in 2000, two Billboard Music Awards that same year and two Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards in 2000 and 2002. Several of Baha Men’s songs have been used in several major motion pictures.

Taylor is among several others who have snagged nominations at this year Elevation Awards. Leading the list of nominees is Bahamian gospel hip-hop artist Najie Dunn with seven nominations, including Male Artist, Gospel Artist and Hip-Hop Artist of the Year. He is followed by gospel hip-hop artist Eman with five nominations, and Wendi, TonAsh, Judah Da Lion,

Timico Sawyer “Sawyer Boy” with four nominations each, including Female Artist, Male Artist, Contemporary Song, Hip-Hop Artist, Entertainer and Sketch Comedian of the Year respectively.

Also, Dyson Knight, Patrice Murrell, Bodine, Charisa, Rik Carey, Chase Fernander, Cara T Newton, Ricardo Clarke, Jaquay Adderley and Latoya Dean received three nominations each. The recent nominee release event was hosted by Fay and PeeJae Fuego.

The Trailblazer Award recipient is Andrew “Drew Harmony” Gardiner III, co-founder and president of The Music Project and Artist Cave International. The For the Culture Award recipient is Tim Daniels, founder and organiser of the SoundWaves festival and showcase.

The Elevation Awards team has also added 10 new categories to the lineup this year, including Soca Song of the Year, Party DJ of the Year, TV Commercial of the Year, Gospel Collaboration of the Year, Sketch Comedian of the Year, Fashion Designer of the Year. More categories were also added to the Caribbean region segment, such as: Caribbean Artist of the Year, Caribbean Gospel Song of

MUSIC icon Isaiah Taylor will receive the Ronnie Butler Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2020 Elevation Awards. the Year, Caribbean Gospel Music Video of the Year, Caribbean Music Video of the Year, bringing the total to 37 categories.

“This year for the Elevation Awards we changed our voting process. The award show now has membership body of creative minds that make up the entertainment industry in the Caribbean. This membership body...contributes to who receives an award through several rounds of voting,” said vice president of Operations, Tyra Foulkes.

The Caribbean nominees include: Machel Montano, Kes, Destra, Patrice Roberts Koffee, Farmer Nappy, Nailah Blackman, Sherwin Gardner, Positive, and others.

The Elevation Awards is a production of the Islacom Network which hosts the annual event created and established by entertainment and music mogul Vince “V-Mac” McDonald Jr to celebrate achievements by individuals in music, art, sports, communitybuilding and other fields of entertainment over the past year.

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Friday, February 14, 2020

TheFashionWeekend Report Special –

92nd Academy Awards With Karin Herig and Cara Hunt

Bold in Gold FAIL

Sandra Oh (”Killing Eve”) in Elie Saab Karin says: “In a way I admire how big and bold it is, but in the end I have to admit, it’s just hideous. As if that bow and the oversized sleeves weren’t bad enough, the ruffled flowers are the hem finish it off completely.”

Cara says: “This dress just has so much going on!

Either the sleeves or the hem needed to go; it’s just too crowded. I would have been fine with a sleeveless version of this dress without the dated fluffiness.”

FAIL

Snazzy in Silver HIT

Scarlett Johansson (”Marriage Story”) in Oscar de la Renta Karin says: “This might be one of my fave looks of the night. I love the construction of the bodice. It’s deceptively simple, yet so effective. The whole gown just looks like someone poured silver all over her.”

Cara says: “I love everything about it. The colour is light, but it still works with her skin tone. And the subtle sheerness at her midriff is just the right amount. With her soft updo, she looks like a modern version of a 1950s movie star.”

HIT

Janelle Monáe (”Antebellum”) in Ralph Lauren Karin says: “This another favourite. I love it how she’s channelling a glamorous knight in chain mail.

Apparently it took more than 600 hours to make, but I think it was worth it. I absolutely love that she went with the unusual choice of a hood and big A-line skirt.”

Cara says: “She looks like a silver princess. This is so unique and just suits her personality. It’s dramatic, but not overpowering. And it’s definitely different than any of the other more traditional gowns of the night.”

(Photos/Jordan Strauss/Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Billy Porter (”Pose”) in Giles Deacon Karin says: “The skirt’s pattern is apparently blown up photographs of Kensington Palace’s Cupola Room. Which is unique and interesting.

But I just feel Billy is losing some of his impact.

It’s now expected of him to go big and dramatic, and it’s just seeming a little too try-hard.”

Cara says: “Billy is determined to turn heads and have a good time while doing it. This is someone who is all about the party. That said, I love both these pieces individually; they are both fabulous. However, together they clash.”

• Continues on pages 14, 15

16 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, February 14, 2020

TheFashionWeekend Report Special –

92nd Academy Awards

With Karin Herig and Cara Hunt

• Continued from pages 14, 15

Mismatched FAIL

Saoirse Ronan (”Little Women”) in Gucci Karin says: “I thought about it and thought about it, but I’m still confused. I just don’t understand. It’s like two dresses accidentally got sewn together. It’s a true Frankenstein dress, even down to being just half a peplum dress. Nothing works here, absolutely nothing.”

Cara says: “This dress started off with so much potential. I like the black and cream top, but what was the point of the lilac skirt? This is ‘How Not to Colour Block at the Oscars 101’. It seems she intentionally made the effort to confuse us.”

FAIL

Plain Bizarre Fail

Kristen Wiig (”Wonder Woman 1984”) in Valentino Karin says: “People are calling this the ‘lasagna’ dress because of the ruffles. I think she looks more like a bright red sea creature, maybe an anemone.

Either way, it’s awful (the long black gloves don’t help). At least it got her a lot of attention, even if it’s in the form of jokes and internet memes.”

Cara says: “Some brilliant person online referred to this dress as a glamorous lasagna sheet, and that is so perfect I won’t even add anything else. She had to have worn this as a joke, there can be no other explanation. I don’t accept anything else.”

FAIL

Olivia Colman (”The Crown”) in Stella McCartney Karin says: “I love her, but she has the worst taste. This is a blue velvet monstrosity. Even uglier in motion. Yes, the sleeves with the big buttons are unusual, but they are also ugly. And I hate her new bleached blonde hair.”

Cara says: “Olivia, you are too talented to wear dresses like this. Save that for the B-list actresses. This dress is just ugly with a capital ‘U’. There is nothing redeemable about it. It’s not even eccentric.”

