POMEGRANATE STUDIOS.' Iconography: Roy Cape to get International Debut in Toronto
Hey Roy Cape. Welcome Back.
Toronto has missed you!
The long-time Caribana calypso saxophonist from Trinidad, Roy Cape, is making a return to Toronto next month, albeit through film, as part of the annual Caribbean Tales Film Festival (CTFF).
During the late 90s and the early 21st century, the arrival of Roy Francis Cape and his All Stars Band marked the beginning of the Carnival season in Toronto. From calypso shows and parties to mas camp mashups and cruises, as well as performances at the Grande Parade, Cape has consistently been the sought-after music maker. However, a battle with cancer in 2014 and a subsequent hip fracture five years later have prevented the 81-year-old man from gracing a Toronto staged of late.
On September 9th, the CTFF will host the international premiere of the 2022 film 'Iconography: Roy Cape' at Harbourfront’s Fleck Theatre, followed by a special performance by the Roy Cape All Stars. As for whether Cape will be in Toronto, a spokeswoman for the film festival has reported, “Roy’s health has improved, and he is in excellent spirits,” but according to the makers of the film, both the makers of the movie and Roy Cape will not be attending.
'Iconography: Roy Cape' is a 40-minute sit-down interview with Cape, made in 2022 by Trinidad and Tobago’s POMEGRANATE STUDIOS. The documentary follows the musical journey of Cape, tracing back to his early days of musical education in a Port-of-Spain orphanage. It captures his progression into becoming a skilled saxophonist, performing in local clubs and street events. He fondly recalls, "I used to skip school to watch the steel bands."
With nearly 60 years of active engagement as a band musician, Cape's illustrious career has seen collaborations with legends such as The Mighty Sparrow, Lord Kitchener, The Mighty Chalkdust, Denyse Plummer, Black Stalin, and Toronto’s Elsworth James. His contributions can be heard on hundreds of recordings. Presently, he dedicates a significant portion of his time to nurturing young musicians through his Trinidad based foundation.
Roy Cape's performances have spanned the Caribbean, the US, and Canada. Toronto holds a special place in his heart, as he consistently brought his band to the city for six weeks each summer to perform throughout the carnival season.
The screening of the 40 minute- long 'Iconography: Roy Cape' is a featured component of a vibrant evening at the Fleck Theatre. The event will also encompass a live celebration in honour of the Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine's 85th birthday, during which the inaugural Augustine Award of Excellence will be presented.
Jean Augustine is a retired Grenada-born Canadian politician. She was the first Black Canadian woman to serve as a federal Minister of the Crown and Member of Parliament She lives in Toronto.
The Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes and The Trinidad Consulate collaborate closely with the Film Company of Trinidad and Tobago and the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine to orchestrate this memorable night, in partnership with CaribbeanTales. Further details about the event will be unveiled shortly.
This year the Caribbean Tales Film Festival runs from September 6th to 22nd. CTFF will focuses on the impact of climate change on vulnerable Small Island States and Canada, renewing the spotlight on these urgent issues.
Comments