BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – MA PAU was the scene of a calypso melting pot last evening (Nov. 26) when calypsonians performing under the Legends Tent gave their audience a mix of issues to ponder before the next tent rolls around.
Crime and politics – as is usually the case – were the predominant topics explored by the artistes but their individuality and creativity were evident in their various interpretations of the issues.
Mr. Magoo for example, in his piece ‘My Advice’ offered suggestions on how the Federation could deal with the issue of crime. And according to Lady B – in her piece ‘My Four Boys’ – should mothers across the Federation adopt her mentality, the lunacy of crime could be stopped.
Touching the political happenings within the Federation, ‘Rudder’ said there are those who make fun of the current Prime Minister not realizing that they are actually paying him compliments. His song is called ‘The Tug’.
Singing Jennifer gets more than an earful from a friend or neighbour and when asked by that friend what information she has about the topics discussed, she falls dumb, only responding with the refrain ‘Me no know’.
Diamond Ace criticized come calypsonians stating that they use the calypso stage as a political rostrum but said as far as he is concerned, he will not act as a surrogate for any political party and will not use the art form to address political issues, especially since he is not a ‘Polipsonian’.
Nevis’s Irvin energetically made a case for the youth of the land asking that the people of the land ‘Do Not Condemn the Youths’.
Also championing the cause of the youths was Calypso Craig who said, parents, society etc. continue to receive a ‘Failing Grade’. He said parents fail to hear their children’s cry for attention and communities fail to provide social intervention. He questioned when society would stop receiving a failing grade, especially since it has declared that failing is not an option.
J’s ‘Dead Man Walking’, Lucious’ ‘Civilization’ and ‘Party Animal’ and Lady Diva’s ‘Suffering’ were also features of last night’s tent.
The evening culminated with performances by Founder and Manager of the Legends Band King Socrates. His sang his Sugar Mas 45 competition pieces ‘Genocide in Disguise’ and ‘The Bridge’.
Valentine Monish, Marketing Automotive Executive of the premium sponsor of the Legends Tent, S. L. Horsford’s and Co. Ltd, was present at the event and while speaking with this media house explained how the 13-year partnership began.
“We were approached early o’clock by Mr. Socrates and we felt that it was our obligation to be part of the carnival celebration and calypso is the heart of carnival so obviously we could not refuse.
“Since then we have followed them over the years and they have many commendable calypsonians and we think it is a worthy cause, we think it is something we have to continue because without calypso there is no carnival…”
Monish said he is a calypso fan and indicated that the Legends Tent should be commended for the quality of its productions.
“They produce excellent calypsonians, their music is superb and I think the Legends Band ought to be commended for the great job they have been doing over the years.”
Asked if he thinks this year’s calypso monarch would come from the Legends Tent, Monish replied, “We have had winners over the years and I don’t see why this year should be any different”.
The M.C. for the evening was the entertaining ‘Sandra B’ and the next tents are scheduled to take place on Wednesday (Nov. 30) at Sugars and on Sunday (Dec. 4) at Sprat Net.
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