(Photos/Jordan Strauss/Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Gal Gadot (”Wonder Woman 1984”) in Givenchy Karin says: “This is mismatched as well when it comes to materials and styles, but this is much more palatable. Still, I’m not crazy about it. The sheer black lace has been done to death and the big pink skirt which looks like it was made from curtains doesn’t make it that special. Also, why the red lipstick?”

Cara says: “This is a mess. Black and pink is usually one of my favourite colour combos, but the fabrics don’t blend at all. It’s just way too busy and confusing. A hot mess, sadly, and it’s not even dramatic or unique. It looks cheap.”

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Friday, February 14, 2020

MUSIC

R&B dreams come through

By CARA HUNT | Tribune Features Writer | cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

M

usic has always been a saving grace for 25-yearold Simmy T Williams. It has helped her overcome disappointments, and more importantly, has helped with dealing with her grief after the death of her mother.

The Bahamian recording artist, whose professional name is Shay Solo, told Tribune Weekend: “I’m not sure how I would have made it without music. Life was rough after the passing of my mother. I was presented with a music opportunity in New York, but (fresh out of high school) I couldn’t afford a ticket to get there. I drowned myself in music, it always took me to a better place.

All my worries went away.

It’s my comfort; music has always been my escape from reality.”

Shay has been singing since the third grade when she performed for the first time at her school’s talent show.

“I received a lot of compliments after the show. To have people telling me how good I am, it really triggered something in me to keep pursuing music,” she said.

Growing up in a religious household with her mother, stepfather and siblings also presented her the opportunity to lead the church choir and praise and worship on Youth Sunday.

And while music has always been a passion, when it came time for a career, she initially went a different route – into the healthcare field.

Shay got her Personal Care Aide Certification because she wanted to help people as best she could.

R&B artist Shay Solo

“It’s my comfort; music has always been my escape from reality.”

However, she still felt unfulfilled.

“After getting my PCA certification I was excited to work as a healthcare provider, but there was always a void. I liked my job, but I didn’t love my job. I didn’t feel the same passion or fulfilment at work like how I would feel when I’m performing a song. In the shower or even watching a show, words and melodies would start forming in my head, then ‘boom!’, a new hook. There’s no escaping it.

I know this is my calling so

I will continue to pursue my dreams. This journey has not been easy for me but I love the path.”

After making the decision to pursue her love for music, her career started to take off and she stepped into the spotlight in 2018 with her song “Expectations.”

“The song was positively embraced which lead to the song to be playlisted on local radio stations including Kiss FM and online radio,” said the artist who describes her music style as “sexy R&B”.

Last month, she released her latest single, “High”, which will also be featured on her new EP set to debut in April.

“I want to inspire people to follow their dreams like I’m following mine. It’s not easy, but you have to keep pushing,” she said.

Top 10 R&B singles 1. Blinding Lights by The Weeknd 2. Know Your Worth by Khalid & Disclosure 3. Rise Up by Andra Day 4. Heartless by The Weeknd 5. Say So by Doja Cat 6. Sunday Best by Surfaces 7. Comfortable by H.E.R. 8. P*$$Y Fairy (OTW) by Jhené Aiko 9. Conversations in the Dark by John Legend 10. Slide (featuring YG) by H.E.R.

18| The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, February 14, 2020

music

Landlord becomes first Bahamian considered for Stellar Awards

By CARA HUNT | Tribune Features Writer | cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

G

ospel artist Landlord recently made history by becoming the first Bahamian to make the first round cuts for nominations for the prestigious Stellar Gospel Music Awards.

Born Orlando Francis in Nassau, on August 4 1974, he grew up in extreme poverty and was given his nickname because he could execute street gymnastics without shoes on, thus earning him the moniker ‘Lord of the Land’ or ‘Landlord’.

He is known for his hit songs such as “Father Forgive Them”,”It was Only You” “Eagles’ Wings” and “We Need Peace”.

He has a radio show that is broadcast on almost 60 radio stations around the world and was up for the Radio Announcer of the Tear title.

“I made the first ballot, but didn’t make the second ballot (for the Stellar Awards).

Some that folks, they would be disappointed, but I’m not. I

GOSPEL artist Landlord am so blessed and so grateful, just seeing them noticing me and my value and what I bring to the table speaks volumes.

They said a person from out of

the Caribbean has never been nominated in that category. I made history, a barefoot boy coming from a small island,” he told Tribune Weekend.

The Stellar Awards are presented by the Stellar Awards Gospel Music Academy (SAGMA) to recognise

BIEBER SAYS FEAR LED HIM TO STAY AWAY FROM MUSIC NEW YORK (AP) — Justin Bieber admits getting back in the studio to record his first album in five years wasn’t easy.

“I was dealing with a lot of fear,” the singer told Zane Lowe in an interview with Apple Music, to be released last Saturday. “Just was afraid of, at that point, just even the process; what am I going to talk

about again, is it gonna be received.

I’m starting to compare with other artists.”

Bieber releases his first album of new music since 2015 on Friday with “Changes,” the follow-up to his Grammy-winning, multiplatinum album “Purpose.” While he married Hailey Baldwin last year, Bieber has also talked about enduring several

JUSTIN Bieber and Hailey Baldwin (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) challenges in the past few years, including dealing with depression, recovering from past drug use and

achievements in the gospel music industry.

The annual presentation ceremony features performances by prominent gospel artists. The Stellars are the first of the big two major gospel music awards held annually in the US. To be considered for the awards, artist names must be submitted by an industry peer.

The voting process for narrowing down the final nominees consists of two separate ballots. The first-round ballot includes eligible entries as determined by the nominating committee of SAGMA. Top entries for each category from the first ballot will move forward to the final ballot.

During the final voting process, the general public, including fans, are the voting body for the second and final ballot to determine the Stellar Award winners.

This year’s award presentation take place in Las Vegas, Nevada on Friday, March 27, 2020.

contracting Lyme disease, which he says seriously affected his health.

Bieber says it wasn’t until he performed on stage with Ariana Grande last year at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and received an ovation that he got a “boost of confidence.”

“It kind of reminded me ... this is what I do, this is what I’m good at, and I don’t need to run away from it,” he said.

He said: “When something’s hard, it’s almost like we need to run towards the pain and run toward the hurt rather than run away from it. I think you get kind of healing when it comes to that.”

