Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Dominica's first Calypso Queen
By Cherryll Lafond
Exclusive: There are several musical genres created in Dominica that are very unique to the island, Cadance and Bouyon music are perfect examples of this musical creation.
However, Calypso music has been in Dominica for a very long time. Although this Afro-Caribbean style of music was developed on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica was one of the other Caribbean islands who emulated this art form and developed it’s own musical style of Calypso.
Though men have primarily dominated this musical art form, women in one-way or another have also been a part of the Calypso arena. Whether it was for back-up vocals or stage presentation, women have been involved.
In its early years, Calypso music was known for its witty, smutty, political and social commentary.
Many households did not allow this type of musical genre into their doors because it was deemed unsuitable for listening consumption.
However, as the years progressed, calypso became more popular and acceptable in Dominica. Women also began entering the calypso arena as competitors and have given just as much good lyrics in these competitions as their male counterparts did.
One of the first Dominican women to enter this art form as a competitor was the mighty Con Labby. Over the years, more women have participated in the various Calypso Competitions and have made it all the way to the Calypso Monarch finals.
Prior to 1987, there had never been a special calypso competition set-aside just for women.
In 1987, Juliana “Jahlee” Alfred entered the calypso arena as an unknown artist. Competing against some very popular female Calypsonians at that time. Jahlee made history by competing in, and winning the first ever Calypso Queen competition held in Dominica.
She faced some very experienced female calypsonians, like Swinging Janice and The Cauliflower (the second place winner that year, and a few years later won the calypso queen title).
The competition was tough, but Jahlee was able to distinguish herself from the eight female competitors with her two winning renditions, “Sweet Tempo”, and “Life is Your Right” becoming the very first Calypso Queen of The Commonwealth of Dominica.
When you entered the competition, you were an unknown artist, you competed against some very popular Female Calypsonians like Swinging Janice, and other well known Calypsonians, what was it like?
There were initial uncertainties entering the competition. Since I was unknown in Dominica, despite the fact that I had been singing for several years in the French island of Guadeloupe with the New Examples. But once the decision was made, I lived, breathed, and slept the competition. My mind set was winning, and to be the absolute best I could be at that time.
This was a very brave move to build her confidence considering the popularity and exposure of the other more experienced competitors.
Jahlee made capturing the title of Calypso Queen the sole priority on her agenda with her winning song "Sweet Tempo".
A song, which got very little airplay, it was not a crowd favorite leading up to the night of the competition. Very few had heard of it before the night of the competition.
But it quickly became popular on that night. Jahlee was not a crowd favorite prior to the night of the competition but quickly became popular that night.
Sweet Tempo was your winning song, who helped you with writing that song and why Sweet Tempo? Is there a meaning to that song?
Sweet Tempo, I was born in the southern part of the Island, Grand Bay. Where in Dominica carnival there is considered a Rough Mas. So I wanted a topic that says we need to play Mas with no violence, with a sense of One Love, Peace, and have an incident free Carnival. We need a tempo that's sweet. So I came up with Sweet Tempo.
What was it like entering in the first ever Calypso Queen Competition?
It was not intimidating, because while no one really knew me in Dominica I knew my capabilities musically (as a singer) and in my mind I had a surprising edge. Being a singer for so many years and a member of a well-known band in the French Island of Guadeloupe (The New Examples) as well as a Dominican musician unknown in my country the competition was a very good way to put my name and music out there.
Your second song titled “Life is your Right” was not as catchy as Sweet Tempo. Do you think you would have still won the Crown had you have sang a different song other than Sweet Tempo?
I believe the music was only one-third of the points. Presentation and delivery made up the rest. I had a very strong stage presentation, along with a flawless delivery. Everything went according to plan. Yet, Sweet Tempo was very well loved by the people, I would love to say yes, but it's one of those things we will never know.
What exactly was the message to your second song, Life is Your Rights?
Lives is your rights, was me, speaking to the people telling them as Dominicans, we can’t sit around and depend on the government to solve all of our problems. We as a people have to do our part to help our selves and our country.
