YOU cannot talk about Tobago’s culture and not mention Lesley-Ann Ellis.
She’s been a dominant force on the island’s performing landscape for over four decades, thrilling audiences with her thought-provoking songs, lively folk dances and compelling dramatic presentations.
It’s not uncommon to see her relating a tale about Tobago’s rich heritage or singing a calypso about domestic abuse, crime or any of the social ills plaguing the society. You may even spot her dressed as a dame Lorraine gyrating to a soca tune or, in Baby Doll character, urging unsuspecting men to “mind” their children.
Over the years, Ellis, 55, has won many competitions, including Heritage Monarch, Scouting For Talent and Vintage Monarch. She also won the Tobago Calypso Monarch title on three occasions.
Ellis has performed with various cultural groups in St Vincent, St Lucia, Suriname, Carriacou, Canada, the US among other countries.
Saying she has no intention of calling it a day, the performer vowed to continue seeking avenues to promote Tobago’s culture.
“As long as I can walk, I will be on a stage,” Ellis told WMN, bursting into laughter.
True to form, Ellis is juggling several projects. She is participating in the Best Village Best Trophy competition with the New Edition Folk Performing Company.
The Mason Hall group has qualified for the folk and gospel finals of the competition at the National Academy for the Performing Arts on July 4 and 5.
Ellis is also preparing for next month’s Tobago Heritage Festival, a signature event on the island’s cultural calendar.
[caption id="attachment_1019519" align="alignnone" width="768"] Lesley-Ann Ellis makes a point of exposing tourists to Tobago’s traditions, attractions and artforms. -[/caption]
The cultural advocate has also been appointed chair of Carnicopia’s October Carnival where she is responsible for the calypso segment of the event.
Ellis said redoing the Sherwin Cunningham play, The Beast Within, is one of her priorities.
Cunningham, who died on March 12, 2022, was a talented playwright, songwriter and calypsonian. He was also one of Ellis’ closest friends.
She said The Beast Within is a play about life.
“Just what happens in life is what you can expect in the play and more.”
Cunningham, Ellis said, had always talked about completing the play, “So I took that one me personally to ensure that his dream comes through.”
She is hoping to complete the project in time for what would have been Cunningham’s 56th birthday on July 31.
Describing Cunningham as a great writer, Ellis said, “I used to call him the Tobago Tyler Perry. I don’t know his brain used to work. I used to wonder how he slept.”
Ellis, who begins pan lessons next month, said she is not at all daunted by her various projects.
“I just love the culture. It is rich and unique. It stands out among other cultures. We Congo, Bele and Jig, the way we talk and interact with people is just unique.”
Originally from Bon Accord, Ellis’ journey into the performing arts began at the Scarborough Secondary
