Calypso lovers – know who was Dr Rudolph Ottley

The Carnival Institute of Trinidad and Tobago has shared highlights of the work of the Calypso, Dr Rudolph Ottley.

21st of May 2023

Calypso lovers – know who was Dr Rudolph Ottley || Picture Courtesy: CIRC (Facebook)

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago: The Carnival Institute of Trinidad and Tobago, popularly known as Carnival Institute and Regional Carnival or CIRC, has shared highlights of the work of the Calypso, Dr Rudolph Ottley.

The CIRC has shared a social media post and stated, “Calypso lovers, students and researchers rejoice! On our Thursday reads, we highlight the work of a leading researcher and prolific author on the topic of Calypso, Dr Rudolph Ottley. Dr Ottley has written fourteen books, including today’s choice, titled: Calypso Fiesta at Skinner Park, the Gateway to Trinidad and Tobago Calypso Monarch.”

Additionally, it noted that not unlike the Colosseum in Rome, Calypso Fiesta, held in Skinner Park, San Fernando, is the place where many Calypsonians have gone and subjected themselves to the will of the judges and either the acceptance or rejection of the audience. The performers have to really “come good.”

As per the Carnival Institute of Trinidad and Tobago, this book was researched, written and self–published by Dr Ottley and is based on archival footage and mainly Trinidad newspapers that are available at the national archives. Ottley traces the development, emergence, and journey of the Calypso Fiesta as it traversed the ecology of the Trinidad Carnival landscape.

Further, it outlined that the book includes archival content and statistical data on the selection, appearances, and performances of Calypsonians at the event over the period 1956 to 2020. The reader will learn the number of times certain Calypsonians were selected as competitors at Calypso Fiesta and so much more! This is truly an educational read for all lovers of the Calypso art form.

While concluding, it mentioned that Dr Rudolph Ottley is a certified Human Resource Specialist, Cultural practitioner, Researcher/Archivist, Self-Publisher and Assistant Professor at the University of Trinidad and Tobago. He is also the Owner or Manager of the world’s only all-female Calypso Tent, the Divas Calypso Cabaret International.