Cultural icons — Roy Cape, Shiv Shakti — among awards

VETERAN ENTERTAINER Roy Francis Cape has been nominated for the Humming Bird Medal Gold on the 42nd Anniversary of this country’s Independence. Cape, the leader and founder of international music band Roy Cape All Stars was recommended for the award in recognition of his contribution to the development of this country’s culture. At the National Awards Ceremony to mark this country’s 42nd anniversary as an Independent State, scheduled to take place at President’s House this evening, Cape will be conferred with his award by His Excellency President George Maxwell Richards.

Cape is one of seven persons nominated for national awards in this sphere. Other recipients of the Humming Bird Medal (Gold) for their role in this country’s cultural development are Alyson Brown, dancer/choreographer; Felix Roach, musician/teacher and personal development specialist Jacqueline Koon How. The popular Parang band known as Lara Brothers has been awarded for the Humming Bird Medal (Silver). The Malick Folk Performing Company and CLICO Shiv Shakti Dancers, hailed as two of this country’s premier performing groups are to be presented with the Chaconia Medal (Silver) respectively. 

Speaking to Newsday Cape said, “I have to say thanks to a little girl in Diamond Vale named Paula Timothy, who has nominated me for the past two years. This is my first national award. It is a welcome feeling when you get recognised by your country.” Cape, who started his music career back in the 50s said God had blessed him every step of the way up to present day. He added, “God is my motto. My heart is always clean and I’m always willing to listen to the next person.” Cape said even though he is an elder in the local music industry, he has managed to blend in well with the younger musicians.

He said this is the young people’s time, yet they have graciously welcomed him and saw him as a father figure. “That is good enough for me, based on the length of time I’ve been around. It’s competitive nowadays and I have to keep my thinking cap on in order to keep up with what’s happening,” Cape related. Michael Salickram, artistic director/choreographer of the Clico Shiv Shakti Dancers said being nominated for a Chaconia Medal (Silver) was both a privilege and an honour. He said, “I am delighted to know all our hard work and dedication to the arts over the past 17 years, did not go unnoticed.”