Profiles: Heroes, Role Models and Pioneers of Trinidad and Tobago - by Nasser Khan

51 Forget all this lousy rumor about racial equality If you are an East Indian and you want to be an African Just shave your head like me Then they can’t prove your nationality On at least one of his calypsoes, Bob Marley was a back up chorus singer. PATRICK S. CASTAGNE (1916-2000) C astagne is well known as the composer of Trinidad and Tobago’s national anthem. But he also composed famous calypsoes and songs such as The Iceman, 1960 (Calypso - Lord Melody), Kiss Me for Christmas (sung by Kelwyn Hutcheon); Nimble Like Kimble; Hyarima: A Caribbean Rhapsody; An Orchid for You; Happy Birthday Mom and My Easter Bunny. In the 1950s he hosted pre-Carnival “Dimanche Gras” shows. The theme song Goodnight used for many years as the sign-on and sign-off signal by Radio Trinidad 610 was also composed by him. He also served as a diplomat assigned to the Trinidad and Tobago Embassy in England. While in England, he worked with the BBC in airing West Indian talent on a weekly radio show. He even wrote a book on how to dance to calypso music, using himself and his wife as models for the many pictures that showed calypso dancing steps. • 1979 Chaconia Medal Gold • Member of the British Empire (MBE)