The Tribune | Weekend | 19

Friday, February 14, 2020

FRIDAY 2/14

• ‘Foxy Ladies’ film premiere Time: 6pm (encore at 7.30pm) Venue: UB Performing Arts Centre In this romantic comedy, the ladies show who’s boss in their relationships. Tickets are $15 and available from Eventbrite.

• Valenteenie – Dinner and a Movie Time: 7pm - 1am

The Tribune Established 1903

Venue: Fusion Superplex Kids 12 and under can enjoy two movies – Sonic The Hedgehog and Disney’s The Lady and The Tramp and a meal for $30.

• Cruise & Cuddles – Jatonde’s ‘Quiet Storm on the Sea’ Time: 7.30pm Venue: Blackbeard’s Revenge, Pioneer’s Dock Sail the seas for Valentine’s Day with 100 Jamz’ Jatonde “The Thunderman” as host joined by DJ Xcitement. General admission is $35; VIP is $50.

• Rake n’ Scrape Raw – Valentine’s Edition Time: 8pm - 2am Venue: J-Line Fitness, Shirley Street A new mid-month mobile event showcasing authentic rake n’ scrape bands from across the Bahamas. This time, the musicians will be raking and scraping in the name of love. Live

|100 Jamz | Y98

What's going on this Being Bound To Swear To The Dogmas Of No Master

weekend

performance by the Scorch Conch Band.

• Galentine’s Night Time: 8.30pm Venue: Girl on Pole Dance Studio A Valentine’s Day event mainly the single girls.

Enjoy delicious signature drinks, live performances, massages, dance demos, all while you win fun prizes.

Tickets are $45.

Editior’s Voice

• Laughfest 2020 Time: 9pm Venue: Atlantis Theatre Hosted by the “Bahamian King of Comedy” Naughty, the two-night event will feature Aries Spears (”MAD TV”, “The Best Damn Sports Show Period”) and Friends, Barbara Carlyle (”Apollo Comedy Hour”, “BET’s Comic View”), and Jason Andors (”Comedy Central’s Premium Blend”). Tickets are $50.

SATURDAY

• Evolve Fitness Open House Time: 8.30am - 1pm Venue: Evolve Fitness, Montrose Avenue Try out all the classes for free during the event and receive discounts if your sign up for membership.

• SMAC-O-MANIA – St Matthew’s Anglican Church Fair Time: 12noon - until Venue: Beach Soccer Stadium A fete, a fair and a steakout all in one. Enjoy all-day entertainment by Ira Storr, Anita Ellis and the Roots Junkanoo group. There will be bingo, a kiddies corner, games and more. In addition to steak and chicken dinners there will be crab n’ dough, crab n’ rice, conch, fish, and even pancakes, roasted corn, hot dogs, cakes and pastries. Souse will be available from 7am.

Entry is $1.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY

• Bahama Mamas and Korean Dramas Time: 6pm Venue: Venture Coworking, #17 Rosetta Street All-you-can-drink wine and soft drinks. Snack and relax in sweat pants and watch the hit South Korean TV show “Boys over Flowers”, based on the popular Japanese shōjo manga series of the same name.

Tickets are $30.

• Sip & Safari Time: 6pm - 10pm Venue: Ardastra Gardens Enjoy live music, cocktails and food for the year’s first Sip & Safari. Tickets are $10 and proceeds go to the zoo’s animal rehabilitation programmes.

• St Matthew’s Teen Glow in the Dark Fete

Time: 7pm - 11pm Venue: Beach Soccer Stadium Following a day at the St Matthew’s Anglican Church fair, have fun while you glow in the dark with music

by DJ GetitRight. Glow paraphernalia will be on sale.

• Date Night Time: 9pm Venue: Prive Ultra Lounge, Elizabeth Avenue The “ultimate Valentine’s Day party” with Selecta Fawteen, DJ Chris and featuring the Unruly DJs. Admission is free until 11pm; $10 for women and $15 for men afterwards.

Ladies get a free glass of sparkling wine.

SUNDAY

• Valentine High Tea Time: 3pm - 5pm Venue: Doongalik Studios, Village Road This is Doongalik’s first monthly tea event. It will feature unique Bahamian teas by Naturally Bahamian, sweet and savoury baked goods by Mu’ Dough, a fashion show by the Craft Cottage, and music by DJ Ampero. Tickets are $25 and available at Doongalik.

• Valentine’s After Party Time: 4.30pm - 8pm Venue: Goombay House, Queen’s Street Wrap up the Valentine’s weekend with some dancing, mingling and sipping Bailey’s. Everyone is invited – singles, married couples – to this evening of food tasting, an open bar, and live DJ. Plus, you have a chance to win a day away with the swimming pigs with Exuma Escapes. This is event is hosted by Ashley Swaby and powered by Bailey’s. Tickets are $50.

20 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, February 14, 2020

literary lives Robert Browning

Following the Pied Piper through the ages Sir Christopher Ondaatje writes about the English poet and playwright whose mastery of dramatic monologue made him one of the foremost Victorian poets – but whose reputation today rests largely on poetry he wrote in his middle years characterising dark humour, historical events, and social commentary.

R

OBERT BROWNING was born on May 7, 1812, in Camberwell, Surrey – the only son of Sarah Anne (née Wiedemann) and Robert Browning – a well-paid clerk in the Bank of England. His grandfather was a slave-owner in Saint Kitts, West Indies.

developed and they travelled to Italy where in 1846 they married, and lived in Florence until she died of consumption in 1861.

Browning is now popularly known for his poems “Porphyria’s Lover”; “My Last Duchess”; “How They Brought the Good News from Ghent to Aix”, and the extraordinary poem “The Pied Piper of Hamelin” (1842) – which is the subject of this article.

A perennial favourite in the English-speaking world, Browning composed “The Pied Piper of Hamelin” as a gift for the son of his friend and benefactor William Macready. The poem was published later in the author’s “Dramatic Lyrics” (1842).

Reputedly a retelling of a medieval legend, the poem tells the story of civic venality, and retribution, surrounding a piper hired by the citizens of Hamelin to rid the town of Browning’s father, too, was sent out to the West Indies to work on a sugar plantation, but due to a slave revolt there he returned to England and became a forceful abolitionist.

He was a collector, amassing over 6,000 books and thus his son was raised in a household of significant literary resources.

Among Browning’s best known works are: “Men and Women” (1855); “The Ring and the Book” (1868-1869); “Dramatic Personae” (1864); “Dramatic Idylls” (1879-1880), and “Asolando” (1889).

