Soca and calypso continues to be in the forefront of things cultural since Carnival 2013. Last Wednesday, patrons at De Nu Pub (The Mas Camp) in Woodbrook were treated to an enjoyable concert, headlined by former National Calypso Monarch Sugar Aloes and featuring Dr Will B, Brown Boy, Singing Francine and Poser. The calypso action continues this week with two major events billed for the popular showplace.
On Wednesday night, Aloes displayed his versatility, singing a mixed repertoire of his past hits, including Nobody Loves Nobody, Signs of the End of Time, Time, Hell and Heaven, This is not the land I used to know and Love Being Me. During the latter number, a song about comparisons made by fans between Aloes and Baron, he was joined by Baron, much to the crowd's delight. During the impromptu performance, the popular duo invited a couple, celebrating their 31st wedding anniversary, on stage. Sugar Aloes and Baron serenaded them by rendering the popular 1955 French ballad Let It Be Me, made popular in 1960 by The Everly Brothers.
Just after intermission, Singing Francine was presented with an award by TUCO PRO Karega Mandela for her contribution to the calypso art form, and the inspiration she has given to female calypsonians for many decades. Seen last Wednesday at the Mas Camp were internationally renowned trumpeter Errol Ince, former National Calypso Monarch Black Stalin, veteran bard Bro Superior and author/calypso tent manager Rudy Ottley.
This week, Sugar Aloes revealed that his Calypso Lovers International is staging a massive show at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya, on Easter Monday (April 1), titled Soca and Calypso Monarchs Celebrate. The cast for this one-night-only concert includes 2013 International Power Soca Monarch and Road March champion SuperBlue; 2013 National Calypso Monarch Pink Panther; the pride of Antigua, Swallow; former national monarchs Black Stalin, Denyse Plummer and Aloes; Scrunter; Explainer; Skatie; Johnny King and others. Special guest artiste will be 2013 champion National Panorama arranger Len "Boogsie" Sharpe.
Come Wednesday, led by Singing Sandra, the females on the cast of Kaiso House calypso tent will observe this year's International Women's Day by holding Stop The Violence, a candlelight vigil outside The Mas Camp, from 7.30 pm. "We just can't stand idly by and let our communities be destroyed by the lawless," said Singing Sandra last week. "We, the women, are the mothers, sisters, aunts, grannies and even daughters, of some these misguided people. We must do something to try and save them, and reclaim out communities." In 1999, Sandra was crowned National Calypso Monarch when she sang a Christophe Grant composition titled Voice From the Ghetto, a masterpiece which lamented the plight of truant youth in today's crime-ridden communities.
The women have issued as invitation to their sister calypsonians from other tents, as well as all soca artistes, members of TUCO and the general public to join them.Following the vigil, the women will stage Sisters in Song, a concert inside the showplace, headlined by Singing Sandra and Karene Ache, as well as United Sisters' Marvellous Marva, Sister Ava, Lady Ayesha and other popular female artistes. Showtime is 9 pm.The week's live entertainment at The Mas Camp continues on Thursday with 3Canal being the star guest act for Caribbean Night, headlined by Pelham Goddard and Roots. Showtime is 8.30 pm.