The Bocas Lit Fest recently hosted its BYOBB (Bring Your Own Book and Bottle) social event at The Writers Centre in Port of Spain, marking the culmination of Calypso History Month. The event featured writer and media producer Judith Laird and soca artiste-songwriter Nadia Batson as special guests. Calypso History Month, celebrated annually in October since its official recognition by the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO) in 2002, honors the rich cultural heritage of calypso music. The evening’s highlight was a screening of Laird’s 1981 documentary, ‘Women in Kaiso,’ which chronicles the experiences of pioneering female calypsonians. Batson, known for her storytelling through music, shared insights into her creative process, emphasizing the importance of understanding the artiste’s personality when composing. The BYOBB series, hosted bimonthly, fosters intellectual exchange and cultural dialogue, offering a platform for attendees to engage with literary and artistic figures. Upcoming events at The Writers Centre include a celebration of Peepal Tree Press’s 40th anniversary, featuring discussions on Caribbean literature. For more details, visit bocaslitfest.com.
Bring Your Own Book and Bottle: Bocas celebrates calypso stories
