Innis Francis
The newly refurbished Skinner Park in San Fernando, the venue for TUCO's Calypso Fiesta semifinal round for the National Calypso Monarch Competition, was blessed with torrential showers before the start of the competition.
This was followed by the accompanying band, Razor Sharp, experiencing some technical difficulties with their equipment which were eventually sorted out.
The first calypsonian hit the stage shortly after 2 pm after an advertised start time of 1 pm.
Several patrons said they were at the venue from 11 am and were pleased that the celebration of Calypso hosted by TUCO had returned to the Park.
MC Wendell Etienne opened the first segment of the show which featured 40 calypsonians in the contest to dethrone reigning Calypso Monarch Terri Lyons on Dimanche Gras night.
This was the first Calypso Fiesta since 2020 following the COVID-19 pandemic. Patrons somewhat warmed up as the sun came out to the calypso contenders' renditions, and more so, for the much anticipated Jahaji Bash performed by reigning Calypso Queen Tameika Darius who appeared in fourth position.
Maintaining the bar raised by Darius, calypso lovers raised placards that read Big Yard, and kaiso, kaiso for Nicholas Lucas, Carlos "Skatie" Carlos, Maria Bhola-Paul with People Man and, Victoria Cooper-Rahim singing Good Advice.
Newly appointed Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher, and Rural Development and Local Government Minister Faris Al-Rawi were also seen among the patrons enjoying the show.
As the crowd grew, so was the anticipation for the rest of the calypsonians' performances that followed.
Guardian Media’s sport journalist Caston Cupid was also among the 40 performing. He sang The Saga of Truth.
Cupid, who made a name for himself in Tuco’s Tobago competition over the years, relished his chance to perform for the Calypso Fiesta crowd.
Prison inmate Romel Lezama performs his calypso Walls of Renovation.
INNIS FRANCIS