In 1845 Browning met the poet Elizabeth Barrett, six years his elder, who lived as a semi-invalid in her father’s house in Wimpole Street, London. A romance

ROBERT Browning (1812 – 1889)

The Tribune | Weekend | 21

Friday, February 14, 2020

rats. Generations have since delighted in Browning’s cautionary tale, which – due to the author’s inventive wordplay, engaging characters, and moralistic message – has become ensconced as a canonical work of children’s literature.

The earliest known record of the extraordinary story of “The Pied Piper of Hamelin” is from the town of Hamelin itself, depicted in a stained glass window created for the church, which dates around 1300. The window was described in several accounts between the 14th and 17th centuries.

It was destroyed in 1660. A modern reconstruction of the window was created by historian Hans Dobbertin in memory of the tragic historical event in the town. The window depicts the figure of the Pied (wearing multicoloured clothing) Piper and several figures of children dressed in white.

The town of Hamelin was suffering from a rat infestation in 1284, and the earliest written record of the event is from the town’s chronicles in an entry dated 1384, which states: “It is 100 years since our children left.”

Although research has been conducted for centuries, no actual explanation for the historical event is universally accepted as the truth.

The plague of rats seems to have been added to the story in a version from 1559 and is absent from earlier accounts.

There are many, many theories about what happened in Hamelin. One suggests that the children died of disease and that the Piper was a symbolic figure of death. Other theories suggest that the children did indeed drown in the River Weser or succumbed to the plague epidemic caused by rats.

Another interpretation is that the children were lured away by a pagan sect to the forests of Coppenbridge (the poetic “Koppen Hills” mentioned in Browning’s verse).

Yet another speculation given by Wolfgang Mieder in his book “Pied Piper: A Handbook” suggests that people from the area, including Hamelin, helped settle part of Transylvania – which had suffered under lengthy Mongol invasions of Central Europe in the early 13th century.

However, a far more likely aspect of the emigration theory is posted by the official website from the town of Hamelin.

“Among the various interpretations, reference to the colonisation of East Europe starting from Low Germany is the most plausible one: The ‘children

PORTRAITS of Robert Browning and his wife Elizabeth Barrett Browning, an acclaimed poet in her own right.

ONE of prevailing theories about the history behind the “Pied Piper” is that citizens – called “children of the town of Hamelin” – willingly left their homes in Low Germany (A) in the 1200s to settle in the what was then Moravia, East Prussia, Pomerania. The rats were first added to the story in in 1559. (Image: Google Maps) of Hamelin’ would have been in those days citizens willing to emigrate being recruited by landowners to settle in Moravia, East Prussia, Pomerania or in the Teutonic Lands. It is assumed that in past times all people of a town were referred to as ‘children of the town’ or ‘town children’ as is frequently done today. The ‘legend of the children’s exodus’ was later connected to the ‘legend of expelling the rats’. This most certainly refers to the rat plagues being a great threat in the medieval milling

town and the more or less successful professional rat catchers.”

In support of the emigration theory, linguist Professor Jürgen Udolph of the University of Leipzig offers this hypothesis:

“After the defeat of the Danes at the Battle of Bornhöved in 1227, the region south of the Baltic Sea, which was then inhabited by Slavs, became available for colonisation by the Germans. The bishops and dukes of Pomerania,

Brandenburg, Uckermark and Prignitz sent out medieval recruitment officers, offering rich rewards to those willing to move to the new lands. Thousands of young adults from Lower Saxony and Westphalia headed east.”

Professor Udolph supports the hypothesis that the Hamelin youths wound up in what is now Poland.

He confirms that 130 “children” did vanish on a June day in 1284 from the German village of Hamelin. He found that the same surnames occur with amazing frequency in the regions of Prignitz and Uckermark, both north of Berlin, and the same surnames in the former Pomeranian region, which is now part of Poland. Udolph surmises that:

“...the ‘children’ were actually unemployed youths who had been sucked into the German drive to colonise its new settlements in Eastern Europe. The Pied Piper may never have existed as such, but there were characters known as ‘lokators’ who roamed northern Germany trying to recruit settlers for the East. Some of them were brightly dressed, and all were silver tongued.”

Professor Udolph shows too that the Hamelin exodus should be linked to the Battle of Bornhöved in 1227 which broke the Danish hold on Eastern Europe. That opened the way for German colonisation. Many youths moved to Brandenburg and Pomerania in what is now northwestern Poland.

Local Polish telephone books list names that are not typical Slavic names that one would expect in that region.

Instead many seem to be derived from German names that were common in the village of Hamelin: Hamel, Hamler and Hamelnikow – all apparently derived from the name of the original village.

Robert Browning may never have known about the historical theories of emigration from the little town of Hamelin in medieval Germany, but he has turned the story of “The Pied Piper of Hamelin” into a brilliant children’s story in the form of a poem. The rhythm is even, constant and simple, and it is one of Browning’s longest poems, notable for its playfulness. It uses a delightful and simple rhyme scheme, and the length of each stanza varies so that the story’s rhythm is constantly changing. Most of all, the turn over poem follows the classic fairy tale of the Pied

22 | The Tribune | Weekend

Piper, keeping to the same two morals.

The first is: “If we’ve promised them aught, let us keep our promise!”

The second moral appears in the penultimate stanza: “A text which says that Heaven’s Gate opens to the Rich at as easy a rate as the needle’s eye takes a camel in!”

This paraphrase of the biblical verse makes wealth and holiness mutually exclusive, and suggests that concerns with worldly goods – money and power – will pollute a person – if not the entire community.

Browning lived in an age of European revolutions, and he wrote his lovely children’s poem contemporary to his Victorian period.

The present day city of Hamelin continues to maintain information about the Pied Piper legend and its possible origins. In 2009 Hamelin held a tourist festival to mark the 725th anniversary of the disappearance of the children.

Even to this day it is prohibited to play music or to dance on the Bungelosenstrasse (“street without drums”), the street where the children were to have last been seen before they disappeared and left the town for ever.

The Pied Piper of Hamelin

Hamelin Town’s in Brunswick, By famous Hanover city; The river Weser, deep and wide, Washes its wall on the southern side; A pleasanter spot you never spied; But, when begins my ditty, Almost five hundred years ago, To see the townsfolk suffer so From vermin, was a pity.

