Kenneth Bhagan, a long-time member of the Ontario Steelpan Association, passed away on December 25. He was 77 years old. Mr. Bhagan will be remembered for the work he did with the St. James Town Youth Centre Steel Orchestra. Over the years, he had been the Executive Director of St. Jamestown Youth Centre Steel Orchestra. […]
By Stephen Weir Dr. Jay, Canada’s renowned Soca DJ has revealed his return to live radio with his signature show SocaTherapy airing on Flow 98.7 FM. Mark your calendars for Sunday, January 14th, from 6-9 pm, as Dr. Jay brings back the beats and vibes that make him the Prince of Soca. While his radio […]
Karen “Lady Mac” McIntosh-Bruce won her second St. Croix Calypso Monarch after the Calypso Monarch Finals on New Year’s night. The talented Lady Mac’s rendition of ‘Lend A Hand’ and ‘Puppet Man,’ earned her the title. “I’m elated because what I really focus on is putting on a good show for the people,” McIntosh-Bruce said […]
By Leo Gilling Twas a different kind of “breeze”. The cool December breeze was one that was welcoming, soft, gentle, and constant, yet mellow and almost “christmasy” It conjured up a change in mood, and then all of a sudden garden rocks, plants, walls and coconut trees were suddenly whitewashed as though it happened overnight. […]
By Lincoln DePradine Patrick McNeilly, educator and cultural artiste, has a story to tell that encompasses steelpan music and his involvement in the artform, beginning in his homeland of Trinidad and continuing with his subsequent arrival in Canada. “No mind how talented you were with steel drums in colonial Trinidad then, you had to go […]
By Lincoln DePradine December is the month of Christmas gatherings and parties, for children and adults. And, one of the earliest kids’ parties – held just two days into December – was at Twilight Family Restaurant and Banquet Hall in Scarborough. The event, which included an appearance by Santa Claus to Caribbean parang music, also […]
by Stephen Weir “The Carnival Winter Market and Parang Extravaganza is the work of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival,” explained the newly reconfirmed President of the Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes (OCPA) Henry Gomez (aka King Cosmos). “We are providing the evening’s entertainment.” Hosted by the charismatic King Cosmos, the Parang Extravaganza features performances by some […]
In a heartwarming twist this year, the Toronto Santa Claus Parade received an unexpected boost from the Toronto Caribbean Carnival. The iconic parade, now in its 118th year, as Santa found a delightful surprise in his gift bag. The Jolly fellow, known for his North Pole residency, made a special appearance in Toronto. The surprise […]
OCPA Unveils New Board of Directors for its 42nd Year The Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes (OCPA), a registered non-profit arts organization with a rich 42-year history, is pleased to announce the election of its new board of directors. As OCPA continues to evolve, we are actively seeking dedicated volunteers with expertise in marketing, fundraising, […]
By Lincoln DePradine The Ontario Steelpan Association (OSA) has been around for two decades. But, last Friday’s “Appreciation and Awards Night’’ was a first for the organization and an innovative move welcomed by Ian Jones, a founding-member and former president of OSA. “I think it’s an excellent idea. I’m really happy to see that OSA, […]
