INNIS FRANCIS

The 41st annual Dhol Bhaje, Senior Tassa Competition, held at Samar Entertainment Centre in Debe on May 10, featured a picturesque display of colour and costumes.

The competition, hosted by Republic Bank, Penal branch, fostered camaraderie and showcased the drummers' artistry with a contemporary mix.

[caption id="attachment_1155533" align="alignnone" width="1024"] A fusion of cultural dancers accompanied the Dragon Boys Tassa Group at the 41st Dhol Bhaje, Senior Tassa Competition at Samar Entertainment Centre, Debe on May 10.[/caption]

For a second consecutive year, Dragon Boys Tassa Band from New Grant led by Nankissoor Rampartap retained the title with a blend of beats consistent with tikora, chowbola, nagara, dingolay and the calypso beat being the group’s hand of choice all fused into one to produce their presentation – Rhythm of Our People.

[caption id="attachment_1155534" align="alignnone" width="1024"] A portrayal of sugarcane labourers accompany the Dragon Boys Tassa Grouo during their performance at the 41st Dhol Bhaje, Senior Tassa competition at Samar Entertainment Centre.[/caption]

Rondel Rampartap whose grandfather Rampartap Ragoonanan started the group 40 years ago said their key to longevity over the years is their passion for the artform as a family group.

[caption id="attachment_1155536" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Charlie Boys Tassa Group from Penal placed second at the 41st Dhol Bhaje, Senior Tassa competition at Samar Entertainment Centre, Debe on May 10, with 408 points and was also judged the best cultural depiction.[/caption]

He said the the group would always adhere to Sham Mohammed’s (founder of Mastana Bahar) teaching, that “virtue lies not necessarily in the prize but in the struggle.”

[caption id="attachment_1155537" align="alignnone" width="684"] A moko jumbie accompanies the Charlie Boys Tassa Group from Penal at the 41st Dhol Bhaje, Senior Tassa competition at Samar Entertainment Centre. [/caption]

Rampartap said: “We are passionate about tassa. It is not a burden to us, we balance this with quality time and to have fun.”

[caption id="attachment_1155538" align="alignnone" width="765"] A member of the Central Rhythms Tassa Drummers from Freeport. The group placed third with 400 points in the 41st Dhol Bhaje, Senior Tassa Competition at Samar Entertainment Centre, Debe on May 10.[/caption]

Outside of the core members their presentation was inclusive of a full cultural production, with the accompaniment of East Indian and African dance groups, and moko jumbies.

The bands were judged on presentation, clarity, tonal balance, rhythm and harmony during a ten-minute stint on stage.

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