BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – STILL adamant that he was the best singer, musician and song writer in the twin-island Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, Clement 'King La La' Wilkins says that eating organic food and buying from the local market could be the farming revolution that St. Kitts needs.
In our second interview with the Calypso forefather, La La said that one of his smash hits, ‘It is good to buy Local’, was a song motivated by his passion for farming and growing local produce.
“Long ago we used to plant in our backyards. We used to grow vegetables and fruits with provision. In those days we never really had supermarkets…everything was grown right here in St. Kitts,” La La explained.
He added that as a farmer for the past 25 years, he has seen an economy that now depends on purchasing imported goods rather than growing fresh produce. “All that I eat I grow myself in the plot of land I have. I don’t know why people now decided to by other island’s produce.”
Also known to be the best dressed calypsonian every time he stepped onstage, Wilkins said that singing Calypsos based on the importance of farming has always been his main focus.
Wilkins said he believes that the only way farming could be developed is if famers are given the assistance that is needed. “We need farmland and we need machinery to supply the country. We can’t do it with what we have.”
He also believes that many farmers have given up the trade due to the many setbacks they face and neglect by the present administration.
In his advice to young calypsonians, Wilkins said: “You must enjoy yourself whenever you get onstage…do what you have to do.”
Where is he now?
La La still sings and records songs while farming on his small plot of land. He is also a part-time employee of Solid Waste Management.
Editor-in-Chief’s Note: SKNVibes solicits suggestions from the public in identifying other individuals who have made significant contributions to the Calypso art form in St. Kitts and Nevis. Feel free to email us at newsroom@sknvibes.com or call us at (869) 466-9242 or (869) 662-3901 and pass on the relevant information.
