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The Divas Calypso Cabaret, First Class
TriniSoca.com Reporters
Posted: February 28, 2006
MC, 'Hurricane Jean'
Jean and Dinah
Laura Pereira
Stacy Sobers
Karen Eccles
Wen'D
Angela Ramoutar
Abbi Blackman
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The Divas Calypso Cabaret International was one of the best productions of the Calypso season. The show usually runs for some weeks during the Carnival season and the Trinivew.com team journeyed to the Mas Camp Pub in Woodbrook, Port of Spain, on Wednesday 22nd February 2006, to see what the show was about. One of the first observable facts was that the show started on time with an audience of moderate proportions. This Cabaret, which showcased some of the most talented female artistes in Calypso, was dedicated to the 50th anniversary of Sparrow's "Jean and Dinah". The MC for the night was the vivacious 'Hurricane Jean' who, along with two other females depicted 'ladies of the night' throughout the show.
The crowd was filled with adults of both sexes who supported the triumph that females have made in the music industry. They are aware, however, that women have far more places to go because of the sexism that still exists.
Laura Pereira started things off with a hot performance which had the males in the audience sweating from the excess heat. Her true "Feelings" were understood by all and she was largely successful in starting the show with a bang.
Next was Stacy Sobers who sang her empowering song entitled, "Woman rule". Her militant style emphasized the power that women possess and the force which can be released if they are under duress.
Also representing in full force were Calypso Queen of 2004, Karen Eccles, the National Calypso Monarch Abbi Blackman, and the National Calypso Queen and Monarch from London going simply by the name, Wen'D.
Also performing were Dalia with her song, "You and Me", Angela Ramoutar with "Me Chutney Sweet" and "Find a Man", 'Sister Ava' with "Flags", Shelly-Ann with "The Instructor hand", Augusta St. Louis and 'Sweet Jean' with "Meh Indian Granny".
Some performances that stood out were that of Abbi Blackman who represented an African warrior Queen during her rendition of "Reparation Now". Her presence was certainly felt as she filled the stage with her graceful movement and her thunderous call for what is due to Africans everywhere.
The two chutney singers of the night were also appreciated by the audience. Both Angela Ramoutar and 'Sweet Jean' added a bit of humor to their songs and both gave the audience a taste of the 'chutney wine'.
The show was also very balanced with calypsos ranging from exceptionally thought-provoking tunes such as the songs sung by Karen Eccles to very explicit and eye-catching presentations such as Shelly-Ann's rendition of "The Instructor hand".
Producers of calypso concerts should take example from the Divas Calypso Cabaret and learn a thing or two about organization, timeliness, and entertainment that would surely have the audience satisfied and begging for more. From the crowd response, there is no doubt that ladies do it better. The males in the calypso industry need to watch out because the females are taking over.
The Divas Calypso Cabaret, in pictures:
www.trinisoca.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=30821
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