Tent’s opening night shows off diversity

By Michron Robinson

A good crowd ventured to the Crane, St Philip for the opening night of the Stray Cats Calypso tent and though it got off to a late start the night was filled with biting commentary and humour in keeping with the Stray Cats’ reputation.

Cultural Ambassador The Most Honourable Anthony Gabby Carter who was honoured on the night for his consistent work with some calypsonians in the tent praised the “high level” of talent this year.

Meanwhile, Minister with responsibility for Culture Senator Dr. Shantal Munro Knight said that tent talent diversity is important.

“I think the diversity within the tents in the calypso area is extremely important. [caption id="attachment_393343" align="alignnone" width="650"] Apache was in fine voice on Friday night.[/caption]

“I’ve found this year there is an overall improvement in the quality of songs. The musicians and the lyrical content are top-notch,” she told Barbados TODAY during intermission. [caption id="attachment_393344" align="alignnone" width="650"] Ayana John came out hot.[/caption]

The performances of former Pic-O-De-Crop semi-finalists Sean Apache Carter and Sammi Jane were among the promising deliveries on opening night. [caption id="attachment_393345" align="alignnone" width="650"] Bit Bit brought back memories with Emerton.[/caption]

The latter had one of the strongest performances in terms of lyrical content and enunciation with her rendition of Pack Up And Go which calls on calypsonians who are producing music with empty lyrics and content to leave the kaiso arena. Meanwhile, Apache sang Everything Fake in the first half which was well received. [caption id="attachment_393346" align="alignnone" width="433"] Chorus brought the hype with Stick On.[/caption]

Other notable performances came from Akola who was animated with his piece We Can’t Continue and NIS in Trouble.

The first took a serious look at socio-economic issues such as gun violence and even kidnapping. In it, he called for an end to lawlessness and negativity pleading for the youth to become positive forces in society. [caption id="attachment_393347" align="alignnone" width="650"] Cultural Ambassador Mighty Gabby performed on the opening night of the Stray Cats Calypso Tent.[/caption]

Meanwhile, a special guest performance by the Mighty Bit Bit raised goose pimples with his selection of Emmerton, the Mighty Gabby’s iconic tribute to the city community.

Newcomer Q-So who performed Sparke took a serious look at the issue of underaged relationships and paedophilia. He may want to consider controlling his use of the stage as some audience members expressed concern about him being too animated with such a serious song. Q-So was great in the expression of the song and is one to watch for the future. [caption id="attachment_393349" align="alignnone" width="650"] Joyann showed up with Taxi.[/caption]

New face Dibby Dan was sweet in voice with his Bashment Soca piece of Turn it Around and tent founder Jerry The Big Boar Cat Roberts and his niece Joyann Roberts who goes by the stage name Joyann were humourous with their pieces. Joyann performed Taxi while her uncle left the audience cracking up with Mock Boxy and Kitty. [caption id="attachment_393350" align="alignnone" width="650"] Q-so was strong with Sparky.[/caption]

Though The Big Boar Cat lacked energy in his performance the audience was very appreciative of his contribution.

Performer Ddoc called for an end to Mass Murders while DSelah brought a motivational piece with Cant’ Give Up-it though she seemed to have some issues with the band. Black Eagle was memorable with Calypso Cricket while Chorus ended the night with pure hype with his piece Stick which pays tribute to the Crop Over tendency of being “stuck” onto bumpers while feting. [caption id="attachment_393351" align="alignnone" width="650"] Sammi Jane called on calypsonians with weak lyrical conent to ‘Pack Up and Go’.[/caption]

During opening night the tent paid tribute to longtime sponsor Paul Doyle, owner of the Crane Beach Hotel. [caption id="attachment_393352" align="alignnone" width="650"] The Big Boarcat performed to his best with Kitty and Mock Boxy.[/caption]

The Stray Cats continue tent night on July 14, 2023, at the Barbados Museum at 8 p.m.. Judging night for the tent will be on July 21 at the Barbados Museum. (MR) ]]>