This post is long overdue!
I have Kamla to thank for this one.
On May 24th there was a snap election, and in a history making vote – Kamla Persad-Bissessar became the first female Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago. She is also the first female Commonwealth Chairperson-in-Office.
Over time I’ve become jaded about politics in general (and most politicians), but even still – I have high hopes for Kamla. My hopes didn’t come about purely because of her gender. It’s because of her character and her diligence.
Kamla is ardent about education, promises to take on corruption, and promises to bring about some much needed change in Trinidad and Tobago. And as a Trinidadian emigrant who has at times found herself alarmed by the increase in violent crime back home, I must admit even a little glimmer of hope that things might improve feels good. I want to hold on to that hope.
Everything I’ve read and heard about Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar has indicated great things about her ambition and capabilities. And for the past month or so – since the election pretty much, this song has been buzzing around my head.
Woman Is Boss is a calypso composed by legendary Trinidadian artist and steelpan arranger Len “Boogsie” Sharpe. It was a huge hit for calypsonian Denyse Plummer in 1988, and the legendary Phase II Pan Groove performed it at Panorama that year. If you’re a steelpan lover, you’ll remember this with fond appreciation. If you’re not familiar with the majesty and grandeur of a steel orchestra at its peak capabilities – sit back, drink this in, and I believe you’ll be amazed.
Classic.
If you want to hear more of this kind of thing, check out the YouTube channel of Is De Pan In Me. Here’s to the sounds of steel, here’s to Trinidad’s first female Prime Minister, and here’s to change. Here’s to beautiful, meaningful things.
Female power! Women of the African Diaspora are powerful women!
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is currently the President of Liberia. She is the only elected FEMALE head of an African state.
And now to know about Kamala Persad-Bissessar is a treat!
Hopefully out in California, Kamala Harris will become the first African American & Asian American female Attorney General of California in November!
Thank you for the education, Afrobella!
This is so wonderful! Thanks for spreading the word about this incredible woman.
Man, they played the diddley-squat outta them drums! Im a wee bit sad because I lost the steel pan cassettes (yeah, they were old) that I had before. Perhaps Ill check iTunes!
lol
L
Congrats to our first female Prime Minister Kamla. Thank you Afrobella…Proud Trini
“Boogsie”!! Woman is indeed Boss. I am so excited at the possibilities for our country. TRINI!!!!
Glad that an up and coming “Woman is Boss” such as yourself has posted this informative and complimentary review. I too hope that Kamla keeps to her word but at in any event it is great to after 48 years of independence from British rule this August 31st we finally have a Female Prime Minister….now if we can just get a female President in Trinidad and Tobago!
Wow this is fantastic: Kamla and the Music. Globally the diaspora has soul! Thanks for sharing
Great to see the woman being the boss.
Keep it coming – loving the posts