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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZTAMBU(b Christopher Herbert, 31 Jan. '56, Belmont, Port of Spain, Trinidad) Soca/calypso artist, horn player, composer. Spent early years in San Fernando, the island's second largest city; returned to Port of Spain at age seven and grew up in St James; played harmonica, kettle drum and trumpet with East Port of Spain Scout Troop, but finally settled for trombone; meanwhile appeared on Auntie Kay's radio talent show and at school concerts; sang with bands in early teens incl. Dynamic Flames, Ray Sylvester, Arthur Seville. Visited T&T Police Band room on his way home from school, joined '73 initially playing French horn; nickname stuck after he entered the band room with an uneven haircut while they were performing African song 'Tamboo'. Sang with the band after he was heard singing along to 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'; originally perceived himself as a ballad singer, but started performing popular calypsos with Police Band during '70s. Joined Charlie's Roots '76 as a horn player, became front-line singer following death of Maestro (Cecil Hume, 1945--78); after David Rudder joined '80 Tambu was somewhat overshadowed until '88. Entered Spektakula calypso tent '87 (same tent as Rudder), had hit with 'Yes Darling' incl. in Charlie's Roots' Calypso Music/10th Anniversary Album '87 on Lypsoland; in his second competitive season '88 'This Party Is It' (co-written with police officer calypsonian Johnny King) and 'Culture' (both from his solo debut LP Culture '88 with Charlie's Roots on Lypsoland) earned second place in Young Kings contest, last place in Calypso Monarch final, plus 'This Party Is It' snatched Road March title. His '89 season was even better: 'Free Up' and 'Journey' (from The Journey '89 with Charlie's Roots on Lypsoland) made him joint winner of the fifth Young Kings contest with Protector (Michael Legerton), third place in Calypso Monarch final and 'Free Up' retained Road March crown. Became second to score Road March hat trick (Kitchener was the first '63--5) with 'No No We Eh Going Home' from The Cry '90 on Lypsoland; this tune and 'Let's Do It' took him to tied second position in Calypso Monarch final. During '91 season Superblue's 'Get Something And Wave' prevented Tambu's 'Rant And Rave' (from Reach Out '91 on Lypsoland) becoming first to win Road March an unprecedented four consecutive times. Placed last in Monarch final '91; left Trinidad to study at Berklee in Boston to major in music education '91--4; he gained a degree, abandoned soca after a religious conversion, returned to T&T and resumed his place in the Police Band. |