Fire up the rhythm section, cue the strings and underline the brass line, calypso music is making a full comeback on the scene tonight.
The islands’ mother music genre will be played from coast to coast with nine tents across Trinidad and Tobago opening their doors this weekend.
Kaiso House, Kaiso ShowKase, Kaiso Karavan, Klassic Russo and Magnificent Glow (Tobago) are among the most anticipated of the season managed by the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation. Generation Next, Kalypso Revue, Kaiso Divas and the independently run Icons make up the remainder of the confirmed calypso headliners for 2023.
TUCO Interim Public Relations Officer Rondell Donawa says with all the tents within hours of opening their doors, there is “a great sense of pride” in their ranks.
“TUCO feels a sense of pride that we have our complete set of tents for the 2023 Mother of All Carnivals calypso season.” All the tents are ready for their opening and the selection and caliber of performers is stellar,” Donawa said during a WhatsApp exchange with Express yesterday afternoon.
TUCO PRO said the calypso body is focusing on “revolutionizing the industry” in line with its 2023 theme, Calypso Revolution.
“We remain optimistic that we can maximize the two-year hiatus by delivering solid entertainment and a second product. This year is about revolutionizing the industry, also monetizing it in a serious way so that we remain sustainable and self-sufficient outside of the carnival season,” added Donawa.
Caravan and Divas are first out of the gate
Kaiso Caravan was the first tent off the block when they opened with a seasoned cast that includes calypso greats Scrunter (Irwin Reyes Johnson), Cardinal (Elon Baggoo) and Stinger (Dexter Parson) along with tent manager, the Reverend Johnny King, in Roslyn. Hall, Auzonville Road, Tunapuna.
“We have referees’ night (tonight) so that will be a treat. We have an experienced cast, with extempo too, and some chutney. Then we have a nice ‘ole school session. So there’s something for everyone,” boasted King during a phone call with Express yesterday afternoon.
Meanwhile, the all-female Divas Calypso Cabaret International (DCCI) kicked off ladies’ night on Wednesday when they opened at Kafe Blue, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain. The star-studded Divas lineup, which includes reigning National Women’s Action Committee (NWAC) Calypso Queen Meguella Simon and four former winners in Abbi Blackman (1979 and 2005), Karen Eccles (2004), Maria Bhola (2007) and Stacey Sobers (2018), among others, will appear again tonight.
Divas manager University of Trinidad and Tobago music lecturer Dr Rudolph Ottley says DCCI’s mandate is to ensure that female singers have a loud voice during the festival.
“We want to remind the public of the importance of female calypsonians in our cultural sphere given the historic role women played during the embryonic stages of our stick fights, calendas, kaisos, kaisos and calypso,” Ottley told the Express recently.
Great reception in the North, South and East
All eyes in the capital will be on the debut of Kaiso House’s BarrackHARD experience at Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain.
Newly installed marquee manager Roderick “Chuck” Gordon promises “a theater meets calypso hybrid show like no other.” The cast of Kaiso House boasts three former Monarch National Calypso winners in Karene Asche (2011), Duane O’Connor (2012) and Gordon.
Veterans Brother Valentino (Anthony Emrold Phillip), Brother Mudada (Alan Fortune), Poser (Sylvester Lockhart), Calypso Kerr (Carlston Kerr), Bunny B (Neville Brown), Brown Boy (Knolly Brown), Twiggy (Ann Marie Parks -Kojo), Black Sage (Phillip Murray), Lady Aeisha (Elizabeth George) and Marvelous Marva (Marva Joseph) are also in their ranks.
“We are doing something different. We are increasing the production value and the calypsonians themselves have responded well. We’ve also employed a proper stage management team and are working with some of the best in the business when it comes to lighting and sound, so expect a phenomenal show,” said Gordon.
Gordon tipped newcomers soca star Olatunji Yearwood with his 2023 soca hit “Engine Room” and youngster Aaron Duncan with “Mother of All Carnivals” to both have standout performances at opening night.
“Our young guys are really good. Wendell Goodridge with More Meat Than Rice, Young Poser and young Duane O’Connor are all to watch out for. Like Bunny B with ‘Cheers’ and Sista Ava with an emotionally charged piece for (the late Bro) Resistance called ‘Bring Down the Power,’” Gordon said.
Down south at the Palms Club, San Fernando, tent manager Ras Komanda (Stephen Pascal) is promising an unforgettable opening in honor of the late Zi Stalin (Leroy Calliste) tonight.
“Stalin’s grandson, Kevan Calliste, will open with a tribute to his grandfather. I will close the show with another tribute. And in between you get the best caisson,” said Komanda.
The team promoted youngsters Tameika Darius with “Jahaji Bash”, Rivaldo London with “What If”, Nicholas Lucas with “Let Meh Dance”, Kerry John with “The Art form” and Banjela (Addelon Braveboy) with “No Pressure” for had a year of progress in the tent.
“We have some powerful songs coming from all the artists. Especially our youngsters are shining and then we have a classic humorist from Juba called ‘Scrap Iron’ mashing at the auditions,” Komanda laughed.
Sugar Aloes (Michael Osuna) says the Kalypso Revue at the Velodrome is the only place to be in Arima tonight.
“We went back to the drawing board and looked at how we can better address culture. You have stalwarts like myself, Baron, Chalkdust, Devon Seale and Skatie. Then you have youngsters like Devon St Clair, JD and Lisa, Alana Sinette and Asan Moses who really deliver the goods. It will be a great show and people can expect a high level of entertainment,” concluded Aloes.
Calypso Tent for Carnival 2023
TUCO tents
Kaiso House
Kaiso Showcase
Kaiso Caravan
Russian classic
Magnificent brilliance
Other tents
The next generation
Calypso Revue
Kaiso Divas
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