Kaiso We Call It
Greetings All
On Thursday 26th May 2016 in the basement of the Dalston CLR James Library, the exhilarating sounds of Kaiso filled the air.
With over 50 people in attendance, Hackney Unites, BEMA Arts Ltd & House of Amau Ltd came together to bring the enthusiastic audience an informative and entertaining evening of discussion and music.
Lady Esi and Saba from the Afrikan Heritage Writers Group (AMBA) were present to provide a helping hand.
The show opened with the newly elected Hackney Speaker Councillor Rosemary Sales. John Page (Hackney Unites) Andrea Enisuoh (BEMA Arts) & Ngoma Bishop (House of AMAU) gave mini speeches on the importance of the CLR James Legacy Project.
They left the audience with a call of action – to continue to get involved in campaigns and initiatives that fight to deal with any inequalities and threats to local communities. The audience members were invited to share their views and memories of CLR James.
The legendary Tobago Crusoe took us on a journey of the history of Kaiso through words and songs; from its origins as folk songs brought to the Caribbean by African enslaved people, to present day Soca rhythms.
One thing for sure is that Kaiso is a work of art that will live forever!
Written by Lady Esi