KINGSTOWN – Calypso fans are in for an electrifying evening as the Upstage Calypso Tent faced the Judges in the second preliminary show following the Dymanite Calypso tent last weekend. Three former national monarchs, two reigning junior champions, and a powerful cast of seasoned and emerging artistes faced the judges tonight at the Russell Auditorium, with the show beginning at 8:00 p.m.
Taking center stage are calypso royalty: past monarchs Lornette “Fyah Empress” Nedd, Shaunelle McKenzie, and Zamfir “Man Zangie” Adams, each bringing their signature fire, wit, and command of the stage.
Also in the spotlight are rising stars Omani Cupid and Divyne Hackshaw, the reigning Junior Calypso King and Queen, proudly flying the flag for the next generation of calypsonians under the Upstage banner.
The full cast of the Upstage Calypso Tent includes a vibrant mix of performers and social commentators:
Line-up of Performers
Denise Stephens (Llady D) – You Can Never Be Me
Asha Robinson (Enigma) – Dangerous
Omani Cupid (Omani) – Omani for Prime Minister
Juniel Alexander (Lola) – Topsy Turx
Divyne Hackshaw (Skye) – No Rush to Grow
Ronald Browne (Ron B) – It Won’t Always Be So
Nigel Layne (Broom) – Where All the Good Times Gone
Shaunelle McKenzie (Shaunelle) – Ghetto Mentality
Shena Collis (Shena) – Our Nation’s Cry
After Intermission
Kristian (Christopher Kris) – De Dream
Hilford Hurst – Too Rude
Jerome Samuel (Parry) – SVG Will Rise Again
Andrine Baptiste (Ranking Bash) – Storm Beryl
Bernard White (Reality) – Heart Beat
Mike Ollivierre (Lord Have Mercy) – Hip Tip Tip, Hooray
Gosnel Cupid (GC) – Calypso Long Ago
Zamfir “Zangie” Adams – My Nation
Lorpette Nedd (Eya Empress) – Children of De Drum
Raeon Primus (Maddzart) – Six Reasons to Get on the Gravey Train
Adding even more excitement to the night’s proceedings, the reigning National Calypso Monarch, Raeon “Madzart” Primus, would make a special guest appearance, delivering a performance that reminded the audience why he holds the crown.
With every performer facing the judges, tonight’s Upstage Calypso Tent show proved to be a night of lyrical excellence, competition, and rich Vincentian culture.