Camerhogne Festival: Homecoming for Valentino

St. George’s, November 26, 2011 – One of the world’s greatest calypso composers and singers, Brother Valentino, is returning to homeland Grenada to participate in a comprehensive weekend entertainment program in St. Patrick.

Valentino, Black Stalin and 2011 Grenada Calypso Monarch, Pamela Courtney, are among several local and overseas-based artistes that will be entertaining patrons attending the second annual Camerhogne Folk Festival in Low Town, Sauteurs.

The festival, from December 2 – 4, will also include performances from a number of local groups, as well as from Scholar, Black Wizard, Lady Cinty and African Teller – all former holders of the Calypso Monarch title of Grenada.

Valentino, whose real name is Emrold Phillip, was born 1941 in Cherry Hill, St. George’s. The Grenada-born artiste, who migrated to Trinidad at age five, is popularly referred to as, “The People’s Calypsonian.’’

His song, “Life is a Stage,’’ is regarded as one of calypso’s best compositions.

Leroy “Black Stalin’’ Calliste, a longtime friend of Valentino, was born 1941 in San Fernando, Trinidad, to George and Elcina Calliste.  His father was Grenadian.

Stalin, who holds an honourary doctorate from the University of the West Indies, is well-known for hits such as “Black Man Feeling to Party’’ and “Bun Dem.’’

The Grenada Ministry of Tourism and Culture says the festival, which has received financial backing from the government of Finland, “provides a platform for sustaining and preserving important elements of traditional culture in attire, food, dancing, singing and drumming.’’

In this connection, the festival will highlight the ritual sharing and eating of cooked food known as Saracca, as well as traditional dances such as Quadrille, Tillingo, Bele, Kalinda, Temne, Pique and Chamba.

The theme of the Camerhogne Folk Festival is, “Remembering Our African Tradition’’. The motto is, “Old Grenada, New Grenada – One Grenada.’’

The Caribs or Kalinagoes, who inhabited Grenada before the arrival of Europeans in the 15th century, called the island Camerhogne.