City Bite Magazine understands that Allison Bernard, popularly known by stage name Empress Ajé will take on the mic during the much awaited FESTAC AFRICA festival 2024 in August. In a recent interview, the Trinidad and Tobagonian Chantuelle queen waxed lyrical of the festival, terming it “a colossal platform to showcase the rich and diverse cultures of Africa and the diaspora .” In the interview, we sterted by asking her about her roots.
” My name is Allison Bernard, and I am a performing artist,” she commenced her introduction. “My good stage name is Empress Ajé as you already know and I was born in Trinidad and Tobago, hence you can call me a Trinidad and Tobagonian,” she declared. ” I started singing background vocals for Ella Andall, one of the most renown singers in Trinidad and Tobago,” she stated. “My foundation genre is Calypso music, which was created from West African rhythms, brought to Trinidad by our forefathers,” Alisson said. “A Chantuelle was the lead vocalist for the African call and response chants and lavway songs that were sung in the Gayelle where the stick fighting competition would take place.”
Ajé credited Ms. Andall for mentoring her into the immaculate maturity of her talents, and called on veteran artistes to nurture young and upcoming ones. Ms. Andall is famously known as The Chantuelle Queen. A Calypsonian sings about social issues of the country and is a redefined version of a Chantuelle.
“Regardless of my background in Calypso, I prefer to be called a Chantuelle because my performances evokes the call and response participation.”
Chantuelle Queen Empress Aje performing with her crew during a past event
How has your art impacted communities?
“As a vocalist and a creative, my craft has put me in places where I had to interact with different people and different groups” she said. “Through that, I have been able to entertain, share my positive energy and my messages through music,” she declared. “I have worked with and continue to mentor young people, who are interested in learning songs and the history of music in Trinidad and Tobago,” she said. ” I have also founded the IBA MUSIC FESTIVAL, where I’m the Executive Producer,” Empress Ajé told City Bite. ” This event revolves around Mother’s Day, to celebrate the sacrifices of our mothers,” she said. “Through the event, families bond and we encourage them to live in harmony. Needless to say, we give art vendors the opportunity to exhibit and potentially sell their craft during this annual festival.”
What is the link between your art and cultural restitution?
“It saddens me to note, that people have embraced a certain ‘modernization philosophy, that has eroded some of our most original cultural practices,” she stated. ” A lot has been lost with ages, pertaining to African culture and art,” she said. “As stated earlier, Calypso originates from West African rhythms. In a world where many prefer western music,revitalizing indigenous African rhythms is not only the ultimate way to communicate our culture and diversity, but also to succeed in the industry,” Ajé told City Bite. “My art, therefore stands as a unique brand of music aimed at restoring, preserving and communicating the cultural origins of our ancestors and I’m proud to say that this is a purpose worth living for.”
https://youtube.com/@superallisonempressaje?si=es-R–PwyhPDon61
What are the similarities between African and Caribbean Art?
“Because of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, our enslaved ancestors from Africa were dropped in different islands in the Caribbean. As they came, they carried their food, music and way of life,” she stated. “The cultures are still visible in our ways of doing things, ” Alisson added. “If you look at our music, food, fashion and spirituality, you can trace the African ways of doing things.”
“In music, Caribbean rhythms are very similar to African rhythms. For instance, in folk music, like in Africa, a lot of drumming and syncopated rhythms are used. This underscored the similarity herein.”
What role will you play in FESTAC AFRICA festival 2024?
“As an entertainer, I will be offering my Caribbean vibe music which’s origin traces roots in Africa. I will also use the platform to showcase my vocal ability in collaboration with the Steelplan, which is the National instrument in Trinidad and Tobago,” she said. “Apart form performance, it is imperative a point to note that the platform that is FESTAC AFRICA helps to foster connections between Africa and other countries,” she added. “Trinidad and Tobago, as it pertains art is a major priority.”
FESTAC, according to its founding fathers was meant to bridge the gap between Africans and people of African decent. To bring the continent together in one platform, for cultural exchange, restitution and preservation. This year’s theme is Sustainable Growth Trajectory for Africa, through Trade, Travel, Tourism and Culture. According to it’s planners, the festival is an impact project, meant to leave a lasting mark in the host community.
Asked of what she expects during the festival, Ms. Alisson said; “I’m looking forward to a properly organised event,that will showcase with pride, the cultural diversity of the continent. I’m hoping to network and to experience indigenous and unaltered talents in Africa.”
How will FESTAC AFRICA festival contribute to your art?
“The festival will expose me to an elevated platform.I will interact with both upcoming and experienced artists, from whom I can learn.This is because of the diverse cultures and varied ways of performances, which will directly impact my way of doing music. Brad based and active networking will definitely change the perspective of how I do things when I go back to Trinidad and Tobago.”
What is your expectation of African artists?
I expect quality African and afrocentric music. This to me will enrich the vibration of all in attendance. We are not coming to Kenya just to leave empty handed. We want to take away new information and new styles of doing things. Most importantly, we want to leave with contacts and collaborations in the works.
Closing remark
In my opinion, if FESTAC invites exotic artistes to the festival, the inclusion should not compromise its authenticity. Otherwise, I’m excited to come from Trinidad to experience a festival that’s of a higher level. Personally, I’ll tag along 13 people with whom we will make FESTAC 24 a memorable event.
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