PRESS RELEASE

 SHELDON BLACKMAN IN NORWAY 2004

Sheldon Blackman was once again invited to Oslo, Norway. This time as a guest of honour at the 10-year anniversary celebrations of X-RAY Youth Culture House, and to share in a cultural exchange programme called “Harmony In Diversity”.

He is our very own son of the soil and representing Trinidad & Tobago on the global stage. Sheldon is no stranger, he is the son of the late Ras Shorty I and member of Trinidad leading musical family band “The Love Circle”.

 X-RAY has hosted a series of youth exchange programs over the past decade. In 1998, Sheldon was among a group of four chosen to represent Trinidad & Tobago and the Caribbean during “Edutainment 98”, this was the beginning of a long-standing relationship between himself, X-Ray and other youth cultural houses in Norway.

Sheldon has just completed a special programme entitled “Harmony in Diversity” which was a part of a two-month project with a series of youth organisations, including X-RAY, Afrikan Youth In Norway, Global Music Studio, Nordic Black Theatre and Sinsen Cultural House, all apart of Grünerløkka borough council, noted for its focus on youth development. “Harmony in Diversity”was an attempt to create a space for creativity, unity and peace among youth of different backgrounds and social status through the art of music. “Harmony In Diversity” was held on November 24^th, with a highly spirited performance by several young people from the involved organisations and Sheldon Blackman. This showcase was a presentation of what they have experienced and developed during these couple of months through presentations, workshops and rehearsals. One of the objectives was to expose them to a different form of music, sharing the T&T and Caribbean experience. Sheldon’s music formed the backbone of the event.

During his stay in Norway, Sheldon has had the privilege and honour to meet and perform for several distinguished personalities. On 12^th October he performed for the Bishop of Oslo, Mr. Gunnar Stålset in connection with a reception and dinner held at his house where several church and community organisations were invited. Also on 17^th November the honorary Consul for Trinidad & Tobago in Norway, Mr. Rolf E. Holmen, hosted a grand reception, receiving The Ambassador of The Republic of Trinidad & Tobago in the UK Her Excellency Mrs. Glenda Morean-Phillip. Sheldon and other reseeding Trinbagonians in Norway were invited to the reception. Sheldon contributed to the success of the evening by performing “Watch Out My Children” a signature song by his deceased father, Ras Shorty I, and other songs of his own.

“The Roaring Lion Foundation” (RLF) has been an important partner of these exchange activities. “The Crossing Over Project II” undertaken by the foundation earlier this year saw 11 young people from Norway to Trinidad during the carnival season for the exposure of T&T music, culture and Carnival. In June of his year, Sheldon was invited through the foundation to take part in ABRAÇO, the first soca, dancehall, and R&B festival and exchange program in Norway. And now once again RLF has facilitated his contacts and trip.

During his stay in Europe, Sheldon had the opportunity to visit England to take part in a number of events. He performed twice in the musical “Sweet Inspiration” held in London, first on 17^th July at Stratford Theatre Royal, and second on 23^rd October at the Tricycle Theatre. “Sweet Inspiration” is a celebration of words and music from the Caribbean, a production of the Carib Theatre Company UK. The production feature songs from the 50s and 60s and work from top Caribbean authors such as Derrick Walcott, Louise Bennett and Paul keenes Douglas. This was performed by singers from the London Community Gospel Choir and with leading stars of stage and television including Trinidadian Malcolm Frederick and Rudolf Walker. Sheldon performed “Blessed Are The Elders” and played a starring role at this event which had two sold out shows!!

Sheldon says “I truly appreciate the opportunity and experience given to me, to share my musical experience and insight with young people and other varying audiences from Norway and across Europe, they also make an important contribution to my life, in terms of experience, understanding and personal development. This gives me joy and I believe this is what cultural exchange and travel is all about”. Sheldon is now looking forward to completing his stay in Norway and then coming home to rejoin his family “The Love Circle” to continue there mission to spread the positive message of love, following the resent release of their Christmas album, “Christmas With the Blackman’s”, and Sheldon’s most resent completion album “One Big Fat Love Bomb”.  

Peace to all.