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Friday May 28th 2004
Opening Night!!
Merging of the Cultures
"The St.James Community Improvement Committee opened its third annual WeBeat celebrations on Friday Night at the StJames amphitheatre despite the rain. Despite the weather and the late start, the launch of the nine-day cultural showcase was off to a successful start with The Merging of Cultures, featuring calypsonians, chutney singers, a steelband and dancers.
The audience grew as the show progressed during the evening, and they were treated to a wonderful limbo presentation by Cocorite Ujamaa Folk Performers and soca chutney from Marcia Miranda and Heeralal Rampertap.
The CIC, in keeping with their promise to honour members of the community who have comtributed to the improvement to St.James, and the nation, at large while they were alive, paid homage to St James cultural activist Mohammed Hamdo Emamali. Mr. Emamali has been a stalwart in the community and a major force in the development of Hosay in St James. Hailing from Clarence Street, he and his family were responsible for producing the Balma Hosay. Mr. Emamali recalled how when he was just seven years of age, that the police brought him to St James Police Station, with a little Hosay on his head. He said that the policeman took the Hosay from his head, smashed it with his boot and threatened to put them in jail for making noise in the streets. Ironically, the amphitheatre is on the very spot where the prison cells were once located. It would be a scenario Emamali repeated. He would be picked up again by police for taking part in a Shango ceremony at Patna Street and being in a pan yard at Panka Street.
Never did it cross his mind that he would be honoured with such a prestigeous award, by the community for what he did. In Mr. Emamali's mind, it was a little, but in the eyes of the community, his contribution helped to make St James a community where the cultures are truly merged. After his feisty message, Mr. Emamali accepted his award.
Hoping for a break in the weather when he addressed the audience, CIC president, Earl Crosby had his wishes denied as intermittent showers turned into a downpour, that sent patrons scurrying for shelter after the intermission. In true Trini fashion, reminescent of "Rainorama", the audience braved the weather and were entertained by vocalist Marcia Miranda, along with other entertainers such as sitarist Sharda Patasar, Silver Stars Steel Orchestra, Kenny J, Unity Tassa Group and The All Stars without Roy Cape.