Rats!

They fought the dogs, and killed the cats, And bit the babies in the cradles, And ate the cheeses out of the vats, And licked the soup from the cooks’ own ladles, Split open the kegs of salted sprats, Made nests inside men’s Sunday hats, And even spoiled the women’s chats By drowning their speaking With shrieking and squeaking In fifty different sharps and flats.

At last the people in a body To the Town Hall came flocking: ‘Tis clear,” cried they, “our Mayor’s a noddy; And as for our Corporation — shocking To think we buy gowns lined with ermine For dolts that can’t or won’t determine What’s like to rid us of our vermin!

Friday, February 14, 2020

Rouse up, Sirs! Give your brains a racking To find the remedy we’re lacking, Or, sure as fate, we’ll send you packing!”

At this the Mayor and Corporation Quaked with a mighty consternation.

An hour they sat in council, At length the Mayor broke silence: For a guilder I’d my ermine gown sell; I wish I were a mile hence!

It’s easy to bid one rack one’s brain I’m sure my poor head aches again I’ve scratched it so, and all in vain.

Oh for a trap, a trap, a trap!

Just as he said this, what should hap At the chamber door but a gentle tap?

“Bless us,” cried the Mayor, “what’s that?”

(With the Corporation as he sat, Looking little though wondrous fat); Nor brighter was his eye, nor moister Than a too-long-opened oyster, Save when at noon his paunch grew mutinous For a plate of turtle green and glutinous) Only a scraping of shoes on the mat?

Anything like the sound of a rat Makes my heart go pit-a-pat!

“Come in!” - the Mayor cried, looking bigger: And in did come the strangest figure!

His queer long coat from heel to head Was half of yellow and half of red; And he himself was tall and thin, With sharp blue eyes, each like a pin, And light loose hair, yet swarthy skin, No tuft on cheek nor beard on chin, But lips where smiles went out and in; There was no guessing his kith and kin!

And nobody could enough admire The tall man and his quaint attire: Quoth one: “It’s as my great-grandsire, Starting up at the Trump of Doom’s tone, Had walked this way from his painted tombstone!”

He advanced to the council-table: And, “Please your honours,” said he, “I’m able, By means of a secret charm, to draw All creatures living beneath the sun, That creep, or swim, or fly, or run, After me so as you never saw!

And I chiefly use my charm On creatures that do people harm, The mole, and toad, and newt, and viper; And people call me the Pied Piper.”

(And here they noticed round his neck A scarf of red and yellow stripe, To match with his coat of the self-same cheque; And at the scarf’s end hung a pipe; And his fingers, they noticed, were ever straying As if impatient to be playing Upon this pipe, as low it dangled Over his vesture so old-fangled.)

“Yet,” said he, “poor piper as I am, In Tartary I freed the Cham, Last June, from his huge swarms of gnats; I eased in Asia the Nizam Of a monstrous brood of vampyre-bats: And, as for what your brain bewilders, If I can rid your town of rats Will you give me a thousand guilders?”

“One? fifty thousand!” - was the exclamation Of the astonished Mayor and Corporation.

Into the street the Piper stept, Smiling first a little smile, As if he knew what magic slept In his quiet pipe the while; Then, like a musical adept, To blow the pipe his lips he wrinkled, And green and blue his sharp eyes twinkled, Like a candle-flame where salt is sprinkled; And ere three shrill notes the pipe uttered, You heard as if an army muttered; And the muttering grew to a grumbling; And the grumbling grew to a mighty rumbling; And out of the houses the rats came tumbling.

Great rats, small rats, lean rats, brawny rats, Brown rats, black rats, grey rats, tawny rats, Grave old plodders, gay young friskers, Fathers, mothers, uncles, cousins, Cocking tails and pricking whiskers, Families by tens and dozens, Brothers, sisters, husbands, wives — Followed the Piper for their lives.

From street to street he piped advancing, And step for step they followed dancing, Until they came to the river Weser Wherein all plunged and perished Save one who, stout as Julius Caesar, Swam across and lived to carry (As he, the manuscript he cherished) To Rat-land home his commentary, Which was, “At the first shrill notes of the pipe, I heard a sound as of scraping tripe, And putting apples, wondrous ripe, Into a cider-press’s gripe: And a moving away of pickle-tub-boards, And a leaving ajar of conserve-cupboards, And a drawing the corks of train-oil-flasks, And a breaking the hoops of butter-casks; And it seemed as if a voice (Sweeter than by harp or by psaltery Is breathed) called out, ‘Oh rats, rejoice!

The world is grown to one vast drysaltery!

‘So munch on, crunch on, take your nuncheon,

‘Breakfast, supper, dinner, luncheon!’

And just as one bulky sugar-puncheon, All ready staved, like a great sun shone Glorious scarce an inch before me, Just as methought it said, ‘Come, bore me!’

- I found the Weser rolling o’er me.”

You should have heard the Hamelin people Ringing the bells till they rocked the steeple; “Go,” cried the Mayor, “and get long poles!

Poke out the nests and block up the holes!

Consult with carpenters and builders, And leave in our town not even a trace Of the rats!” - when suddenly up the face Of the Piper perked in the market-place, With a, “First, if you please, my thousand guilders!”

A thousand guilders! The Mayor looked blue; So did the Corporation too.

For council dinners made rare havoc With Claret, Moselle, Vin-de-Grave, Hock; And half the money would replenish Their cellar’s biggest butt with Rhenish.

To pay this sum to a wandering fellow With a gipsy coat of red and yellow!

“Beside,” quoth the Mayor with a knowing wink, “Our business was done at the river’s brink; We saw with our eyes the vermin sink, And what’s dead can’t come to life, I think.

So, friend, we’re not the folks to shrink From the duty of giving you something for drink, And a matter of money to put in your poke; But, as for the guilders, what we spoke Of them, as you very well know, was in joke.

Beside, our losses have made us thrifty; A thousand guilders! Come, take fifty!”

The Piper’s face fell, and he cried, “No trifling! I can’t wait, beside!

I’ve promised to visit by dinner time Baghdad, and accept the prime Of the Head Cook’s pottage, all he’s rich in, For having left, in the Caliph’s kitchen, Of a nest of scorpions no survivor: With him I proved no bargain-driver, With you, don’t think I’ll bate a stiver!

And folks who put me in a passion May find me pipe after another fashion.”

