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.