Maria Bhola-La Caille encourages youth to express opinions through arts

Bhola, 30, who is not attached to a calypso tent, has been a consistent contributor to the art form. She was crowned National Women’s Action Committee (NWAC) National Calypso Queen in 2007, and topped several other competitions. Over the years she has become well-known for her political and social commentaries.

She sees calypso as a medium which youths in particular can use to address their issues. When Newsday spoke to Bhola recently, she showaed great admiration for youths who choose to participate in the art form and she strongly encouraged others to find ways to get involved in the arts.

“Calypso is important in creating awareness. I have been admiring more of the younger calypsonians. I think that the messages they have been coming with year after year are impressive and their performances are improving. Look at Karene Asche. I knew her since she was in Junior Soca Monarch. She has come a long way and she has been a consistent performer. I also admire Brian London. He writes for himself and his messages are always good. I admire that,” Bhola said.

She urged young people to find positive avenues to voice their opinions and express themselves. “Awareness is important. You should become aware and once you are aware of certain things voice your opinions. A calypsonian is entitled to his or her own opinion in song,” Bhola said. She also reminded youths about other options in which to express themselves.

“There are other art forms. You can express yourself through dance, in a skit or in a play. Just get involved in the arts; it’s a powerful medium to get your message across. It does not have to be calypso; you may not be brave enough to go on a stage but you can write for people to perform your song; you can write plays. There are many options,” Bhola said.

She also had strong words of encouragement for young people who want to start writing. “I want to encourage others to start writing for themselves. Noting is wrong with utilising the skills of other writers but make an attempt to write and write your own songs. I have a lot of good memories. I started off writing for myself which I enjoyed for many years, before I teamed up with Larry Harewood,” Bhola said.

Bhola is involved in a youth ministry called “Music with a Mission,” which she founded with her husband, Dwayne La Caille. The programme uses music and the arts as a medium to steer youths away from negative behaviour. She said she holds the project close to her heart. “We help troubled teens using music and the arts. The project started in Canada in 2008, and we recently implemented it in Trinidad where we facilitate programmes through the Ministry of National Security and we also work with various churches. Right now we are working with 18 young people in the Enterprise Chaguanas area,” Bhola said.

“The youths are so excited about music and the arts. Young people in this country are so gifted and so talented; most of them are looking for a medium to express themselves and sometimes there are so very few positive mediums and Music with a Mission is giving most of them that opportunity,” she said.