News

BAI BUREH’S PEOPLE COME HOME TO CARRIACOU: “FOR TRUE, TIME IS REALLY LONGER THAN ROPE”

Reading Time 2 mins[Part 1 or 2] By Caldwell Taylor Bai Bureh (1840-1908) was the fearless Temne fighter who led the 1898 war against British colonialism in Northern Sierra Leone, and, no joke, in the course of his fight he offered a one thousand pound reward for the capture of the British Governor of the territory! The offer was proclaimed in response to the Governor’s call for Bureh’s capture; this call came with a one hundred pound sterling bounty to anyone who provided information that led to the capture of the rebel leader. Bureh was finally taken and was exiled.… Read More »BAI BUREH’S PEOPLE COME HOME TO CARRIACOU: “FOR TRUE, TIME IS REALLY LONGER THAN ROPE”

​RIP Phife Dawg “Trini Gladiator”

Reading Time 2 minsA Tribe Called Quest [ATCQ] is known for their optimistic, socially conscious brand of rap. Like with many other dynamic bands, we sometimes miss the tall standing trees amidst a group’s overall vibrant ecosystem. So when the news reached my family of the death of Malik Boyce Taylor, aka Phife Dawg, I reflected on Phife the person, his family, and what ATCQ would have been absent of this Trini yute from Queens. The son of highly acclaimed Trinidadian American poet Cheryl Boyce Taylor, Malik Isaac Boyce Taylor was born in New York City on November 20, 1970.… Read More »​RIP Phife Dawg “Trini Gladiator”

Examples Of Gambling Depicted In Art

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Reading Time 2 minsEvery nation is a collection of sovereign individuals. Every individual tells a story. And every single story is important in its very own way. And that’s why there is BigDrumNation. BigDrumNation is a creative journal of poetry, prose, visual art, criticism, bulletins and interviews. In this short article, we will share some of the world’s most famous pieces of art. The Famous Pieces of Art Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. It is no surprise to see the Mona Lisa at the top of this list. Da Vinci’s masterpiece is probably the most recognized artwork in the… Read More »Examples Of Gambling Depicted In Art

BDN Interviews Sunshine Awards Founder Gil Figaro

Reading Time 2 minsBDN Interviews Sunshine Awards Founder Gil Figaro   The SUNSHINE Awards will usher in its 27th annual event October 3, 2015 at the AXA Equitable Center , NYC. Founded and produced by Gilman Theophilus Figaro (Sr.), this Caribbean institution is endorsed by the (National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), the organization that produces the Grammy Awards, and the United Nations. The New York Carib News regards the initiative as a “cultural bridge from the Caribbean to the world for the 21st century.” Big Drum Nation sat down with Mr. Figaro on the eve of this… Read More »BDN Interviews Sunshine Awards Founder Gil Figaro

Phyllis Shand Allfrey

Reading Time 1 mins Dominican Phyllis Shand Allfrey, 1907-1986, poet, journalist, editor, novelist and politician, was the only woman to hold  a Cabinet post-Minister of Labour and Social Affairs – in the Grantley Adams’ led Federal Government of the West Indies,1958-1962. Ms Shand held the ministerial office in the face of much heckling from some of her ministerial colleagues, who believed the woman belonged in the kitchen. Before going to Port-of -Spain, site of the federal government,  Ms Shand published The Orchid House in 1953, a novel that has won the status of ‘Caribbean classic’. Shand, founder of the Dominica Labour… Read More »Phyllis Shand Allfrey

RIP Calypsonian Rootsman (Yafeu Osei)

Reading Time 1 mins   By Clevil James Calypsonian Rootsman (Yafeu Osei) passed away from complications with diabetes on Friday August 20 at his home in Trinidad. Rootsman, born in Tobago 64 year ago, started singing as a student in elementary school, where he won a competition in 1967.  In 1976 he made the decision to fulfil his dreams and become a professional calypsonian. Rootsman, although skilled in calypsoes on social commentary, was better known for his soca numbers like Parkway Rock, Rach Meh-Rack Meh, Soca In The Palace etc. etc. Rootsman has received numerous honours from all over the world… Read More »RIP Calypsonian Rootsman (Yafeu Osei)