By Stephen Weir
On Saturday night time, the Harbourfront Centre and Theatre in Toronto was abuzz with pleasure because it hosted the Battle of the Bands and a celebration of Jean Augustine’s 83rd birthday. The occasion, held below the banner of the #CaribbeanTales Movie Competition (#ctff), attracted a energetic crowd wanting to have fun each music and a distinguished determine in Canadian historical past.
The night featured performances by two famend musicians and the screenings of two Toronto Caribbean Carnival movies. The spotlight was the screening of “Iconography: Mungal Patasar,” a Trinidad documentary directed by Mikhail Gibbings and Teneka Mohammed. The movie delves into the life and profession of Indo-Trinidadian musician Mungal Patasar, celebrated for his distinctive fusion of sitar and steelpan, mixing Japanese and Western musical traditions. Patasar, who traveled from Trinidad for the occasion, carried out a charming set accompanied by pannist Professor Harold Headley, incomes resounding applause from the viewers.
Jean Augustine, born on September 9, 1937, in Grenada, was celebrated all through the night. After shifting to Canada, Augustine grew to become a distinguished determine within the Liberal Social gathering and made historical past as the primary Black Canadian lady to function a federal Minister of the Crown and Member of Parliament. Her contributions to Canadian politics and society had been acknowledged with heat applause as she took the stage to current awards.
The occasion additionally featured the 2nd annual Jean Augustine Excellence Award, recognizing excellent contributions to the humanities. This 12 months she selected Eddie Bullen who was honoured for his intensive profession as a pianist, composer, arranger, and producer. Since arriving in Toronto from Grenada in 1980, Bullen has collaborated with Caribbean, Canadian, and American artists, together with Byron Lee, Maestro, David Rudder, and Deborah Cox. His spectacular physique of labor consists of composing and arranging for TV, radio, and movie, and producing over 200 albums.
In his acceptance speech, Bullen expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the importance of receiving the award named after such a exceptional particular person. “It’s a real honour to be celebrated alongside the Honorable Jean Augustine,” he mentioned. “Her dedication to celebrating others on her big day is really inspiring.”
The night additionally included a particular tribute efficiency by the sensational Belinda Brady and a dwell steelpan efficiency by the proficient Suzette Vidale. The night time was an ideal mix of tradition, music, and celebration, highlighting each inventive excellence and neighborhood spirit.
