Thanks for ‘Kings’, NACC

THE EDITOR: On Friday March 5, 2004, the NACC presented the Cultural Calypso Kings (Kings Go Forth) who came with their winning 2004 calypso renditions. The show was held at the SWWTU Hall, Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain in tribute to Pete DeVlugt to a packed audience who enjoyed young stars as Sheyenne Hazel, Shineesse Simmon, Karene Asche, Kizzie Ruiz, Rondell Donowa, Roderick Gordon, Luke Samerson, Christian Thomas, T’keiah Alleyne, Kirt Ross, Marel Bennett and Jamal George of Tobago. He displayed drama in his presentation and got his deserved encore. The MC, Brian Honore known as “King Robber” was at his usual best. It was knowledge to hear him give a brief history of the “Duchie brothers” and of course other memorable band leaders. The North West Laventille Cultural Group rendered another fine performance in limbo dancing.

The audience rose from their seats especially when the very energetic and flexible male dancer limboed through the legs of three female dancers at one time. Then came calypsonian Bomber with his classic “Believe It or Not.” Next was Valentino singing about the state of our culture and suggesting that calypso should be in a higher area other than the Queen’s Park Savannah or tents. When will it make the top billboard charts or the Grammy. Karen Eccles was sweet with her ditty of “We Still Love in TT.” Dressed in a “Yankee” outfit, calypsonian Skatie sang his “De Small Man.” He really brave! When the show arrived where the air is rear, out came Sugar Aloes with “Never Again.” He got two encores. Aloes always a crowd pleaser wasn’t easy nah! Singing Sandra was great as usual with her song, ‘One Day a Prayer’. For those unable to see the live show, you missed Sandra doing the heel and toe with young T’keiah Alleyne.

I’d wish her song to win the Calypso Monarch but having listened with my experienced ears, I must admit that the judges were right in their placements. Then the night was filled to great heights when the 2004 Young King, Brian London sang “Leh We Win Back We Nation” and “We Free.” His performance was so scintillating that the Hendrickson sisters who were seated in the front row came off their seats and danced to his renditions. All the best to you brother. You are fantastic! As Dave Elcock would say, “You just keep on keeping on.” And closing the show with energy to burn was De Fosto with “Ah Paid Meh Dues” and “Pan War in 2004.” Again, thanks NACC and the sponsors for releasing a fine show. Now onward to the year 2005 as the Lord pleases.

GREGORY NEPTUNE
Laventille