Ask “Boogsie,” not “Lexo”
Why the abuse of songwriter/lyricist Anthony “Lexo” Alexis by a “Boogsie” goon? Why? What has “Lexo” done wrong? If pan people want the facts about the break-up, they should ask Len “Boogsie” Sharpe... not “Lexo.” If I know “Boogsie” as well as I do, he has nothing to do with this primitive behaviour, by a disciple who feels aggrieved with “Lexo” linking up with Jason “Peanuts” Isaac. Both men are riding a wave of success with “Pan Turbulence,” the first of many efforts.
I have been reliably informed the “Lexo” broke none of the agreements - verbal or legal - over the years. Ask “Boogsie” what happened, or what he has done to sever the bond of Panorama’s most successful combination. These men were magical. Here's their success chart:
2002 - Do What You Want
2003 - Music In We Blood
2004 - We like To Play
2005 - Trini Gorn Wild
2006 - This one’s For U, Bradley
2007 - Sharing Licks
In 2008 “Lexo” sat on the sidelines. He moved away from “Boogsie.” Both men clashed over money matters. In 2009 a reconciliation effort resumed with both men planning a ‘together again’ song to signal their return to roots. What happened? “Boogsie’s” creditability took a beating as he switched his “Magic Drum” to Kernel Roberts. The writing was on the wall. Another attempt was made at reconciliation, but it fell flat.
“Lexo” has moved on, and a Phase II goon, with his breath smelling like carbide, should stop behaving like we are living in the age of ignorance, because “Lexo” could mix it up if it becomes necessary. I am telling you. Get off his back!
We pass that stage.
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Steelband Music Festival in 2012?
The postponement of the Steelband Music Festival is a blessing in disguise for Pan Trinbago. It now affords the national body the opportunity to stage a bumper festival with all the big bands signing on. I have said it once, and will say it again - big bands must participate in the Festival. The last festival held in 2008 was pathetic in terms of turn-out. I was there at the Jean Pierre Complex. You want to tell me there are 7,000 panmen and the Festival buss? Panmen have money for everything else, except supporting Pan Trinbago events. For them, Pan is only Panorama and the stipend. I say to hell with that approach. They quick to pass they mouth on President Diaz and his executive. Is this fair?
However, Pan Trinbago now has the opportunity to plan a bigger and brighter Festival with the big bands in the fray. I am talking about Despers, All Stars and Phase II. Stop the pussyfooting. Let us look at August, at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), as the country celebrates 50 years. With the momentum of the Panorama at their backs, bands can move into Festival gear. Let us go for it!
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Nominations for Pan Buzz Awards
Remember to send in your nominations for the various Pan Buzz Heroes Awards, Top Ten Pan Songs, Arranger of the Year and Pan Song of the year. Send them to: Keithos_6@hotmail.com
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Until next week, wherever you are in Steelband World, keep loving up The Pan!
Comments
Going forward, it would be better if there was a more holistic strategy in place for the steel bands. The above posts shows that there is still much work to be done when leadership is needed. It is time to set aside personal interest and focus, for the greater good of steel pan.