SUPER?GLADIATORS calypso tent pitched at The Village, Waterford, Thursday night.
And it was a special one as patrons comprised members of the disabled community. They were out to lend support to two of their own, Mr DJ and Size 2, who are both blind.
Tent goers did not have to wait too long to realise those calypsonians had no hang-ups about being in an environment that is generally frequented by the more empowered. And they dealt with the same issues that affect the everyday Barbadian.
Mr DJ did two songs, Blind Leading The Blind and Barbadian Radio, while Size 2 was in a more uptempo mood with a rhythmic delivery of Woman Is Boss and A Li’l Soca. It would have been a surprise if their supporters did not ask for encores which they deserved; moreso Size 2, who delivers with an easy stage style and pleasant voice.
Jael had a different opinion to Size 2 when she said she has moved from her former position of “woman is boss” to “man is boss”. In her song, No Escape, she talks about looking to the Prince of Peace if you “want sweet relief” from the problem society faces.
Dan Percy opened up the evening with Calypso Calling [for help]. His first song was good enough for a question to be asked: Who is He? The first-timer from St Philip has a natural stage presence but his dub-influenced second song Cutting All Dem Cane pulled him down a notch in the futures market.
Veteran On Target was not convincing that he is ready inspite of excellent arrangements. It looked like he lost his lyrics in Vex Vex.
Some of the offerings really did not enhance the tent like Bongo’s All Dem Gay – which was more of a raunchy rant, De Torch’s Polling and to a lesser extent De Wizard with I Am Not Going Back.
But the tent’s future is secured around the likes of Sweet Shara, whose Beat The Drum and Wine My Body possess an orchestra of beautiful arrangements; Tripp’s potential – as heard in the her songs Funeral Possession – a commentary on the state of calypso and Ole Time Calypso, and Appollo who impressed with Cents and Stop Mekking Sport At Calypso. (JS)
