Dynamite Calypso Tent faces judges in New York

by Maxwell Haywood

It was not only hot on the outside of Café Omar; it was also literally hot inside, where the New York based Vincentian Dynamites Calypso Tent held its preliminary judging show for Vincy Mas 2K11 on Friday, May 27.{{more}} The heat in Café Omar was a result of a lack of an air cooling system.

But that did not stop the calypso and soca fans from enjoying the offerings of the singers as they competed for a place in the semi-finals of the Calypso Monarch competition in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

First up was Fabulous T with his song “Trouble Again”, in which he declared that he is ready to tumble with anyone because he is not afraid, since none of them could stop him. A very energetic performer, he was obviously constrained by the limited space on stage and the fact that the band was not in tune with him. This issue also plagued many artistes during the night. Super Dex followed with his song “Sing Super Sing”, in which he sang about the demands he gets to sing about all sorts of meaningless issues and to refrain from singing about the real issues.

Jakie in his song “Party Time” made it clear that he is not going home and he will enjoy himself in the party until the morning comes. Brother Don proclaimed that he is “Singing for the Lord” and not singing for those who want to give him songs to sing. He explained that no matter what is wrong with him and society, he will sing for the Almighty. Striker was surely in a mood to “Mash down the road” with plenty musical jamming for Carnival. He emphasized that he does not want the good time to end.

Then the legendary “D Man Age” strolled to the stage and delivered his song “Where are we going”. He asked Vincentians to think about how they get the nation to the right destination. He wanted to know if it is by globalization, national control of resources, demonstrations, divisions, relying on one man, or trial and error. He declared firmly that if destiny is not clear, the nation is going nowhere.

Seico called on the women to “Eat it”. Dennis Bowman was in no mood to compromise the art of calypso. In his song “Calypso to last”, he called on artistes to sing songs that will last. He stressed the strength of calypso, and emphatically told the audience that calypso is bigger than any competition. Kaiso, according to Bowman, does not compromise the truth.

The Truth directed his song to the Unity Labour Party with his song “Congratulations”. He called on the ULP not to sit back while SVG gets worse, and to wipe out corruption and wrong doing. He reminded the ULP that this is its third chance to make the national situation better, and he also reminded the leader of the ULP that he is also the Prime Minister of all Vincentians.

The only female in the Dynamites cast last Friday night and also the daughter of well-respected calypsonian Mighty Exposer, Singing Delahanty delivered a “Message to the youth”. In her song, she called on youth to be resilient. She begged them not to lose control since everything depends on them and no matter the difficulties now, you must believe that you will be in control.

Rejector did not hide his love for “Hairouna”. He declared his obsession for Hairouna, even though he is in love with the United States, too. He told the fans that the United States is getting concerned and jealous about his explicit show of love and devotion to Hairouna. Similarly, Ras X, in a well received song, highlighted Vincentians who have made outstanding and meaningful contributions to society.

Bob MC sings about “Pretty Gal” and his experience with her in Carnival. Jose Juan ended the competition with his song “Help somebody”. He pleaded for more solidarity and compassion among people. He lamented the sad things we do to each other and the suffering we put each other through.

Then it was time for the guest artistes: Leon, Gomery, Lively, Gary Palmer, Scorcher and Winston Soso. Mighty Toiler was present, but he did not perform. He was called on stage because of respect for his outstanding contribution to the cultural arts in SVG.

MC’s Bennett Straker and Soca Jones kept the programme flowing with efficiency. It is now up to the judges to select calypsonians from the Dynamite Tent to perform in the semi-finals of the Calypso Monarch competition. The judges who travelled from SVG were Roddy Dowers, Aubrey Gould, and Clive “Bish-I” Bishop.