Upstage Xperience cast 2012: The best ever!

Independent observers and calypso aficionados have acclaimed that the Upstage Xperience cast for 2012 is the best ever in the history of calypso tents here in St Vincent and the Grenadines.{{more}}

Upstage Xperience features ten artistes, upon whose heads a crown has been placed, whether as calypso, ragga soca or soca monarch.

The tent features three national calypso monarchs in Lord Have Mercy, Poorsah and Joy C. Poorsah has won calypso, soca monarch and road march titles since his entry into this multi-rhythmic art-form 34 years ago. Along with Becket and Skinny Fabulous – both Upstage alumni, Poorsah is perhaps SVG’s best recognized artiste abroad. His music is still as fresh as ever, despite his many years in the business. His record speaks for itself.

Joy C has won both the Calypso queen and calypso monarch titles on at least two occasions. In a major way, she adds both breadth and depth to the slate and one can look forward to her usual biting, affective and well put-together lyricisms.

Lord Have Mercy is one of the very few artistes who won the calypso monarch title on his very first shot at national competition – this time back in 1980. He returned last year to the fold after being away for too long. Once again, he is asking searching questions in his songs.

Also in the line-up are the 2012 and five-time New Song Calypso King – Brother Ebony; the 2011 winner (and this year’s Ragga Soca title-holder) – Queen B; calypso princess – Shaunelle McKenzie; Tobago’s queen of calypso – Fire Empress; as well as consistent performers of immense quality such as Lil’Bit, Ron B, and Observer. Multiple winner of the soca monarch title – Delroy Fireman Hooper joins the Upstage cast this year and in addition to his soon to be released soca hits, he has produced a witty calypso that had the crowd at the Biabou hard court on Sunday, May 6 calling for more.

And then there is Skarpyon. He is perhaps the best rounded and most consistent artiste in SVG today. Last year, he competed in five competitions and won or placed in four of the five. He, too, will thrill music lovers at the Upstage Xperience shows scheduled for Keartons Hard court on Sunday, May 20, Aquatic Club on May 26 and then Victoria Park on June 8. On a related note, Skarpyon, (like Poorsah, Maddzart, and Bomani), has added the Road March title to his long list of accomplishments.

Seasoned calypsonian Defoe is also making great raves with his Wood Lice song. This song is getting maximum airplay on local radio stations and will surely go down well with tent lovers from Barrouallie to Aquatic to Victoria Park. The tent also features some bright prospects in Troublous, Niquette Bess and Sade.

A Who’s Who in SVG’s soca and ragga soca kingdom will be appearing on stage with Upstage this year. Bomani, Fireman, the Fete King Maddzart, Poorsah and Skarpyon have one thing in common – they have all won the National Soca Monarch or Ragga Soca Monarch competitions. They are not only household names here in St Vincent and the Grenadines but they have represented this country well at numerous events in North America, the Caribbean and also in Europe. They are joined in the Upstage Xperience by magnificent and energetic artistes such as Shaunelle Mckenzie, Galanaire, Fire Empress, Lawyer Boy, Mad Skull, and reigning New Song winner – Strong.

Judging by reports from those who know, and those who attended the tent’s launch at Biabou on May 6, patrons are in for a wonderful treat at the remaining shows of this dynamic tent. There is heart-touching, thought-provoking, melodic and humorous calypso. The soca is fresh, quite lively and entertaining. It’s a great cast and a great experience is in store from Upstage for fans of calypso and soca this year.