‘I’M QUEEN OF FRANCE’

On accepting the award at a gala ceremony at the Z?nith in Paris, Rose declared she is now the “Queen of France”, which drew lusty applause from the audience.

The 76-year-old Rose praised her subjects and fans, for keeping her going with their “vibrations” during her long reign in calypso, as she celebrated the World Music Album of the Year honour.

And as many award-winning artistes do, Rose led off her own tributes by thanking her agent Jean Michel Gibert. “I want to thank my agent Jean Michel, I want to thank the government of Trinidad and Tobago and my fans all over the world. They have kept me going with the beautiful music and vibrations.

“I want to thank Stonetree Records from Belize, (producer) Ivan Duran. I want to thank you all. May God bless you. And you know something? I am the Queen of France right now,” she declared in her acceptance speech at the 32nd edition of the prestigious awards.

ROSE BLOOMS The World Music Album award is one of the major music honours in France and Rose triumphed over French dance/ electronic band Acid Arab whose album is Music of France and Malian singer and an award-winner in this category, Rokia Traor? who was nominated for Do So.

The Victoire accolade is given by the French Ministry of Culture to recognise outstanding achievements in the music industry that recognises the best musical artistes of the year. Rose’s album went platinum in France late last year, an achievement unmatched by any other local artiste.

In a video clip of the ceremony, the audience applauded loudly as Rose received the award, bowing regally before being escorted off the stage. She was then called back on-stage to sing one of the album’s top singles, “Leave Me Alone”. Her agent Gibert in a statement to Newsday from Paris last evening, said the audience went crazy and sang along with Rose and when she was done, she received an encore. “It is the first time ever at this event that an encore was allowed because it is a ‘live’ television event,” Gibert said, noting fans on social media also celebrated Rose’s win.

“Calypso Rose is the most tweeted in France tonight,” he said. Rose’s local manager Lorraine O’Connor, speaking to Newsday also from Paris, said Rose’s success showed the calypso artform is far from becoming irrelevant in local and global culture. “We are so ecstatic and overwhelmed right now. People say calypso is dying but it is more than alive. It is so amazing!” Machel pro ud Soca superstar Machel Montano, who collaborated with Rose on the remix of “Leave Me Alone”, hailed her as the embodiment of the Trinidad and Tobago spirit. “I am beyond proud of our icon Calypso Rose! She is a living embodiment of the Trinidad and Tobago sound and spirit. Her album is a masterpiece and I am so excited that this incredible piece of work has been acknowledged in such a major way.

“It goes to show something we already know, that Trinidadians and Tobagonians can create world class music, and we as a nation must continue to support our artistes to allow them to reach these heights! My sincere con her platinum-selling album Far From Home.

velopments, talking with Gibert throughout and watching as the album was launched, went gold and then platinum.

“We’ve been following her all the way. I’m so heartened,” Gadsby- Dolly said, hailing Rose’s win as a powerful statement to local younger artistes. Gadsby-Dolly was especially happy that Rose’s album was filled with vintage calypsoes, all of which gives the music of TT fantastic exposure on the world stage.

SHE’S OUR AMBASSADOR “It shows the potential we have in us as a people,” she effused.

“Young children in France who cannot even speak English are singing the words to it. “She is an ambassador. I can’t wait until she comes home for Carnival.

She’s an inspiration to our young calypsonians. I know how excited she’s going to be to be back in TT”.

Gadsby-Dolly hailed Rose for having such a joyfully infectious personality. “Her whole happy mood is infectious and she really caught on in France. It transcends language and culture, and France has caught it. We are so proud of her.” The Minister hailed Rose for having courage in her latter years to create this success.

“It didn’t come just so. She was past her prime, some would say.

It was so hard for her to have to go from place to place to do concerts and interviews. She keeps on saying to young artistes how hard it is. She is a testament to us as a people. We are extremely proud of her.” Rose is expected to return home in Trinidad next Thursday after fulfilling other engagements in France.

When members of her band arrive three days later, Rose will be in full rehearsal mode for her only full length show this year, SoCalypso — Rose in Concert on Carnival Friday (February 24) at the Queen’s Park Savannah.

(Additional reporting by Cleavorn Diaz and Sean Douglas)