Vintage Lion back with a new voice

THE Roaring Lion Foundation is bringing back the old time days with the release of a vintage signature series of classic calypsos beginning with the veteran calypsonian’s “Ms Tina” recorded in the 1940s. Heading the foundation is Akhenaton “Akie” de Leon who will soon launch a compilation CD with a remastered version of “Ms Tina” along with a new “Ms Tina” mix sung by Aki himself. Akie makes no comparison to his father who passed away five years ago, though his crooning voice comes close to a Lion of earlier days.

Speaking to People, the young Roaring Lion spoke of the true intention of the release. “It’s something I always wanted to do. Daddy always, in a way, encouraged me to sing. But I’m not in his shoes and in no way making a comparison because I don’t think that I’m an entertainer. It’s just something between he and I.” The foundation plans to produce a few vintage classics of various calypsonians annually. “It may not always be me singing, but we’re trying to get young artistes to join in with us so we can produce a vintage song with them.” In addition to “Ms Tina,” another of Lion’s classic called “Jouvert Barrio,” which is performed by Sheldon Nugget is also being released for Carnival 2005.

The three-year-old foundation is an NGO based at Lion’s home in Mt Lambert. It currently houses an Internet cafe, and according to Akie, will soon be home to a digitalised studio for recording and preserving his father’s music. The foundation was formed with the purpose of bringing positive change in society through Trinidad and Tobago’s culture. “Calypso plays an important part culturally and socially and by means of the foundation we want to assist or empower young people who are interested in our culture.” The Roaring Lion Foundation has also been involved in cultural exchanges which has facilitated local artistes going to Great Britain and Norway to perform and promote their music. Last year, a contingent of Norwegian performers were hosted for Carnival 2004. Akie, who resides in Norway, is director of the Organisation against institutional racism, OMOD (Organsasjonen mot offentlig diskriminisering) in Oslo.