Veteran calypsonian Ras Iley celebrated his 60th birthday and 40th anniversary in the industry in grand style with a star-studded lineup for Ras Iley and Friends.
On Sunday night, the diminutive entertainer, who is synonymous with a high-energy performance, gathered members of his soca fraternity to put on an exceptional show at the Kensington Oval.
Nostalgia was high as the crème de la crème of soca in the 80s and 90s were on the cast, with artistes being pulled from both Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados.
From 9 p.m., the Dwain Antrobus-led band, which provided accompaniment for the full cast, proved they were up for the mammoth task and were flawless throughout the show, which eventually culminated at 2 a.m.
Mac Fingal, who doubled as Master of Ceremonies, was the first act performing Las’ Mas, Ah Go Wine and Big Belly Man. The local contingent included Pompey with Vampire and Doctor Doctor and Bumba with his social commentary offerings Lift Up My Country, They Want to Know and the upbeat Seamen. Fellow calypsonians the Mighty Gabby and Serenader, also graced the stage, as well as the Mighty Grynner, who could still deliver a masterful performance all while sitting because of his recent health challenges.
Kevan Calliste was the first regional act on stage. The grandson of musical maestro Black Stalin, he paid homage with two of that late entertainer’s hits We Can Make It If We Try and Feeling to Party. The audience thoroughly enjoyed him and after calls for more, he returned for an encore. After his performance, Stalin’s wife Patsy Calliste was presented with a drum in his honour.
Also representing for the twin island republic was Crazy with Cold Sweat, Nani Wine, One Foot Cock and Too Old to Come. He made some predictions for the future with an impromptu rendition of In Time to Come. Providing another welcome blast from the past was Ronnie Mcintosh.
Though Chalkdust, who was originally slated to appear on the show, was unable to travel due to illness, Ainsley Lucky, his manager, stepped into his shoes. One thing he did not lack was exuberance and it was clear he enjoyed every second on stage. Sweet singing Baron showed that he was still well-loved, as patrons sang along with him on Feeling It, Say Say and Sweet Soca Man. Another stalwart in the entertainment package was Gypsy who mixed it up with social commentary, including Little Black Boy and Pick Yourself Up before ending on a high with Sinking Ship.
An energetic Ras Iley then emerged on stage and performed Encore, King of the Stage, Inez, Expose and his 2023 release Gimme De Mic. The crowd went wild when he was joined by Machel Montano and Super Blue for Soca Kingdom. The audience loved when Montano provided backup for the man of the hour on Spring Garden on Fire. Montano, an icon himself, credited Ras Iley with being an inspiration to him with the level of energy he puts into every performance. He said, “When it comes to energy, they call me the King of Soca but that’s just an honour, I am grateful, but this is the king of the stage.” (STT)
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