Dynamites Calypso Tent performs before judges in New York

by Maxwell Haywood Fri, Jun 8. 2012

Vincentians in North America turned out on June 1 at Café Omar in Brooklyn to listen to and enjoy the offerings of the Calypsonians during the preliminary judging of the Brooklyn-based Dynamites Calypso Tent for Vincy Mas 2012.{{more}}

The show got started after midnight with the singing of the national anthems of SVG and the USA, and messages from various representatives, along with a sampling of Vincentian mas for Brooklyn’s West Indian Labour Day Carnival in September 2012.

Cecil Mackie, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, brought an important message to Vincentians in the Diaspora in North America. He called for the formation of an umbrella organization to represent all the various cultural arts active in the Vincentian Diaspora in the USA. He believes the Round Table consultations on culture, to be held in a few months in New York, is an important event and process that will make a great contribution to promoting Vincentian cultural arts in North America.

Kenroy “Jakie” Jack was first to perform with his song “Soca War,” in which he declared musical war for the carnival season. Tyrone “Fabulous T” Pierre followed with “Wuk My Body”. Franklin “Superdex” Richards shifted from his usual social and political commentary approach to deliver a party song called “Roll It”, while Gregory “Puff T” Macdonald, residing in Canada, belted out his song titled “Sing Puff T”.

Following on the heels of those party songs were social and political commentary calypsoes, starting with Errol “D Man Age” Rose singing “When It Rains It Pours,” in which he lamented the ills of our society. He was followed by Delahanty “Singing Delahanty” Isles, the only female in the Dynamites Tent for 2012, and daughter of veteran calypsonian Exposer. To the delight of the audience, she confidently delivered her song “We Want Democracy,” which she says is an every-day cry, and because it is time for the masses to rule.

Without easing up on the commentary, Vincent “Groovy D” Kennedy, in his song called “Touch Down,” pleased the audience by making a strong case for the Argyle International Airport, now under construction, and he stated that he is looking forward to that bright and joyous day when the airport is completed. Paul “I-Mad” Scrubs, who is the winner of the Best Song Competition of the Launch of Vincy mas in New York several weeks ago, kept the calypso fire burning with his offering titled “The Struggle Goes On”. With clarity, sharp lyrics, and a strong stage presence, I-Mad declared that he is fighting on, despite the pressure he gets for staying true to his convictions. The audience showed their agreement with him by loudly cheering him on.

John “D Truth” Dougan kept the pace going with his rendition titled “They Laughing At We,” in which he appealed strongly to black people to get their act together in these times of many social problems. Following him was Francis “Striker” Browne, who delivered his song titled “The Message”. Then Carlos “Rejector” Providence belted out his song called “Feel Of The Steel” in which he paid tribute to steel pan music. Finally, and very hot on the heels of Rejector, was Anthony “Ras X” Soleyn with his powerful offering titled “Calypso Blind,” in which he dug deep into the history of calypso to provide information on the foundation of calypso as a serious art form.

The fans were also entertained by guest artistes Scorcher, Lively, Winston Soso, Gummery, and Gary Palmer. Also keeping the audience entertained were MCs Bennet Straker and Soca Jones, while DJs Jam One, Ellis and Kemmy provided the sound system music.

All these artistes were backed by the Lambert and Matadors band. The judges, who had travelled all the way from St Vincent and the Grenadines, were Earl Paynter, Vincent Stewart, and Roddy Dowers. They will select the calypsonians from the Dynamites Calypso Tent to perform in the semi-finals of the National Calypso Monarch Competition 2012.