Trinidads' Love Circle For Rainforest Music Festival

THE LOVE Circle, Trinidad and Tobago’s Royal Family of music, is confirmed as one of the 16 artistes from amongst 450 applicants to perform at the 11th Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) which will take place from July 11-13 at the Sarawak Cultural Village, Malaysia.

This festival is recognised by World Music Expo (WOMEX) as one of the world’s top ten music festivals.

This Love Circle tour will include artiste extraordinaire Sheldon Blackman, twice-crowned National Calypso Queen Abbi Blackman and the legendary band Isaac Blackman and The Love Circle.

Together, they represent the legacy left by the late Ras Shorty I (Garfield Blackman), who invented two world music genres: soca and jamoo.

This, combined with the extraordinary musical talent of group members, has put The Love Circle on the cutting edge of musical culture in the Caribbean.

Since its establishment in 1981, The Love Circle has earned a reputation as one of the most outstanding musical families in Trinidad and Tobago in its history since 1981 to the present.

‘‘Multi-talented’’ is the term that best describes the members of the group as each member plays at least two instruments and to top it off they all have impressive vocal ranges.

Their creativity and innovative musical style has brought new dimensions to the culture of TT and the wider Caribbean.

Excellence in music innovation and delivery is their creed.

‘‘Jamoo’’, the musical style expounded by the group, brings together spiritually conscious messages with the contemporary, world beat blend of African, Indian, and new age rhythms that wraps you in a magic all its own.

The music seeks to amplify love, to explore the ills of society-drug abuse, AIDS, oppression — and endeavours to provide solutions through meaningful lyrics.

CDs by the group include Jamoo Victory, Children of the Jamoo Journey and Home Grown.

Organised by the Sarawak Tourism Board and supported by Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, the RWMF is a concert series that highlights traditional world music performers.

In addition to being featured at one evening performance and conducting three workshops, The Love Circle will also participate in various cultural exchange activities including ethno-musical lectures, mini concerts and even previews at venues across Kuala Lumpur and Kuching.

The Love Circle forms the base of the multi-instrumental and exceptionally talented band that will be representing TT at the festival.

Members of the group are especially pleased to reunite with two former lead members, who continue to thrill audiences today as solo acts.

This dynamic combination of artistes will be placing the original music of TT on the world music map, through the genres of calypso, soca and jamoo.

The Love Circle, the first band from the Caribbean islands to perform at the festival, will be presenting the country’s national instrument, the steelpan, as part of their performance.


The Reggae News Agency

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