“How?” cried the Mayor, “d’ye think I’ll brook Being worse treated than a Cook?

Insulted by a lazy ribald With idle pipe and vesture piebald?

You threaten us, fellow? Do your worst,

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Friday, February 14, 2020

A 1592 painting of the Pied Piper based on a stained glass window at the Market Church in Hamelin’s town centre.

THE PIED Piper’s House or Rattenfängerhaus (”Rat Catcher’s House”) is named after an inscription on its side which describes the departure of the Hamelin children on June 26 1284.

The house still stands today in Hamelin.

Blow your pipe there till you burst!”

Once more he stept into the street; And to his lips again Laid his long pipe of smooth straight cane; And ere he blew three notes (such sweet Soft notes as yet musician’s cunning Never gave th’enraptured air) There was a rustling that seem’d like a bustling Of merry crowds justling at pitching and hustling, Small feet were pattering, wooden shoes clattering, Little hands clapping, and little tongues chattering, And, like fowls in a farm-yard when barley is scattering, Out came the children running.

All the little boys and girls, With rosy cheeks and flaxen curls, And sparkling eyes and teeth like pearls, Tripping and skipping, ran merrily after The wonderful music with shouting and laughter.

The Mayor was dumb, and the Council stood As if they were changed into blocks of wood, Unable to move a step, or cry To the children merrily skipping by, And could only follow with the eye That joyous crowd at the Piper’s back.

But how the Mayor was on the rack, And the wretched Council’s bosoms beat, As the Piper turned from the High Street To where the Weser rolled its waters Right in the way of their sons and daughters!

However he turned from South to West, And to Coppelburg Hill his steps addressed, And after him the children pressed; Great was the joy in every breast.

“He never can cross that mighty top!

He’s forced to let the piping drop, And we shall see our children stop!”

When, lo, as they reached the mountain’s side, A wondrous portal opened wide, As if a cavern was suddenly hollowed; And the Piper advanced and the children follow’d, And when all were in to the very last, The door in the mountain side shut fast.

Did I say, all? No! One was lame, And could not dance the whole of the way; And in after years, if you would blame His sadness, he was used to say, “It’s dull in our town since my playmates left!

I can’t forget that I’m bereft Of all the pleasant sights they see, Which the Piper also promised me; For he led us, he said, to a joyous land, Joining the town and just at hand, Where waters gushed and fruit-trees grew, And flowers put forth a fairer hue, And every thing was strange and new; The sparrows were brighter than peacocks here, And their dogs outran our fallow deer, And honey-bees had lost their stings, And horses were born with eagles’ wings: And just as I became assured My lame foot would be speedily cured, The music stopped and I stood still,

And found myself outside the Hill, Left alone against my will, To go now limping as before, And never hear of that country more!”

Alas, alas for Hamelin!

There came into many a burgher’s pate A text which says that Heaven’s Gate Opes to the Rich at as easy a rate As the needle’s eye takes a camel in!

The Mayor sent East, West, North, and South, To offer the Piper, by word of mouth, Wherever it was men’s lot to find him, Silver and gold to his heart’s content, If he’d only return the way he went, And bring the children behind him.

But when they saw ‘twas a lost endeavour, And Piper and dancers were gone for ever, They made a decree that lawyers never Should think their records dated duly If, after the day of the month and year, These words did not as well appear, “And so long after what happened here On the Twenty-second of July, Thirteen hundred and Seventy-six:” And the better in memory to fix The place of the children’s last retreat, They called it, The Pied Piper’s Street Where any one playing on pipe or tabor’ Was sure for the future to lose his labour.

Nor suffered they hostelry or tavern To shock with mirth a street so solemn; But opposite the place of the cavern They wrote the story on a column, And on the great church window painted The same, to make the world acquainted How their children were stolen away; And there it stands to this very day.

And I must not omit to say That in Transylvania there’s a tribe Of alien people who ascribe The outlandish ways and dress On which their neighbours lay such stress To their fathers and mothers having risen Out of some subterraneous prison Into which they were trepanned Long time ago in a mighty band Out of Hamelin town in Brunswick land, But how or why, they don’t understand.

So, Willy, let you and me be wipers Of scores out with all men - especially pipers: And, whether they pipe us from rats or from mice, If we’ve promised them aught, let us keep our promise.

NEXT WEEK: A brilliant American composer whose witty scores became standards on Broadway and in the movies.

• Sir Christopher Ondaatje is the author of The Last Colonial. He acknowledges that he has quoted liberally from Encyclopædia Britannica; Wikipedia; The Pied Piper: A Handbook by Wolfgang Mieder; and some writings by the linguist Jürgen Udolph (University of Leipzig) introduced

by Ursula Saulter.

24 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, February 14, 2020

JEWELLERY

The stylish way to get intimate

By ALESHA CADET | Tribune Features writer | acadet@tribunemedia.net

A

llia M Dean is about to celebrate an important milestone: she and her jewellery company have been in business for almost a decade. After so many years, she felt it was time to take her relationship with her clientele to the next level.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, her brand, Always by Alia M Dean, is offering intimate jewellery for those most private parts.

It’s all part of Allia’s quest to be innovative and break new ground.

Her new “Intimates” line is a collection of handmade, non-piercing intimate jewellery for both men and women.

“I remain open and innovative in regards to what is in demand and how I can best stay current in my offerings. Always started out with standard jewellery pieces – necklace and earring sets, rings, bracelets – and has now blossomed into jewellery-making events, classes, collection launch showcases, bridal attire, menswear, and our newest addition: handmade mature jewellery apparel,” she told Tribune Weekend.

This “mature” collection, she added, targets newlyweds and married couples.

“The products range from nipple cuffs and petals, to belly button rings and various body chains and more.

Pieces can be customised to your liking, incorporating natural stones, colours and themes. We have also incorporated beach-inspired pieces where our very own Bahamian natural resources like sea shells and sea glass are integrated in the collection,” said Allia.

LAVENDER nipple cuffs

JEWELLERY designer Allia M Dean

“With the Always ‘Intimates’ selection the sense of touch is evoked, and what better way to transfer energy and love. When persons make purchases they will have a loved one in mind. They will want to either wear the pieces or gift them to someone that will. I think this is a new and exciting, not to mention, a Bahamian product breaking grounds in several markets: the local market, the novelty market, and the wedding and honeymoon market.”

