Here comes Kaiso Showcase

The tent, in its 14th year, will contain a cast of top calypsonians from the southland on stage doing their new material for this year’s competitive stage. Former National Monarch Black Stalin will be a special guest at the opening of this tent.

Two times finalist of the National Monarch competition, Brian Lon-don, will be one of 17 performers who will make up the cast for Kaiso Showcase. Others include Ras Kommanda, Shortpants, Heeralal Rampartap, El Drago, Joseph Adams, Nikko, Mr Mac, Cobra, Tricia, CB, Bemel C, Black Walker, Prospector, Lady Adanna, Fritroy and Joanne Foster.

Ras Kommanda, who is also the chairman of TUCO South Central Zone, said that this year the tent promises to be compact with a mix of serious Calypso, comedy and Chutney.

"This year we are going to lift the standard and go for professionalism," he said. He noted that calypsonians have been spending long hours in the rehearsal room preparing for a better tent this year. He told Newsday that over the past five years the tent has grown to be one of the more popular tents, visiting Point Fortin, Rio Claro and Princes Town during the Carnival season. "I believe that touring to the different towns and villages has been a healthy exercise for the singers.

Fans from the far off areas have also benefited from seeing the stars on stage," he said.