By Donna Sealy
Rascals of Barbados Super Gladiators brought the curtain down on their Crop Over season Friday night but alas, the calypso warriors seemed to have a chink in their armour.
After a moment’s silence in observance of the passing of National Hero Sir Garfield Sobers earlier in the day, the warriors stepped into the arena ready for battle. And at the end of two rounds, Queen Kareen, with her popular song Crown De Woman, Jadu, Andy Williams and Blank, were the calypsonians leading the 2026 Gladiators’ charge into the Pic O De Crop Finals (PODC) at the tent’s judging under the marquee tent at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.
The band sounded great. Some of the musical arrangements were melodious and had patrons moving their heads and tapping their feet to the rhythms, but most of the performers failed to deliver any glancing blows lyrically that might have put them in serious contention for the July 31 finals at the revered battleground that is Kensington Oval.
An emotive Queen Kareen, appearing in the second half of the show, sang fervently as she emphasised what she deems the failure of PODC judging panels through the years to give “a woman de crown” despite the consistent and significant contributions made by calypsonians such as Chrystal Cummins-Beckles, TC and others.
She also highlighted the achievements of Barbadian women in various political, judicial and other spheres in Barbados, the region and globally. Friday’s audience were treated to two additional verses – one about Donella’s record and the other about last year’s results – thanks, to emcee, actor and comedian Simon Alleyne, who asked if they wanted “more” of it.
Veteran entertainer and calypsonian Jadu, who has been entertaining audiences for more than five decades, sang Kamala Ah Want Peace. Also performing in the second half, he used his sweet vocals above the bed of melodious music to make a case for a peaceful region while mentioning the long-standing contentious fishing issue between Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago and issued a caution about US involvement in regional affairs.
There was also Williams – not to be confused with the notable music arranger – with a relevant and timely message and creditable first half performance of Don’t Blame The Smoke.
Singing with conviction, he beseeched individuals to examine the cause and not the effect of the anti-social behaviours witnessed in society. The song’s interesting angle on the perennial topic was well worth listening to.
Blank, who received the first encore of the show, rendered his uptempto social commentary I Only ’Bout Partying well. The song, which he obviously enjoyed performing, spoke about his decision to try his luck with the party genre after being overlooked by the judges annually. The calypso includes political commentary and the General Election. He sang his sweet soca Damage in the second half.
Apart from those performers mentioned above and some soca performances from artistes Wokonda, Rich Kidd, RG, Spyda, Mike Thompson and Eskabar, who closed the show as usual with his new offering Soca Bandits, this was another year the 42-year-old tent left some patrons wanting more.
Some unsatisfied calypso aficionados could be heard speaking among themselves at intermission and afterwards on the tent’s shortcomings. It might be better for them to convey their views to the management team so effective changes could be made. This could lead to the team meeting in their “war room” to devise a new tactical approach to offering a stronger, better show.
The other PODC entrants were: The Messenger (What The Parent Do The Child Will Do Too), newcomer Empress Ras (Watch Yourself), Kaiso Kim (Aspirations), Pappa Cloud (De Researcher), Lady Lou (Licking Licks) first timer Miss Maeve (Role Model), Gregory G (Wood), Ronnie Morris (Let We Rise) and ID Card who sang A Thorn In De Flesh, a political commentary with a bouncy beat. De Tent Manager also performed a short calypso titled Share De Formula.
During the first half, manager Winston Alleyne was presented with a gift from the tent in recognition of his service, dedication and commitment to Super Gladiators. (GBM)