Swinging Janice, was a crowd favorite that year and one of the more popular Female Calypsonians. She was the Calypsonian; I was rooting for that night, as well as Jahlee’s toughest competitor who edged in on Jahlee, by capturing the first place position that night, recalls Jahlee’s performance.
“That year Jahlee was outstanding. Her diction was clearer than mine, but no one could beat me in the stage presence, and stage personality. The crowd always looked forward to my performance. If you recall they always wanted more of my performance.”
One of your strongest competitors, Swinging Janice still feels that she had the best stage performance and personality. She edged in on you, and captured the first runner up, what are your views on that?
Well truth be told, I was an unknown. Swinging Janice was Dominica's Sweet Heart. She was singing songs written by Dominica's best-known Calypso writer Pat Aaron. I am Rastafarian, at that time not a plus in the country. The decks were stacked against me. Do you think there was a chance in Jah Green Dominica; I would not have gotten that crown if I did not absolutely earn it.
Overall, what did you think of the performances of competitors like Cauliflower, Swinging Janice and the other well-known Female Calypsonians of that time?
Much praises to the ladies. They all gave their very best. I love many of the songs. I still sing them. All in all, everyone stepped up to the plate. I just stepped a little harder. In addition to entering a competition as an unknown artist, and competing against some more popularly known female Calypsonians, was just one of the many challenges Jahlee faced in 1987.
A practicing Rastafarian at that time there were major societal stigmas associated to Rastafarians, especially women.
There were also a number of critics who were not really impressed by the fact that, the first ever Calypso Queen title was given to a Rastafarian Woman, and an unknown at that from Grandbay.
However, the overall consensus by the crowd was that, the title was well deserved.
You have been a Rastafarian for some time now, back then when you entered calypso, Rastafarism was still stigmatized, did that hamper you in anyway as far as the competition goes? One Newspaper at that time, The New Chronicle titled the article of your win "Rasta Wins Crown" was that an insult to you as a Rastafarian knowing the societal stigmas placed on Rastafarians at that time?
Not at all. When I accepted Rastafarianism as my faith. I lived in the French Island of Guadeloupe. Upon entering the competition, I knew a lot of people were misinformed and misunderstood what being a Rastafarian is all about.
They looked down at people who claimed to be Rastafarian. That was an opportunity for me to tell the people with that mind set, that I am a daughter of the soil, I feel, bleed, love.
I am just like you, believing in something other than you do not make me anything other than a human being.
And a person’s faith does not hamper their capabilities. And when I was crowned the first ever Calypso Queen of Dominica and the announcers screamed, "Rasta wins Crown", I remember saying it's not about the hair. I am, and I will continue to be and believe in who I am, no compromising.
Ras Mo Moses, a cultural activist and a Rastafarian who attended that show, remembers Jahlee’s win that night.
“ I just remember it being a historic moment, and the Grand Bay people being joyful. It’s another significant milestone. While Rastafarians faced discrimination in Dominica, women had it Double. Jahlee has always been confident and her living in the French islands helped her grow artistically, and mentally. She’s a great dancer too. She studied French Folk Dance so she knows the dances from Guadeloupe and Dominica many people don’t know that.”
However, after such a victorious and historical win, Jahlee migrated to the US. She still has a passion for the art form but has never defended the Calypso Queen title.
You are right. I never defended my crown. It was not a choice I made not to defend. Life just took me in a different direction that made it not possible to go back to Dominica and defend my crown. I consider myself a Calypsonian even with all the other genres I do but I just like to be called a singer.
A few years ago she once again attempted to regain her calypso momentum, this time by entering the quarterfinals of the Calypso Monarch Competition but was unsuccessful.
Yes, I went back a few years ago and sang in the calypso competition quarterfinals. I don't know if I will go back to competition. It is not an easy situation living in NYC and trying to organize to go back to compete down there, especially if you don't have a team in place there and you have to do it all from here. I continue to write calypso music even if I am not using them for competition. Who knows, never say, never.
