TRIBUTE TO THE LORD
TOKYO
The Mighty Sparrow, Calypso King of the World was so
impressed with the Lord Tokyo’s rendition of Tokyo’s “De man dat doing de
Pumping” at a Brooklyn club that he invited the former Calypso King of Dominica
to do a recording of some his classics. “De Pumping” recorded in 1967 has the
distinction of being the first recorded single by any individual artist in
Dominica. (The Swingin Stars Orchestra did their recording of Sparrow’s “the Party”
that same year). With the backing of Sparrow’s orchestra, Sparrow’s Troubadours
and some calypso vocalists, (30 years later) Tokyo was able to produce the song
“Tennis Shoe Scandal” on tape with an extended dub version of real classy
calypso on brass in 1997. Tokyo
received a tremendous ovation at the World Creole Music Festival on October
31,1999 after a live performance which included his famous hits.
“Lord Tokyo” was born Hayden Desiree in Loubiere, Dominica.
The calypso,” Tennis Shoe Sandal” had already made Tokyo a household name in
Dominica since he won the Road March title during Carnival with that song in
1970. It was such a big hit that this calypso was repeated on the road at every
Carnival afterwards for a long time. Tokyo’s success began when he was crowned
the 1969 Calypso King of Dominica.
It wasn’t any surprise to anyone who knew “Tokes” in North
America that the Lord Tokyo would continue his singing of calypso in the USA
and Canada. His popularity increased among younger folks as he continued to
make guest appearances in shows and perform at local clubs. In December1998,
Tokyo released his first album on Compact Disc entitled “Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year to all”. This album featured some traditional Caribbean
Christmas melodies in soca, bouyon, zouk and cadence along with some familiar
Dominican Christmas songs like “Chantey Noel” among others. Under the skilled
engineering and programming of the young “King” Arthur Valmond, the CD has been
a collector’s item during the Christmas season.
Tokyo’s new CD also engineered by Valmond promises to
startle the ear and assault the eye and imagination of even the most critical
observer. This album, which includes a remix of the songs “De Pumping” and
“Doctor Tokes”, proves to be rich enough in content and should appeal to
calypso lovers and persons who have a philosophical approval to life. Tokyo has
come a long way as his legacy continues to create a greater awareness of his
homeland with its rich cultural background. These new songs should make a good
and lasting impression on all fans, calypso, bouyon, and soca enthusiasts
alike.
Earlsworth(Earl)L. Lawrence
www.sensay.com SENSAY
DOMINICA
webmaster@sensay.com
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