Calypso composer Winsford ‘Joker’ DeVine to receive honorary doctorate
Published:
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Being recognised with the honorary Doctor of Letters degree by the University of the West Indies is the “sweet” culmination of a life started as a “country bookie”—incapable of sophistication; a street boy hustling bobs; a frequent denizen of rum shops; a composer robbed of justified recognition and reward for his talents. At last! Finally acclaimed as one of the greatest calypso composers in the land of calypso and steelband.
http://www.guardian.co.tt/life-lead/2017-10-26/joker%E2%80%99s-uwi-honour-%E2%80%98pinnacle%E2%80%99
Replies
Congratulations Dr. Winsford DeVine, this is really a wonderful achievement for a job well done. You must be honoured for the invaluable contribution that you have made towards the development of the Music Industry. This has not gone without notice or unrewarding. Long overdue.
Many thanks also for remembering my contribution.
A huge congratulations to Winsford De Vines...this in fact has been long over due. He should have been one
of the first to have been bestowed this honour. His foresight and the ability to rightly predict the future in his compositions
such as Progress and In Time To Come shows the unique talent he has been blessed.It will be my pleasure to address him as
Dr.De Vines..well deserved. Jai Ojah-Maharaj Former Host of the Caribbean Connection CHIN FM 100.7 Toronto.
congratulations 'JOKER'. WELL DESERVED.
"Devine's love for music began in his early years. He recalls growing up with his brothers to the euphonic sounds of Morne Diablo's Village Steelband. Soon, listening was not enough. By the time Devine was 10, and not yet tall enough to reach the notes inside the PAN without standing on a box, he was clandestinely teaching himself to play the instrument. Eventually, he was caught by a REAL PAN MAN whose name he remembers only as MANO, who was too impressed by his playing skills to be upset that the 'miserable child' was knocking the PANS without his permission. MANO took Devine under his wings and taught him to play the PAN and TRUMPET, as well as the basics of reading music."
A snapshot of Winsford "Joker" Devine by Lincoln Depradine (Page 91) from the book THE PROGRESS OF WINSFORD DEVINE.
Wow!!...Fantastic life story...Take a bow Joker...
Congratulations on your achievement.
Brenda H.
Bravo,Bravo!! Dr DeDvine,this certificate represents a token of your life-time achievement, enjoy the moment and continue to think positive.!!
Congratulations Dr DeVine.