Guyanese calypsonian shines at literature

Oct 26, 2008 News

With seventeen years as an experienced calypsonian and reputable entertainer, Roger Hinds (Jnr.) a/ka Young Bill Rogers, is now displaying his skills at literature.
With numerous achievements in the musical arena, Hinds surprised many recently when he wrote and released his new book titled ‘The Life and Works of Bill Bhagee Rogers’.
The book, which was launched at the recent Carifesta celebrations, deals primarily with the contributions of his dad, Roger Augustus Hinds, to the Guyanese culture.

Roger Hinds jnr displays his new book at the recent Carifesta launch.

The currently reigning ‘Calypso Monarch,’ whose song ‘We’re still a Paradise’ stole the hearts of judges this year, told this newspaper that his venture into writing was prompted by his belief that his dad, whom he deemed as a cultural stalwart to Guyana, deserved public recognition in every possible sector.
The book also depicts the many successes of his father, and his rise to fame through his stimulating efforts at promoting culture and entertainment on the local shores.
The book said that his father, several years ago, motivated him into music, since he was the legend in the home and community in which they resided.
Roger Hinds jnr. did not spiral to fame easily. He endured several failures in the calypso world, but kept on trying since he felt his moment of glory ‘was just around the corner’.
His first exposure came in the 1980s, when he performed the lead song for the ‘Young Guyana Teen Programme’ aired on the then GBC Radio Station. At the tender age of eleven, he performed the lead song on that programme, which propelled him to teenage fame.
He had always nurtured a thirst for the Calypso music discipline, and in 1992 got even more involved as he campaigned for supremacy in that field.
In 1994, he reached as far as the finals segment and placed fifth in the Calypso Competition with his entry ‘Is Lies’.
In 1998, he was third with songs ‘Human Race’ and ‘JJ race and poor Elections’. His entry ‘Politricks and dem Politician’ was fourth in 1999, while in 2007 his ‘Guyanese Integration’ secured the fourth position.
Luck reigned supreme this year, and Young Bill Rogers took home the Calypso Monarch title from several competitors with great experience in the Calypso arena.
Hinds jnr. has won the local Shanto Competition on five occasions, and has also represented Guyana at the Carifesta Calypso Monarch regional competition in Trinidad, to which he was personally invited by the World Calypso Company to perform his ‘Cricket World Cup 2007’.
He has travelled to several Caribbean states with the Caribbean Vizion Group, making people aware of CSME, HIV/AIDS, teenage pregnancy, crime and other ills of society via drama and music.
Hinds related that his new book was inspired by the fact that Guyanese do not have enough information about his father, who was a phenomenal all-round entertainer.
He said that it was his father who first put Guyana on the recording map in 1934 when he recorded his first single on the RCA Victor Blueband record label.
Augustus Hinds won several medals and accolades during his career. His songs, among them the Weed Song, and BG Bhagee, are still being played.
Hinds jnr sees himself as a musical ambassador, and is willing to assist youths who are desirous of a profession in the calypso field and shanto singing. He plans to establish a calypso library and tent where youths can be properly taught to respect calypso and shanto, both of which have been on the ‘down low’ for years now.
He has been nominated for an award in his field at the upcoming Accolade –The Music Awards of Guyana event in November. (Alex Wayne)

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