Born in the southern cultural village of Grand Bay, Jahlee is one of Dominica's international female musical entertainers. The village of Grand Bay is considered the cultural melting pot of Dominica.
Grand Bay is particularly known for its creation of Cadance music by groups like the Midnight Groovers and the cultural preservation of traditions such as Belle dancing and the Creole Language. Jahlee's passion for music, and culture, stems from her early childhood days growing up in Grand Bay.
During her tender teenage years, Jahlee migrated to the neighboring French Island of Guadeloupe, where she embarked on her first musical venture by becoming a member of "La Compagnie Guadeloupeen Des Ballet Caribana" as a Dancer/Singer.
While in Guadeloupe, she became a member of the musical group "The New Examples" (now based in Paris). After spending eight years in Guadeloupe, Jahlee relocated back to Dominica in 1986 continuing her quest for music, song and dance, by becoming a member of the cultural dance group Southern Liberation Dancers (SLD) as a Dancer/Choreographer.
Later she joined the musical band Groovers International as the lead female vocalist. In 1987, she became part of history by becoming the first Female Calypso Queen of Dominica.
That same year, she migrated to NYC. For the past twenty-three years Jahlee has been residing in New York City, continuing her musical career.
She debut with prominent Caribbean artists such as the Mighty Sparrow, the calypso king of the world, and has released four CDs. Her latest CD entitled " LES ETOILES ET LE CIEL " a Creole Pop Mix album.
Over the last 23 years, I have lived in New York City, where there are all types of musical genres. As I said before when I entered the Calypso Arena I was a member of the band New Examples. At one point, it was known as a Reggae band, while we played other genres such as R&B. So I am just being true to music. I believe music is endless. One should not limit thyself, if you can, you should. Music is universal.
You debuted with the Calypso King of the World the Mighty Sparrow on one of his albums, where you did a Creole piece on the song “Pas Quieh Mweh (don't call me).” what was it like singing with someone like the Might Sparrow? How did that come about?
The mighty Sparrow and I became acquainted the year I won the crown. I believe he was in Dominica and as Calypso queen I had to meet the Calypso king of the world. When I moved to the USA we re-connected. He asked me to work with him in the recording studio on the piece, I felt honored and I was happy to work with him. Watching him work in studio or on stage is a learning experience.
You have released four Cds none of which are calypso Cds. Neither are there any calypso tracks on them. Was this a bitter sweet way of putting calypso behind you and moving onto other genres?
You are right. There are no calypso tracks on any of my cds and it was not a conscious decision to exclude calypso it just worked out that way. I am putting together a calypso compilation CD which is not yet released, but will soon be. There are no limitations on music. Calypso is very much a part of my present and future plans.
The Dominica Calypso Association has since discontinued the event, although there have been several attempts at bringing back the competition. There has not been anything as good as the first few years when the competition was introduced.
However, Showdown Entertainment Inc. did organize a Calypso Queen of the tent competition this year. Myrtle “Yakima” Massicot, a twenty-year veteran in the calypso arena, won Calypso Queen of Showdown Mas Camp this year. She is also the longest singing female Calypsonian in Dominica’s Calypso history.
SOME OF THE MUSIC JAHLEE HAS PRODUCED:
ALL ABOUT LOVE-All about Love: Inspired by the events in my life, and the people who surround me including my mom, about whom I wrote one track entitled "mother."
ALL THE WAY/ SANS ARRETE'-All The Way/Sans Arrete': Created as an up tempo dance CD for the French/Creole Caribbean dance influences, such as Zouk, and Cadance music, all tracks except one was done in the Creole Language.
2006-Simple Sweet Uncomplicated: This CD is a compilation of 14 songs combined in the musical art forms of Reggae, Ca-Dance, Dancehall, R&B, Jazz, and House music, created from the heart reflecting my life today.
2009- LES ETOILES ET LE CIEL- Twelve songs in Creole in a style called “CREOLE POP”.
