It was one of those shows any true calypso connoisseur would have relished. Presented in the main by Stacey Benjamin, daughter of the late calypsonian Carlton “Lord Blakie” Joseph, the musical tribute was held last Sunday evening at the Tragarete Road pan theatre of PCS Silver Stars steel orchestra before a standing-room-only audience. Aside from the VIP treatment for media personnel by Benjamin, her mother, family and friends, it was the first time I attended a concert at which two sitting government ministers actually performed.
Attired in traditional African wear and sporting his trademark white fedora, Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism Dr Lincoln Douglas surprised all when he offered two insightful poems, accompanying himself on djembe drum. In an impromptu interview with host Errol Fabien, the minister revealed that he has been a drummer all his life, and that he holds two Bachelor’s degrees and a PhD.
Community Development Minister Winston “Gypsy” Peters sang the requisite Blakie item, Steelband Clash. He followed this up with his own For Cane, rendered at a deliberate tempo and mischievous demeanour, his articulation and delivery flawless. During his stay at the mike, the minister quipped that while he may be a politician, he was still 100 per cent a calypsonian. He also extempored at the song’s end, much to the delight of a cheering audience. Gypsy also alluded to forces that have contrived to keep him out of the calypso arena because of his political affiliation.
Almost every performance was outstanding, especially those by young junior monarch Aaron Duncan, Marvellous Marva, the only female on the cast, Duane O’Connor and R’Kardo St’von. Duncan mesmerised patrons with his interpretation of Blakie’s Tomorrow’s Children, delivered with flawless diction. Admiration for this young Newtown Boys’ RC School pupil heightened when he performed a well-written composition on the Office of Disaster & Preparedness Management. A serious social commentary, this ditty was spiced with some humour as it cautioned people on items they could carry with them during a disaster.
Marva sang the hilarious Send Dem Back, one of Blakie’s more popular songs, while St’von mastered the tongue-twisting Arabian Festival, a song which I’ve seen befuddle the most seasoned of bona fide bards. A master of theatre, O’Connor began his performance of Hold De Pussy, from the back of the audience, drawing much laughter and applause when patrons turned around and noticed he was wearing a conked wig, a la Blakie. The 2012 National Calypso Monarch really seemed to enjoy himself on stage as he imitated all the mannerisms Blakie was known to display whenever he sang this much loved song.
A very special guest on the evening was panman Earl Rodney, playing a double tenor with four sticks. The former Solo Harmonites arranger made everyone sit up and take notice as he opened his performance with a laid-back interpretation of Blakie’s Steelband Clash. Unlike so many who “beat pan,” Rodney “played” his instrument, caressing each note with precision. Also performing were Cro Cro, Luta, Ziggy Rankin, Vernon Bereaux and Jeremy “Rukshun” Sookdar. A special appearance was also made by Silver Stars, while musical accompaniment was provided by Kelly Green and Harmony.