By Suelika N. Buchanan
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Black Stalin
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(Basseterre; St. Kitts): One is one of first well-publicized voice in the new wave of poets growing since the early 1970's coming from Jamaica and the other is a five time winner of Trinidad's National Calypso Monarch competition. Mutabaruka and Black Stalin respectively, are the headliners for the Cry Freedom Concert which is expected to be held today, Thursday, August, 23.
The concert which is also a Knowledge Fair is in commemoration of the ‘Two Hundredth Anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade’ which is expected to be held at the Independence Square beginning at 1 p.m.
This morning, August 23, a press conference was held with the headliners who said that everyone is in for a great treat.
Black Stalin said that the Concert is a celebration and not one for crying. He also hopes that the young people will come out as the event is not only a way to celebrate who have made significant contributions in black history but also to pave the way for those who are coming.
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Mutabaruka
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He also said that young people don’t need role models but that they need parenting.
“The parents should be the first role models,” he said.
The outspoken and sometimes controversial Mutabaruka did not ‘hold’ his tongue when questioned about a few issues from the media.
When asked what he thinks can be done to help the youths become more positive and on the right path, Muta strongly declared that it is not the youths who are to change.
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Moderator at the Press Conference Juni Liburd (L) and Secretary General of UNESCO Antonio Maynard (R)
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“We have to understand it’s not the youth but our education system and this colonial way in which we are living,” he said. “The older people are the ones who have to change the way they think as they are most of the time misguiding the young people. Education is what we should perpetuate in everyone and the change has to start with our education system.”
Muta also says that many are misinformed about Africa and only can link Africa to Slavery. He feels strongly that that’s why there has not been any strong implementation of Black History teachings as apart of the school curriculum here.
“They didn’t know that Egypt was apart of Africa, had they known that and known that the people in the Bible are actually Africans as well then they’re thinking would be different,” he said. “That is the same problem that I have with the church because they bind black people with the same illusions.”
Also present at the press conference which was held at the Sugar Bay Club was the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Secretary General, Antonio Maynard.
The Cry Freedom Concert is being organized by the St. Kitts Nevis National Commission for UNESCO.
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Black Stalin and Mutabaruka are headliners for the Cry Freedom Concert that will be held today in Independence Square. All Photos by Suelika N. Buchanan
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~~Adz:Left~~ Maynard said that the celebrations and awareness that have been taking place throughout the month of August will not end with the concert and that more actions will be taking place.
He also thanked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister responsible for UNESCO Sam Condor who was unable to attend the press conference for his vision with the concert and knowledge fair.
The Concert and knowledge Fair has a great lineup including performances by several local persons.
Performances include the Nyabingi Chant by the Nyabingi Theocracy Order, a drumming presentation by the St. Kitts-Nevis National Drum Corps. There will also be poetry readings by Seana Williams, Ken Crossley, Amaha and Tafari Ayendi. Sankofa Lion and the Okolo Tegremantine Arts Theatre will also make presentations along with Reggae performances by Ras Idren and Ramsey Richie.
Opening remarks will be made by Minister Condor while the Feature Address will be delivered by the Prime Minister Denzil Douglas.
Spoken Word Poerty Performance and a Calypso performance by Muta and Black Stalin will bring down the curtains on the celebration.
Food and vital books will also be on sale. The admission of the concert is free and opened to everyone.