Exclusive: There are several musical genres created in Dominica that are very unique to the island, Cadance and Bouyon music are perfect examples of this musical creation.
However, Calypso music has been in Dominica for a very long time. Although this Afro-Caribbean style of music was developed on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica was one of the other Caribbean islands who emulated this art form and developed it’s own musical style of Calypso.
 Jahlee being crowned by former prime minister Dame Eugenia Charles. |
Though men have primarily dominated this musical art form, women in one-way or another have also been a part of the Calypso arena. Whether it was for back-up vocals or stage presentation, women have been involved.
In its early years, Calypso music was known for its witty, smutty, political and social commentary.
Many households did not allow this type of musical genre into their doors because it was deemed unsuitable for listening consumption.
However, as the years progressed, calypso became more popular and acceptable in Dominica. Women also began entering the calypso arena as competitors and have given just as much good lyrics in these competitions as their male counterparts did.
One of the first Dominican women to enter this art form as a competitor was the mighty Con Labby. Over the years, more women have participated in the various Calypso Competitions and have made it all the way to the Calypso Monarch finals.
Prior to 1987, there had never been a special calypso competition set-aside just for women.
In 1987, Juliana “Jahlee” Alfred entered the calypso arena as an unknown artist. Competing against some very popular female Calypsonians at that time. Jahlee made history by competing in, and winning the first ever Calypso Queen competition held in Dominica.
She faced some very experienced female calypsonians, like Swinging Janice and The Cauliflower (the second place winner that year, and a few years later won the calypso queen title).
The competition was tough, but Jahlee was able to distinguish herself from the eight female competitors with her two winning renditions, “Sweet Tempo”, and “Life is Your Right” becoming the very first Calypso Queen of The Commonwealth of Dominica.
 Copy of ticket for first ever women's calypso show. |
When you entered the competition, you were an unknown artist, you competed against some very popular Female Calypsonians like Swinging Janice, and other well known Calypsonians, what was it like?
There were initial uncertainties entering the competition. Since I was unknown in Dominica, despite the fact that I had been singing for several years in the French island of Guadeloupe with the New Examples. But once the decision was made, I lived, breathed, and slept the competition. My mind set was winning, and to be the absolute best I could be at that time.
This was a very brave move to build her confidence considering the popularity and exposure of the other more experienced competitors.
Jahlee made capturing the title of Calypso Queen the sole priority on her agenda with her winning song "Sweet Tempo".
A song, which got very little airplay, it was not a crowd favorite leading up to the night of the competition. Very few had heard of it before the night of the competition.
But it quickly became popular on that night. Jahlee was not a crowd favorite prior to the night of the competition but quickly became popular that night.
Sweet Tempo was your winning song, who helped you with writing that song and why Sweet Tempo? Is there a meaning to that song?
Sweet Tempo, I was born in the southern part of the Island, Grand Bay. Where in Dominica carnival there is considered a Rough Mas. So I wanted a topic that says we need to play Mas with no violence, with a sense of One Love, Peace, and have an incident free Carnival. We need a tempo that's sweet. So I came up with Sweet Tempo.
What was it like entering in the first ever Calypso Queen Competition?
It was not intimidating, because while no one really knew me in Dominica I knew my capabilities musically (as a singer) and in my mind I had a surprising edge. Being a singer for so many years and a member of a well-known band in the French Island of Guadeloupe (The New Examples) as well as a Dominican musician unknown in my country the competition was a very good way to put my name and music out there.
 Jahlee being crowned by former prime minister Dame Eugenia Charles. |
Your second song titled “Life is your Right” was not as catchy as Sweet Tempo. Do you think you would have still won the Crown had you have sang a different song other than Sweet Tempo?
I believe the music was only one-third of the points. Presentation and delivery made up the rest. I had a very strong stage presentation, along with a flawless delivery. Everything went according to plan. Yet, Sweet Tempo was very well loved by the people, I would love to say yes, but it's one of those things we will never know.
