When Rupert “Baba” Blaize was in his teens, he spent most of his time listening to music, strumming his guitar and singing some of the most popular American songs that made the pop charts. But when Lord Canary and Zemaki arrived on the music scene in 1957-58, Baba was so infatuated by the lyrics, melodies and rhythms of their calypsos, that he found himself gravitating towards that musical genre, wishing that by so doing, he could inherit a little bit of the attention and adoration the calypsonians were receiving from the general public. Unfortunately, he had to stifle his desire to become “Lord Baba” or “Mighty Baba” because back then, Calypso profile many parents felt it was socially unacceptable for their children to be involved in steelpan playing or calypso singing. To satisfy his “singer-man” thirst, Baba indulged in a steady diet of Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Matthis and Bing Crosby’s music. However, as soon as he realized his independence, he began experimenting with calypso. Harry Belafonte’s version of “Day O” and Lord Melody’s “Mama Look A Boo Boo Deh” were down tempo enough to fit his beginner’s profile. Eventually, his stints with bands like “The Entertainers” and the “Gem Tones” at various hotels prepared him for the plunge into the calypso arena. Yet it was many years later, after enviously watching King Short Shirt, King Swallow and others battle for the Calypso Monarch title that Baba felt comfortable singing calypso and Ceceile H. Porter Ambassador Rupert Baba Blaize felt confident enough to enter the calypso arena. He never had a calypso name. He competed and performed under his own name. In 1984, he attained some measure of success when he was adjudged first runner-up in the Calypso Monarch competition. That year, King Progress walked away with the crown for his renditions, “Madness” and “You Getting It.” Thirteen years later, (1997) Baba without a calypso moniker, decided to enter the Calypso competition once again. His two songs, “Yard Fowl” and “<strong>Antigua</strong>,” which were favorites among calypso lovers, netted him the first runner-up spot again, with King Onyan as the winner. Convinced that singing a calypso does not make one a calypsonian, Baba says, “I view calypso as the corner stone of our indigenous culture, and calypsonians as the guardians of our fragile, progressing democracy.” Supporting Carnival Since 1957 For All Your Carnival or National Dress & Accessories Textiles Notions Hosiery Housewares ������������� ����������� �������� ������������ ������������������������������������������� Arts & Crafts Bags Silk Flowers Dried Flowers “…..Because Fashion Starts With Fabric”
62 Mas Music F a n t a s y