Allia said she’s been sitting on the idea to create a line of intimate jewellery since she earned her Garment Manufacturing Certification from the Minjiang University in Fuzhou, China, in 2015. And now the time was finally right. “‘Intimates’...marries well with our wedding collection launched Fall/Winter 2018.

All pieces are non-allergenic, non-tarnishable. They have a copper core which is good for blood circulation.

There is a variety of semiprecious stones, all natural Bahamian material like sea shells and sea glass and/or crystals incorporated in each piece,” she said.

These jewellery pieces, she said, perfectly fit her motto for the line: “Bring the Romance!”

“I have realised that I am not getting any younger and life is precious. I always wanted to leave behind something tangible, something representative of the legacy I am currently building, and I cannot do it alone.

I am working earnestly to form and solidify a team of trustworthy, positive individuals to catapult this vision beyond 2020,” said Allia.

The Tribune | Weekend | 25

Friday, February 14, 2020

FILM

Review: 'The Photograph' develops nicely into a romantic film THE PHOTOGRAPH | 106 minutes

T

his Valentine’s Day, there’s certain to be the usual flood of candy and flowers. But at your local movie theatre, there’s something increasingly rare: A soulful and adult romantic drama in “The Photograph.”

Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield star as tentative, would-be lovers in modernday New York. He’s a magazine writer on an assignment and she’s a museum curator. They first connect over a photograph of her mother that unlocks mom’s backstory, set in 1980s Louisiana. That’s another plus for the film: Value — not one but two love stories.

Written and directed by Stella Meghie, the film is a gentle and attentive inter-generational tale with a first-rate cast. To the always-charged romantic question “Do I love this stranger?” it adds another equally fraught query: “Am I becoming my mom?”

Lakeith (FX’s “Atlanta”) plays Michael as a coiled, watchful and smouldering hunk who seems to be acting from deep within his guts.

He’s just as likely to flee as he is of cuddling. Rae’s Mae is luminous and charismatic, with wide eyes that convey so many emotions. When Rae (HBO’s “Insecure”) bursts

into a laugh, she seems to tap into that joyful, infectious place that Julia Roberts does.

Their initial mating dance is as cute as any rom-com — who’s making the first move?

— before they finally get together and have a meal. And how refreshing it is to hear a debate over who’s the better rapper — Drake or Kendrick Lamar — as the first date conversation?

But Meghie (”The Weekend”) is not interested in a mere rom-com and “ The Photograph “ has miles more heft and depth. She’s interested in exploring how behaviour can be inherited, how ambition can topple personal lives, how we establish patterns in our love life and how bravery in romance can be just about saying what your heart feels.

It turns out that Mae’s estranged mother — a wonderful, haunted Chanté Adams — was a driven photographer who wasn’t always able to convey her feelings. “I wish I was as good at love as I am at working,” she observes.

In death, she leaves behind letters explaining her life, which lead her daughter and her new beau to investigate.

The film takes turns switching eras to tell each woman’s story — from New York’s trendy whiskey bars and the sleek leather couches

Y’LAN NOEL, left, and Chanté Adams in “The Photograph.” (Sabrina Lantos/Universal Pictures via AP)

ISSA Rae as Mae and Lakeith Stanfield as Michael of upscale apartments to the faded grandeur of New Orleans in the 1980s. The filmmakers change film techniques and styles for each venue, deepening an experience that’s also reflected in changing music, time-travelling from Anderson .Paak to Chaka Khan.

As Mae keeps digging, she unpacks more than just her mom’s secrets. “What if I’m just like her?” she asks at one point. Her dad, played

by Courtney B. Vance, tries to help: “She wasn’t just your mother,” he tells her. “She was just a woman with flaws.”

Some of the best scenes are when the daughter unknowingly finds herself following in the same physical footsteps as her mom some 40 years later — the same kitchen, the same darkroom, and even to the same swanky but crumbling New Orleans lounge, up the same winding staircase to cuddle with her own love interest.

Smaller parts in the film are filled with real skill, especially

by Lil Rel Howery, who plays Michael’s brother with what seems a comedian’s effortless lightness, and Y’Lan Noel and Rob Morgan, who each

play the former lover of Mae’s mother in the different eras.

Meghie’s script is very human, respectful of hesitancy and thoughtful without being flashy. “Good things take time to develop,” Michael says at one point, which has a double meaning when it comes to photographs. The camera lovingly comes very close to the faces of our main lovers, allowing two people to quietly show their torn emotions.

This film won us over long before it is revealed that Michael’s longtime goal is to join The Associated Press. (It helped, but no.) We were on board during an early scene in which a powerful storm is battering New York and our new couple must flee to safety. They pack only the most crucial items — including an Al Green record, deemed “essential.” Wise decision.

This Valentine’s Day, make “The Photograph” essential, too.

MARK KENNEDY AP Entertainment Writer

Queued, Cringe, Lotto, Again, Tsunami, Massacre, Yeah. down: Bathrobe, Palm, Weald, Arrears, Strode, Ninja, Thrive, Fester, Laser, Umlaut, Tableau, Trace (clue), Okra, Admonish.

26 | The Tribune | Weekend

tV croSSword

6 RADA 7 Lesley Hornby 8 Sandy Denny 9 The Archers 10 Dinnerladiesin the middle (9)

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TODAY’S TARGET Good 17; very good 25; excellent 34 (or more). Solution tomorrow

Yesterday’s call 0907 181 2585 Sudoku Answer for today’s target solution *Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge.

BATTLESHIPS Across 1 Best part of a collection of horse nails (5,5) 6 The money’s right as well (4) 10 Unfortunately the lady’s upset (5) 11 No good at all for use in a riot (9) 12 You do what you like with it (4,4) 13 The very bottom of a broken drain (5) 15 Variety of red rose seen in church (7) 17 Record-holders (7) 19 Demands its sins be found out (7) 21 The case of the diplomat’s aide (7) 22 Fall into part of the main current (5) 24 A bit over-developed and not at all successful (8) 27 Found to be less habit-forming (9) 28 There may be a few (5) 29 Young leader in wild set makes painful sight (4) 30 Break away from the craft (5,5)

1

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5

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Yesterday’s Easy Solution Across: 1 Tetanus, 5 Cower, 8 With a will, 9 Rip, 10 Rage, 12 Stand out, 14 Profit, 15 Regard, 17 Alsatian, 18 Stag, 21 Run, 22 Guarantee, 24 Erect, 25 Surfeit.