What exactly was the message to your second song, Life is Your Rights?
Lives is your rights, was me, speaking to the people telling them as Dominicans, we can’t sit around and depend on the government to solve all of our problems. We as a people have to do our part to help our selves and our country.
Swinging Janice, was a crowd favorite that year and one of the more popular Female Calypsonians. She was the Calypsonian; I was rooting for that night, as well as Jahlee’s toughest competitor who edged in on Jahlee, by capturing the first place position that night, recalls Jahlee’s performance.
“That year Jahlee was outstanding. Her diction was clearer than mine, but no one could beat me in the stage presence, and stage personality. The crowd always looked forward to my performance. If you recall they always wanted more of my performance.”
One of your strongest competitors, Swinging Janice still feels that she had the best stage performance and personality. She edged in on you, and captured the first runner up, what are your views on that?
Well truth be told, I was an unknown. Swinging Janice was Dominica's Sweet Heart. She was singing songs written by Dominica's best-known Calypso writer Pat Aaron. I am Rastafarian, at that time not a plus in the country. The decks were stacked against me. Do you think there was a chance in Jah Green Dominica; I would not have gotten that crown if I did not absolutely earn it.
Overall, what did you think of the performances of competitors like Cauliflower, Swinging Janice and the other well-known Female Calypsonians of that time?
Much praises to the ladies. They all gave their very best. I love many of the songs. I still sing them. All in all, everyone stepped up to the plate. I just stepped a little harder. In addition to entering a competition as an unknown artist, and competing against some more popularly known female Calypsonians, was just one of the many challenges Jahlee faced in 1987.
A practicing Rastafarian at that time there were major societal stigmas associated to Rastafarians, especially women.
There were also a number of critics who were not really impressed by the fact that, the first ever Calypso Queen title was given to a Rastafarian Woman, and an unknown at that from Grandbay.
However, the overall consensus by the crowd was that, the title was well deserved.
You have been a Rastafarian for some time now, back then when you entered calypso, Rastafarism was still stigmatized, did that hamper you in anyway as far as the competition goes? One Newspaper at that time, The New Chronicle titled the article of your win "Rasta Wins Crown" was that an insult to you as a Rastafarian knowing the societal stigmas placed on Rastafarians at that time?
Not at all. When I accepted Rastafarianism as my faith. I lived in the French Island of Guadeloupe. Upon entering the competition, I knew a lot of people were misinformed and misunderstood what being a Rastafarian is all about.
They looked down at people who claimed to be Rastafarian. That was an opportunity for me to tell the people with that mind set, that I am a daughter of the soil, I feel, bleed, love.
I am just like you, believing in something other than you do not make me anything other than a human being.
And a person’s faith does not hamper their capabilities. And when I was crowned the first ever Calypso Queen of Dominica and the announcers screamed, "Rasta wins Crown", I remember saying it's not about the hair. I am, and I will continue to be and believe in who I am, no compromising.
Ras Mo Moses, a cultural activist and a Rastafarian who attended that show, remembers Jahlee’s win that night.
“ I just remember it being a historic moment, and the Grand Bay people being joyful. It’s another significant milestone. While Rastafarians faced discrimination in Dominica, women had it Double. Jahlee has always been confident and her living in the French islands helped her grow artistically, and mentally. She’s a great dancer too. She studied French Folk Dance so she knows the dances from Guadeloupe and Dominica many people don’t know that.”
However, after such a victorious and historical win, Jahlee migrated to the US. She still has a passion for the art form but has never defended the Calypso Queen title.
You are right. I never defended my crown. It was not a choice I made not to defend. Life just took me in a different direction that made it not possible to go back to Dominica and defend my crown. I consider myself a Calypsonian even with all the other genres I do but I just like to be called a singer.
A few years ago she once again attempted to regain her calypso momentum, this time by entering the quarterfinals of the Calypso Monarch Competition but was unsuccessful.
