Dave Martins An Icon of Caribbean Identity
By Henry Muttoo and Bibi Khatoon
The Caribbean is known for its vibrant cultural tapestry of which music takes center stage . Of the tremendous array of prolific artists only a small number manage to transcend borders and generations . One of those who stood as a beacon of musical innovation and Cultural heritageanimationis DavidAnthony Martins A . A ; more commonly known as Dave Martins . From the bustling streets of Georgetown to the lively and Carnival stages of the Caribbean , ‘ We Place ’ in Toronto , to a quarter centuryin the Cayman Islands , Martins has carved a legacy that intertwines tradition with contemporary flair .
Dave was born to parents Joseph Francis Martins and ZepherinaBarcellosand raised in West Demerara , Region Three ( Essequibo Islands – West Demerara ) with his four sisters . He later attended the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church School and St . Stanislaus High School where he was fascinated by words and as a teen , already developed a love for calypso .
After completing his secondary education , Dave worked as a Flight Clerk for four years at British Guiana Airways , and shortly thereafter at the company ’ s field office at the Atkinson Airport now renamed the Cheddi Jagan International Airport ( CJIA ).
During this time , the young Martins learnt to play the piano from friends and formed a small group playing ballads and the Latin tunes of that time . The ballads he told interviewers over the years , was influenced by his mother ’ s constant singing as she did her chores and his love for Calypso later came from listening to Trinidad Calypsonians like ‘ the Mighty Sparrow ’, Lord Kitchener ’ and more .
In 1956 , he migrated to Canada where the possibility of earning money from his music opened . With a day job running a lithographic printing machine and a night student at the United Music Center , he thought of forming a group catering to the Caribbean migrants in Canada . This led to the formation of a group , The Latins , influenced by the popularity of Latin songs in Guyana at the time . The group also played some Trinidad calypsos and later changed their name to ‘ The Debonairs ’.
With a growing preference for Caribbean music and his love for Calypso , Dave assembled three Trinidadians – Clive Rosteing , Joe Brown and Terry Dayal – and formed
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