The late Carolyn "Tassa" Forde has been described by Minister of Culture, Stephen Lashley, as "a dedicated calypsonian", whose songs were aimed at empowering women.
While delivering the feature address at the opening of the Holetown Festival yesterday, Mr. Lashley paid tribute to Ms. Forde, as well as Dame Olga Lopes-Seale, both of whom died earlier this month.
The Minister stressed that both women had contributed to this island’s cultural arts. He said: "Tassa might not have won the Pic-o-de-Crop crown, but she exemplified the true calypsonian and won the hearts of Barbadians everywhere. Tassa made an invaluable contribution to the calypso art form for some 20 years… Her dynamic personality and lively performances soon became favourites, first in the Super Gladiators’ Tent, the House of Soca and most recently, in All Stars Tent."
Mr. Lashley told his audience that Dame Olga’s contribution to Barbados was one which would live on in history. "This caring individual dedicated her life to helping the less fortunate… As a broadcaster, excellence was her hallmark, and her cheerful, professional voice will long be remembered," he proffered.
The Culture Minister added that many persons had fond memories of being entertained by Auntie Olga every Saturday morning on the radio programme "Children’s Party" and in recent years, relaxed to "Beautiful Music", a radio programme she hosted which featured classical tunes.??