 Jahlee. |
Born in the southern cultural village of Grand Bay, Jahlee is one of Dominica's international female musical entertainers. The village of Grand Bay is considered the cultural melting pot of Dominica.
Grand Bay is particularly known for its creation of Cadance music by groups like the Midnight Groovers and the cultural preservation of traditions such as Belle dancing and the Creole Language. Jahlee's passion for music, and culture, stems from her early childhood days growing up in Grand Bay.
During her tender teenage years, Jahlee migrated to the neighboring French Island of Guadeloupe, where she embarked on her first musical venture by becoming a member of "La Compagnie Guadeloupeen Des Ballet Caribana" as a Dancer/Singer.
While in Guadeloupe, she became a member of the musical group "The New Examples" (now based in Paris). After spending eight years in Guadeloupe, Jahlee relocated back to Dominica in 1986 continuing her quest for music, song and dance, by becoming a member of the cultural dance group Southern Liberation Dancers (SLD) as a Dancer/Choreographer.
Later she joined the musical band Groovers International as the lead female vocalist. In 1987, she became part of history by becoming the first Female Calypso Queen of Dominica.
That same year, she migrated to NYC. For the past twenty-three years Jahlee has been residing in New York City, continuing her musical career.
She debut with prominent Caribbean artists such as the Mighty Sparrow, the calypso king of the world, and has released four CDs. Her latest CD entitled " LES ETOILES ET LE CIEL " a Creole Pop Mix album.
Over the last 23 years, I have lived in New York City, where there are all types of musical genres. As I said before when I entered the Calypso Arena I was a member of the band New Examples. At one point, it was known as a Reggae band, while we played other genres such as R&B. So I am just being true to music. I believe music is endless. One should not limit thyself, if you can, you should. Music is universal.
You debuted with the Calypso King of the World the Mighty Sparrow on one of his albums, where you did a Creole piece on the song “Pas Quieh Mweh (don't call me).” what was it like singing with someone like the Might Sparrow? How did that come about?
The mighty Sparrow and I became acquainted the year I won the crown. I believe he was in Dominica and as Calypso queen I had to meet the Calypso king of the world. When I moved to the USA we re-connected. He asked me to work with him in the recording studio on the piece, I felt honored and I was happy to work with him. Watching him work in studio or on stage is a learning experience.
You have released four Cds none of which are calypso Cds. Neither are there any calypso tracks on them. Was this a bitter sweet way of putting calypso behind you and moving onto other genres?
You are right. There are no calypso tracks on any of my cds and it was not a conscious decision to exclude calypso it just worked out that way. I am putting together a calypso compilation CD which is not yet released, but will soon be. There are no limitations on music. Calypso is very much a part of my present and future plans.
The Dominica Calypso Association has since discontinued the event, although there have been several attempts at bringing back the competition. There has not been anything as good as the first few years when the competition was introduced.
However, Showdown Entertainment Inc. did organize a Calypso Queen of the tent competition this year. Myrtle “Yakima” Massicot, a twenty-year veteran in the calypso arena, won Calypso Queen of Showdown Mas Camp this year. She is also the longest singing female Calypsonian in Dominica’s Calypso history.
SOME OF THE MUSIC JAHLEE HAS PRODUCED:
ALL ABOUT LOVE-All about Love: Inspired by the events in my life, and the people who surround me including my mom, about whom I wrote one track entitled "mother."
ALL THE WAY/ SANS ARRETE'-All The Way/Sans Arrete': Created as an up tempo dance CD for the French/Creole Caribbean dance influences, such as Zouk, and Cadance music, all tracks except one was done in the Creole Language.
2006-Simple Sweet Uncomplicated: This CD is a compilation of 14 songs combined in the musical art forms of Reggae, Ca-Dance, Dancehall, R&B, Jazz, and House music, created from the heart reflecting my life today.
2009- LES ETOILES ET LE CIEL- Twelve songs in Creole in a style called “CREOLE POP”.
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// posted by TheDominican.net @ 10:56 AM
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