Belfon a no-show at Divas concert

SOCA STAR Denise Belfon blamed car problems for her late arrival and subsequent failure to perform at Thursday night’s “Divas of Soca” concert at Skinner Park, San Fernando.

Her no-show drew angry responses from the massive crowd and there were loud chants of “we want we money back... we came to see the Queen Diva herself.” The patrons loudly expressed their disgust when MCs Tommy Joseph and Donna Hadad announced at 1 am that it was time to end the show. There were shouts of “Saucy Wow, Saucy Wow, We want Saucy Wow.”

One patron angrily declared: “Spektakula Promotions advertised ‘Divas of Soca,’ but the main ones weren’t there. This is a total rip off!” Director of Spektakula Promotions Frank Martineau later apologised for Belfon’s absence. He explained: “Denise Belfon arrived five minutes after the show ended due to a mechanical problem with her car and she has apologised profusely about disappointing the fans. Belfon also went on radio yesterday and publicly apologised to her fans.”

The San Fernando edition of “Divas of Soca” featured performances by Calypso Rose, Destra Garcia, Allison Hinds, Faye-Ann Lyons, Denyse Plummer, Sanell Dempster, Onika Bostic and Singing Sandra. Missing from the line-up were Denyse Plummer and Drupatee. Calypso Rose’s (McArthur Lewis) renditions of  “Simon” and “A Lil’ Piece of Fire,” were well received by the crowd, as were reigning Calypso Monarch Singing Sandra with her offering “One Day of Prayer.”

Road March Monarch Faye-Ann Lyons’ performance of  “Freedom” won lusty applause and comic relief was provided when comedian Cyclops, with a garden hose between his legs, accompanied Lima Calbio on stage. There were also good performances from Sanell Dempster, Destra Garcia, Onika Bostic and popular Barbadian soca artiste Allison Hinds. There were guest appearances by  Iwer George, Roger George, Shurwayne Winchester, Maximus Dan, Crazy and Soca Elvis. Both Rose and Belfon are back at the House of Stars.