Review: All-Stars Calypso Tent at St Gabriel School Features Dominant Female Performances

Last Sunday’s opening of the All-Stars Calypso Tent at The St Gabriel School was a tour de force by female calypsonians as they basically dominated proceedings from the opening notes to the show’s last chorus.

Among those who graced the stage and performed with much aplomb were Kiara, Sammy G, Charisma, Niqa, Romancia Murray and Donella. It was evident they had done their preparations and came intent to captivate the crowd in attendance. And they did.

The first half saw Kiara doing a timely piece entitled “I Gine School To Learn”. It was well received by the audience and its message resonated with persons who appreciated that even in modern times, schools’ primary purpose has not changed.

The talented Sammy G performed “Culture” and got the second encore of the night. Her thought-provoking piece highlighted the power of cultural influences and suggested that much of what goes on in the country has a cultural base.

Charisma’s “Holetown” might not have had a similar core foundation but what she sang about is threatening to become a part of Bajan culture as well. She made an entreaty to the powers-that-be to do something about the many potholes that are prevalent across the island’s landscape.

Although the females might have dominated proceedings, especially in numbers, this did not mean that the men did not shine. The evergreen, former calypso monarch Bumba was all energy on stage during his rendition of “De Dash”. Bumba explained that the dash between our birth and death was the most important part of our lives, and we should make our existence count for something. This landed him the first encore of the night.

Sammy Dello with his “Bajan Movie” showed that we do not have to go far to see a good movie. He explained that one just had to look around Barbados and there was drama, action, comedy, horror, true crime and much more to watch. He even included awards for supporting acts and other prizes that should be given out for the personalities behind the various scenes. He suggested that supermarkets provided the real true crime in Barbados with exorbitant prices.

Colin Spencer was in good form with his “We Can’t Take No More“, a hard-hitting offering that pleaded for help for the average Barbadian. He sang that life was too hard and bordering on unbearable for too many citizens in the island.

Donella sizzled with a selection entitled “Donella Don’t Bite“. She sang that her critics stated she needed to look for a new writer because the one she has now lacked bite. She added that this year they would be proud of her because while still staying true to her art, she would be letting everyone know in a nice way that she was not to be messed with and that she can sting. Not surprising she too got an encore.

Marzville was in good voice with “God Got Me” and Darin Holder ended the first half with “Encore“, suggesting that everything the new government was doing and what people were experiencing were are just encores of what has happened before.

The second half saw the talented Romanica Murray moving into the spotlight from her back-up vocals duties to render “Men In Short Supply“. She sang beautifully. In a word, she was simply ‘excellent’. With all the bloodshed being witnessed on these shores, her message was pertinent. She noted that women across the world were doing well but were losing too many men to violence.

Niqa did a great job with “Too Much Material“, noting there was so much material she has to write about, that her song could be about 10 minutes long.

Imara sang “While They Lay Sleeping” and received an encore for her efforts.

John Yarde too was called back by the patrons to give them some more of “De Ultimate Price“.

The greatest uproar on the night was created by Richard Antonio with his “De Guard“. He had the audience on their feet begging for more and with each encore (and there were multiple) he added a new verse. He wore a black and grey security uniform and with biting comedic lyrics he explored some of the political happenings in Barbados. As this song grows in popularity he is set to have a great season.

BoBo brought the show to a riveting climax with the up-tempo “Pandemonium”. (CW)

(Charmaine Walker)