radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Calypso tents in North Trinidad have been reporting poor turnout but this was not the case in South as Kaiso Showkase Tent opened at Palms Club, San Fernando on Friday night.
Hundreds of calypso lovers flocked to the venue for the sold-out show which attracted patrons from the United States, Canada and several parts of the Caribbean.
The first half included 17 calypsonians, many of whom steered clear from naming local politicians.
Social problems and economic upheavals were given prominence as Alicia Richards sang Ferry Tales, followed by Joanne Foster’s Hard Times and Singing Sonia’s Our Dying Values.
El Drago sang Women Rule while Queen Victoria and Ronaldo London received encores for their songs Shattered Home and Tomorrow.
Steve “Ras Kommanda” Pascal brought international politics into the arena with his song War of Words, a tongue-in-cheek calypso which relays the “lyrical war” between US President Donald Trump, and the North Korean President Kim Yung Un.
Nine calypsonians sang for the second half of the show and as with the first half, many of them got encores. These included Mr Mack who sang Sample Before you Buy, Rondell Donawa who sang De Problem and Lynn Steele who sang Dragon Lady.
Nerukhi, known for his socially conscious renditions, sang an uptempo calypso/groovy soca titled Ah Need Ah Country Gyal while Count Robin ended the show with his tune Ole Time Brass Band. In an interview yesterday, Pascal said he was pleased by the turnout.
“We are ruling the calypso tents right now and we are very happy. The youths have come out and delivered and that makes me feel real good,” he said.
Comparing the tent to a family picnic, Pascal said Kaiso Showkase had been underrated for many years. Unlike other events, Pascal said there isn’t a need to advertise because people are drawn to the family spirit of Kaiso Tent. Saying there was no racism or stereotyping, Pascal said: “San Fernandians love picong and we respect race. We deal with issues and we are not afraid to highlight problems.”
He said many Carnival events were facing a poor turnout because ticket prices were too high.
“Our ticket price for the opening night is $150 but the other nights are $100. If you watch your pricing and let all cast members use social media to advertise, you will get a better turnout,” Pascal said.
He said officials of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians will judge artistes on Thursday who will then advance to the Calypso Fiesta semifinals.