Posted by odw on October 26, 2010 at 3:15pm in Panorama
From Trinidad Expesss
By Gary Gardinez
(Story Updated: Oct 25, 2010 at 11:51 PM ECT )
Ace arranger Len 'Boogsie' Sharpe is raving mad over the planned proposal by the Port of Spain City Corporation to 'evict" Petrotrin Phase II Pan Groove from its home of 38 years, at Hamilton Street, Woodbrook.
While the City Corporation has not said anything official nor has it they spoken with the executive of Phase II ; 'Boogsie' says he only heard of the plans by the way. It is understood that the band will be allowed to stay there next year, but will have to move by Carnival 2012.
It is alleged that Phase II will be relocated to the building west of the National Stadium at Mucurapo, built for it by former mayor Murchinson Brown.
Without even hearing the City Corporation, 'Boogsie' is insisting that he and Phase II will not be moving. "This is the University of Pan" they don't have any sense of history; they want to move us to build some road," intoned 'Boogsie'
The issue of Phase II relocating has been ongoing for several years with lawyers being involved.
The Express also learned even if the band is relocated to Mucurapo it will only be temporary as the Ministry of Sport is hoping to continue the completion of the sporting complex planned for the area.
The very land that is now home for Starlift Steel Orchestra, PoS City Corporation Transport and Cleansing Department and the building for Phase II is earmarked for a cycling track and an aquatic centre.
So it seems like its not only Phase II will be looking for a home .
Meanwhile, Sharpe and songwriter Anthony 'Lexo' Alexis are back together and making threats that they will win Panorama 2011.
In 2005, the wining duo gave Trinidad and Tobago the most popular Panorama win in history (20 points) with "Trinis Gone Wild".
But this time the union comes with conditions which ushers in a new trend in Panorama; Lexo is now locked in "legal lyrics" as he has signed a contract, drawn up by several lawyers, binding him to write for Phase II Pan Groove only; another first for Panorama.
'Lexo' is giving up several other jobs to work for 'Boogsie'. It is reported he was also working with a popular band from the west, having already written a song for it but the project was aborted because of stipulations in the contract.
He said, "I would lose some money but I won panorama two years with 'Boogie' and Phase II and I just can't stop there."
The very thought of being back with the "genius" of Phase II and the challenge to win a Panorama again have convinced 'Lexo' to forget all other jobs.
'Boogsie' says it was quite obvious that he is going back to his "greatest Panorama writer" because he wants to be at the top again, a position which has eluded him for the last two years.
'Lexo revealed this time around he approached the work differently, "It took me three weeks to finish this song, that's new to me, when I worked with 'Boogsie' before, I composed lyrics on the spot."
He says he is coming with a Panorama hunger after a self imposed hiatus of three years. The duo parted ways under strange circumstances for reasons still unknown.
With both men hungry for a mega $2million win, the Express understands they have come up with a very interesting song; one which they say will remain unnamed until it is revealed at a high profile press conference shortly.
Songbird Patrice Roberts is booked to record the song and should be in the studio very soon.
'Boogsie' said, "I will be releasing this big song early o'clock and will be putting all large bands on notice. The days of wining Panorama by half of a point and one point are over. I will show them what a real victory is about."
The mood in the Hamilton Street, Woodbrook "Village" is a happy one as band members move around with smiles on their faces as 'Boogsie' has been hyping up the track as a big one.
'Boogsie' and Lexo came together in 2002 when they did "Do What You Want" and placed second in Panorama. Then came "Music in Meh Blood" in 2003 placing third, in 2004 they placed third again with "We like to Play".
Their first win came with the history making "Trini Gone Wild"in 2005, and they repeated in 2006 with another stunning success in "This One's for you Bradley".
'Boogsie' will be pulling out all stops for Panorama 2011. He has mas legend Peter Minshall in his corner who will do a dramatic design for the song.
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I am an avid fan of Boogsie and Phase 11. I have always supported Boogsie in most of his thoughts and action towards the betterment of the Pan Culture. This time I think that he is wrong. He cant stand in the way of progress. Phase 11 Pan yard is not a National landmark. He must be reasonable, the City Council built the band a modern pan theatre, and he never accepted the offer. There are times to rebel and there are times to be humble. Boogsie should humble himself and move with the band to their new location. He must let the Country progress and stop being selfish. 'Boogsie', Please Let good sense prevail and comply with the authorities.
Great keep on doing it brother. as for the removal of the band there is somewhat disrespect meted out to the pan fraternity which is not something new.
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