17 finalists aim to dethrone iWeb

The All Stars Calypso Tent has emerged as the powerhouse of this year’s Pic-O-De Crop competition, securing an impressive nine spots in the finals, as seventeen calypsonians bid to dethrone reigning monarch iWeb. Their stellar performance at Tuesday night’s packed showcase at the Garfield Sobers Complex marked a triumphant end to the judging phase for the 23-year-old tent.

Of the 21 All Stars competitors vying for a place in the finals, Colin Spencer, Eric Lewis, John Yarde, Sammy Dello, Darin Holder, Imara, Grateful Co, Sammy G and Trinity emerged as the finalists who will seek to end the tent’s eight-year title drought. The last of their three crowns was won in 2016 by Aziza Clarke, following titles in 2008 and 2014. Eleanor Rice, the All Stars tent manager, is determined to bring home the big prize this year.

“When you turn up at All Stars, you got to have a certain quality. It’s not about running a tent and people just come in and sing, and sometimes you don’t know which key they are singing in. For me, everything has to be on point, how you dress, how you look.” She emphasised, “If you put the practice in, you have to get results.”

The All Stars nine are a mix of seasoned performers and fresh faces, a reflection of the entire cast of 17 who are seeking to prevent iWeb from winning his fifth title.

The remaining finalists are AC, Biggie Irie, Chrystal, and Tae from De Big Show. Tae, the three-time junior monarch, who opted not to defend her crown, now has the opportunity to showcase her talent on the big stage. The House of Soca will be represented by Billboard, Mr Deejay, and Sir Ruel, while the lone finalist from Shining Stars is Kid Site. The reserve is Quon from the House of Soca.

Among the All Stars contingent, newcomer Trinity has had a particularly remarkable season. Not only has she made it to the Pic-O-De-Crop finals in her debut year, but she’s also set to compete in the Scotiabank Junior Monarch finals next Thursday.

“I am really excited,” she said. “I just want to say thank you to my tent, thank you to Auntie Eleanor Rice and my team for believing in me.”

Former two-time Junior Monarch Grateful Co also made a successful return to the calypso arena, although he admitted to being rather nervous. His song, Product of Change, is one of resilience. Penned by Leadpipe and Saddis, it chronicles his life’s journey, including a brush with the law, but focuses on being a better person, especially for his daughter. Moved by the crowd’s response, he said: “To be honest, it even made me shed a tear to look around at the audience and see how they were receiving me.”

After dominating the National United Society of the Blind calypso competition, Mr Deejay is set to make his debut in the final round. Though disappointed that his tent only secured three spots, he was elated to be one of them.

“I felt confident that I’d be in the finals, so I’ve already spoken to my designer who will start working on my outfit tomorrow,” he revealed, adding that he would fine-tune his song, so punters can expect even more when the Courtesy Pic-O-De-Crop finals take place on August 2.

Tuesday event was one for the ages. Although the topics were similar, each performer brought a unique approach and a fresh perspective. Sammy Delo’s Bajan Movie drew clever parallels between current issues and film genres, while Eric Lewis’ Tight Lip tackled topics often swept under the rug, including sexual harassment, sex trafficking and the brain drain.  Colin Spencer’s rendition of Fear was so well-received that when called for an encore, he graciously declined, preferring to leave the audience wanting more.

With such a strong showing from All Stars and fierce competition from the other tents, this year’s finals promise to be a thrilling showcase of Barbados’ finest calypso talent. As the calypsonians fine-tune their performances and perfect their presentations, the stage is set for what could be one of the most exciting Pic-O-De-Crop competitions.

(STT)