Down: 1 Tower, 2 Tot, 3 Neat, 4 Shifty, 5 Colander, 6 Work of art, 7 Reputed, 11 Good sense, 13 Sit tight, 14 Prairie, 16 Casals, 19 Great, 20 Fair, 23 Tie.

Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution Across: 1 Ordeals, 5 Elbow, 8 Sugar beet, 9 Rod, 10 Trap, 12 Adhesion, 14 Regain, 15 Strand, 17 Sunshade, 18 Pets, 21 Ski, 22 Cigarette, 24 Sharp, 25 Overall.

Down: 1 Onset, 2 Dog, 3 Airs, 4 Steady, 5 Entreaty, 6 Barricade, 7 Widened, 11 Argentina, 13 Nightcap, 14 Resists, 16 Adagio, 19 Swell, 20 Free, 23 Tea.

EASY PUZZLE

Across 1 Likely to happen (2,3,5) 6 Dressed (4) 10 Come up (5) 11 Unrivalled (9) 12 Object of abhorrence (8) 13 A liquid solvent (5) 15 Foreboding evil (7) 17 Inconvenience (7) 19 Reinforce (7) 21 Smallest possible (7) 22 Void (5) 24 Without identity (8) 27 Heedful (9) 28 To abandon (5) 29 Be acquainted with (4) 30 Out of a difficulty (2,3,5)

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HOW many words of four letters or more can you make from the letters shown here? in making a word, each letter may be used once only. Each must contain the centre letter and there must be at least one nine-letter word. no plurals or verb forms ending in “s”.

CRYPTIC PUZZLE

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14, 2020

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The Tribune | Weekend | 27

Friday, February 14, 2020

ANIMALS

PUPPIES IN THE WINDOW Animal matters | KIM ARANHA

S

o you are walking down the street and you see a pet store.

You stop and there in the window is an array of the most adorable little puppies of all different breeds, from Great Danes to Yorkshire terriers. Wow! You think to yourself, “How cute is that”? Do you hear that massive gong go off? How cute is that? That is absolutely, positively, not cute at all.

Why you might ask? Let me enlighten you as to the life of misery a puppy farm breeding bitch faces. The mother dogs are forced to breed every heat, frequently with the use of a mounting pole, where she is tied and cannot move and male dog after male dog is brought in to mate with her.

Once this disgusting canine rape has been completed she is put back in a filthy kennel to wait out the two months before her puppies are born.

During that gestation period she is not taken for walks, or special playtime, she is not fed vitamin-rich food to help her babies to grow strong inside her, she is not bathed, or patted, or spoken to. She is a baby-making machine who has no life. She does not feel grass under her feet, she does not sniff a flower, or howl at the wind. She sits confined in a dirty, cramped cage day after day until she gives birth.

Once born, her puppies are also subjected to inhumane treatment. They do not receive the vitamins and shots that they should to become healthy dogs. At a young age they are taken away from their mother before she has had sufficient time to teach them proper life skills. They grow up in a world of confusion and disregard.

This is where these cute little puppies in the window have invariably originated

ONE of the almost 200 dogs recently rescued from a Mississippi puppy farm. (Photos/BBC/Tunica Humane Society) from. They are frequently riddled with health problems, some are genetic, and some come from the neglect their mother was subjected to and the lack of care they received at the hands of their breeders.

The unassuming, uneducated in animal matters, public have no idea that the sweet puppy they cradle in their arms was born from suffering and misery. Once they get their dog home, and they probably paid a large sum of money for it, as much as several thousand dollars, the problems start. The puppy may suffer from anxiety issues, or have respiratory problems, or dysplasia, or any other number of problems. Some of these medical problems can be extremely expensive to cure, if they can be cured at all.

To make things worse, you have now fallen in love with this poor mite and absolutely can’t turn your back on him even though his bills can mount up to thousands over the years.

We must put puppy mills out of business. The only way to do that is to stop buying puppies from pet shops and online. You must see where

your puppy was bred; you need to ask to meet the mother. You need to know what her temperament is like.

Up 80 percent of a dog’s personality comes from the mom.

There are breeders the world over who have wonderful, kind kennels where the dogs are well cared for and happy. The puppies grow up in a loving atmosphere and the mother is not forced to have a

litter every heat. This is where puppies should come from; do your research.

Just last week almost 200 dogs were rescued from a puppy farm in Mississippi.

Some of the animals had very serious health issues.

Humane Societies the world over are on a mission to stamp out these barbaric and inhumane puppy mills. One of the most moving

video clips is to see a dog who has been caged practically all its life be released on to grass for the first time, to see them react to the feel of grass, see them run and roll over. If that doesn’t make you cry you are made of stone.

There are, alas, puppy mill situations right here in the Bahamas. I won’t call names, but there are places that should not be breeding and people are being duped every day. There are mother dogs who get dumped at the Bahamas Humane Society all the time when they can’t produce puppies anymore because they are no longer “useful”. Heartbreak after heartbreak. Their eyes say it all. God bless those wonderful people who adopt those mama dogs and give them some happy final years.

Puppy mills are the epitome of cruelty. Some people really want a certain breed, I get it.

But with so many dogs who need loving homes, I reach out to you all and ask why not just come to the shelter and pick out your forever friend? Don’t shop for a dog; adopt a dog at the shelter.

WILL YOU BE MY VALENTINE?

By THE BAHAMAS HUMANE SOCIETY

A

s I’m sure you can guess by her name, Farrington Girl was found along Farrington Road before being brought to the Bahamas Humane Society. We believe she’s between two and three years old. This super sweet potcake loves people and would love to have a family to adore and a cosy bed to curl up in. She’ll happily guard her new family, too. She gets along well with other dogs so could be part of a pair or small pack.

Have you been seeking the right dog to add to your collection? Consider Farrington Girl.

Just in time for Valentine’s, she’ll be sure to shower you with love.

Adoption hours are 11am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am to 4pm on Saturday, or

FARRINGTON Girl with shelter staff member DeVante Curryby (Photo/Patricia Vazquez) you can call 323-5138 for more information.

Farrington Girl hopes to see you soon!

• It’s almost time for Party for the Animals! Saturday, February 29, at 7pm at The BNT Retreat on Village Road. Tickets are $40 and available at the shelter and the Fox Hill Nursery. Prepare to have fun with adult hoop-la and more!

28 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, February 14, 2020