IN 2016, Ife Alleyne lost her voice due to a medical problem and it has taken years to return. She also has rheumatoid arthritis, so it is recommended she walk with the assistance of a cane.
Despite these issues and the fact her voice is not back to its old power, Alleyne had the courage to enter the National Calypso Monarch competition and even performed her song Don’t Give In at Calypso Fiesta, Skinner Park, San Fernando on February 22.
“Once I knew I could sing, I decided this lack of mobility will not keep me back. So even though it was difficult psychologically, trying to get to the mic without the cane and without people noticing my limp, I decided to compete regardless.”
She said even though her voice was not at 100 per cent and she could not perform as she wanted, her being at the Calypso Monarch semifinals was an inspiration to her team, and that was what was important to her.
“I always seek to be an inspiration to my students, the cultural practitioners I train, everybody around me. The whole idea was to go up there and show, regardless of what circumstances you may be faced with, you can still live out your dream. Just believe and push forward.”
The 2014 National Calypso Queen said Don’t Give In was written two years ago but was not released. The song speaks about a “beast of destruction” – all the different things that could influence people to choose a negative path – and encourages people not to give in to those influences.
Alleyne said the song was inspired by a Generation Next Cultural Association performer who died by suicide.
“He was full of life, smiling all the time, the life of the party type of person. When we got the news it really rocked the entire production team.
“It evoked the idea that there are a lot of young men who don’t know how to cope with the stresses of life and let it get under their skin. They don’t speak out because society asks them to be strong.”
She said she experienced depression in the past so knows how it could be a “silent killer.”
She also has a 13-year-old son and recognises the transition from primary to secondary school can be challenging. She wanted him, and young people like him, to know he could reach out for help and wanted to give him the strength to hold on.
Every year she writes eight-ten calypsoes on social issues for other artistes. No one took up Don’t Give In which made her realised the song was waiting for her, and it took her to the Calypso Monarch semifinals.
She said her goal was to get to the finals one day, so she plans to keep pushing herself and moving forward.
Alleyne is also a playwright. Her latest play, Memoirs of the Bois made it to the Best Village finals this year.
[caption id="attachment_1141772" align="alignnone" width="684"] Calypsonian Ife Alleyne performs Don’t Give In at Calypso Fiesta, Skinner Park, San Fernando on February 22. - Photo by Innis Francis[/caption]
In addition, she trains artistes how to perform, has been the principal of New Butler Associate College since 2019, is the executive director
