BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – AN impressive slate of new acts and seasoned calypsonians drummed a large crowd of calypso junkies into pep mode, as last night’s (Dec. 8) Legends Calypso Tent brought a blend of insightful lyrics and rhythmic Caribbean music.
The tent was held at the historical Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park and was sponsored by National Caribbean Insurance Ltd (NCI).
Neither the late start nor the sporadic rain could dampen the spirits of the 15 calypsonians who had their social and political commentaries to deliver to the anxious crowd.
Patrons danced and cheered as they were entertained with the music and the riveting performances. The historical site came alive with the sensational sexy Sandra B as emcee, bringing life to the stage with her unrestrained humour.
Lord Payne’s ‘St. Kitts rich’ kicked off the show and by the time ‘Hot Rod’ hit the stage with his 2009 hit ‘P-Peep’, a well-loved comical composition, the women were in a titillating disposition and even the men cheered on his animated stage performance.
Singing Pearline broke the crowd into much cheer as she proclaimed “Something must be working!” She may be a tiny calypsonian, but last night her political commentary commanded the crowd in a big way. Other acts like ‘A change me mind’ by Jenifer and Jackspanner’s ‘Teacher Sayin’ were very good additions to the programme.
Alamoulou gave a spectacular performance that could certainly grant him a safe trip to the Finals. The song was riddled with deep lyrics raising awareness on issues of national concern.
A new face on the scene of calypso, Zacky, came with the lone gospel calypso for the night ‘If my people’, calling on the nation to seek God in order for peace to return to the islands. By his second verse, he had people sitting at the edge of their seats and applauding thunderously, ordering an encore performance.
Queen Angie performed ‘Life if like dat’, Mighty J came with his ‘Don’t bring your guns to town’ and Magoo hit the ground running with ‘My prayer’. The songs called for unity among supporters of political parties and among the youth.
Topping the night’s show were performances by Lord Kut, Queen Kibi and King Socrates. Kut jumped onto the stage draped in an ice, green and gold stole, prancing around the stage expelling shrills of ‘Ho mea’. His break in the song, seemingly for him to remember his lines, just added more humour to his performance as ‘Ho mea’ rang through the night. The song highlights a number of perceived injustices in the realm of calypso and local entertainment.
As the show drew closer to its end, the crowd grew thicker and somewhat more aroused as Queen Kibi took the stage. With her hit ‘Job Vacancy’, women were set loose; some danced carefree, some began to gyrate while others waved endlessly, cheering on the calypso sensation. In the song, she sets out her criteria for the next man in her life, and, while the lyrics were profound all alone, her swift waist movements set the crowd roaring.
The famed King Socrates kept the tent alive as he rendered his popular 2009 hit ‘Let justice rain’. His articulation of recent political developments in the country questioned the intent of politicians and commanded the attention of all on the grounds. He performed an extemporaneous final verse for the crowd and engaged them as he got off of the stage.
Repeat performances by Kibi and Zacky brought the curtains down on the event. Thanks was given to the Legends Band, NCI, the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, all calypsonians and the audience for the enjoyable night of pure kaiso.
