Steel pan was the focus at the recent Tropicalfete Countdown of the top-100 international Caribbean songs for 2011.
World-renowned steel pan percussionist Richardo Greenaway was given the mountainous task of performing the top five songs for this year.
His performance of the top five: 1) Man Down by Rihanna, 2) On the Floor by Jennifer Lopez, 3) Summer Time by Vybz Kartel, 4) Wotless by Kes Band and 5) Advantage by Machel Montano, were flawless.
Green opened up his set with last year’s No.1 song, Gyptian’s Hold You.
Sallyann Lares stated that she was boiling with pride that the national instrument of her country, Trinidad and Tobago was in the spotlight.
“I love the idea of having a music chart that unites all the Caribbean musical genres as well as the music in the Diaspora,” said Rondel Joseph.
An import component of Tropicalfete CountDown is presenting Tropicalfete’s Award of Excellence to a person and/or organization that has had a meaningful role in the development of the Caribbean Community. This year’s awardee was journalist Patricia Meschino.
The achievement of Meschino was significant on an international level, Tropicalfete declared. “Her work has a positive impact to the Caribbean community, putting Caribbean culture on the pages of the mainstream publications such as Billboard Magazine, Air Jamaica’s In-flight magazine, SkyWritings, and Jamrock Magazine.
Additionally, she contributes to Bobmarley.com, Riddim, The Associated Press, The Village Voice, Vibe Magazine, The Source, The Miami New Times, Caribbean Travel and Life magazine, Sandals’ Lifestyle magazine, Red Bulletin (Holland) and Songlines (UK).
In her acceptance speech Patricia said that her work of 20-plus years is a labor of love. She also said that it is imperative that Tropicalfete document the top 100 songs for the year.
Master of ceremonies, “Miss Caribbean U.S.” Paula Leake and Omari Ozwald Peterson did a remarkable job of keeping the show flowing.
The show got started with the hosts reading out the names of persons involved in the arts that passed away in 2011. Conqueror/Conquie (Leroy Paul) of Trinidad (January 27, 2011); The Mighty Striker (Percival Oblington) of Trinidad (Feb. 5, 2011); Carolyn Forde (Tassa) of Barbados (Feb. 2011), Thomas Peter (Chippy) of St. Lucia (March 7, 2011); Gregg Van Gurp (Mighty Gregg/Snoppy) of St Maarten (June 4, 2011); Neville McIntosh (Jeweller) of Trinidad (Aug. 21, 2011); Jeff Elva (The Mighty Pelay) of St Lucia (Sept. 2011); journalist Joel Chin, VP Records’producer, fatally shot in Jamaica on Aug. 16, 2011.
A preview of Tropicalfete Carnival costumes for 2012 was also showcased at the show.
