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BIOGRAPHY
THE LAST BADJOHN OF CALYPSO
The Last Badjohn of Calypso -- "LBC" (Kurt Allen) is the reigning "King of Calypso", having been crowned Calypso Monarch in the birth place of Calypso music, Trinidad and Tobago. The Last Badjohn of Calypso, is considered by many to be the Crown Prince and heir apparent to the undisputed Calypso King of the World; the "Mighty Sparrow ( Dr. Slinger Francisco)
LBC carries upon his shoulders the responsibility to take the genre of Calypso music back to the height of popularity it once commanded by being the first genre of music to sell over 1 million copies back in 19**. The artiste that was responsible then, was none other than the legendary Harry Belafonte. Since that golden period of primers such as Lord Invader, Roaring Lion, Attila the Hun, Growling Tiger and Lord Melody; Calypso music has struggled to remain relevant on the international music scene.
The Reggae music of Jamaica, which came after Calypso, has successfully managed to maintain steady growth on the international music front and Calypso is now attempting to catch up to the pack. It has even been argued that the great Reggae music legend, Bob Marley, was actually singing Calypso on top of the indigenous Reggae beat of Jamaica. Many of Bob's earlier musical work do indeed reveal that Marley appreciated, listened to and composed songs that he himself referred to as Calypso. Additionally is it accepted that Trinidadian musician, the late Lennie Taith was indeed the creative force behind the infectious reggae guitar strum.
The Last Badjohn of Calypso is also an acclaimed songwriter and performer throughout the Caribbean region and has made a name for himself as both a Calypso King and ,it's sister genre, Soca King. He has many years of experience in the business and has toured Europe, North America and the Caribbean extensively during the span of his career. He traces his genetic roots to Africa, India and England and considers himself to be a World Citizen that was born in the island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
His music speaks of raising global consciousness on social issues ranging from politics, religion, gender equality, human and children rights, youth leadership and risky behavior; to love and romance, party and good Caribbean humor. LBC is on a mission to liberate the minds of the masses to take personal responsibility of their life and circumstances. This he views is the first step towards the transformation process.
Deemed to be a prophet for his prophetic political and social commentary songs, LBC has accepted the responsibility with open arms to be a vanguard for Calypso music and to single handedly, if necessary, work to preserve the legacy, integrity and historical value of Calypso music. Thereby, ensuring that it grows and survives into the next century; and beyond.
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Bio of Kurt Allen
The Last Badjohn of Calypso Mr. Kurt Allen is the 2010 National Calypso Monarch of Trinidad and Tobago. Known for his contribution to the cultural arts and entertainment in his country, Kurt is a song writer, singer, performer, actor, artiste-mentor and director of an NGO. Having been involved in the arts for the past twenty-nine years Mr. Allen is also the holder of other national titles such as "1993 Young King" and "1999 International Soca Monarch".
During his 29 years in the entertainment industry, Kurt has been working with the best and most respected artiste in Trinidad and Tobago. From Calypsonians like Lord Kitchener, Ras Shorty, The Mighty Sparrow, The Black Starlin, The Mighty Cro Cro, and David Rudder, Roy Cape All Stars and Atlantik; to mentoring and assisting in the careers of a number of top local and regional artistes, Kurt enjoys his work as a form of play.
Mr. Allen has been dedicated to his passion of Uniting the Caribbean through the Cultural Arts. Back in 2001 Kurt decided to temporarily retire from the stage in order to use his experience and knowledge in culture to inspire, educate, promote and encourage the involvement of the Caribbean's youth in the creative and cultural industries. Hence the NGO Caribbean Vizion was born. Caribbean Vizion is an organization that lobbies for cultural and economic cooperation between Caribbean people and their governments. The organization is also recognized and endorsed by the CARICOM Secretariat and has worked extensively throughout the region with various governments and International Development Agencies.
Caribbean Vizion, under the direction of Mr. Allen, has created a lasting and bonded relationship with many regional artistes and cultural icons.
Now the Calypso Monarch, Mr. Allen intends to use the influence of the title to further spread the message of unity through the art form of Calypso.
Age
41
Country
Trinidad and Tobago