The night Skatie stole the show

ARIMA CALYPSONIAN Skatie (Carlos James) stole the show at the opening of Calypso Revue on Saturday night at the Arima Velodrome, receiving the most encores for his song “Picture of Trinbago.” Skatie with his political commentary received three encores for his performance as a “photographer,” highlighting certain government ministers on bribe charges and other forms of corruption in TT. During his performance Skatie had the full support of the crowd which sang along with him the chorus “Picture, Picture.” The show which was carded to begin at 8.30 pm kicked off half an hour late, with a full turnout of 22 calypsonians performing for a large audience. The 2006 edition of the Revue was dedicated to its founders Lord Kitchener and Jazzy Pantin. The tent was opened with MC Wendell Etienne and Supa-Lou. Tribute songs for Lord Kitchener and other deceased calypsonians were sung by Starr George including his song “D Road” and Miranda Joseph’s “Calypso Stop.”

Devon Seale’s “Jack Strikes Back” brought roars of laughter from the crowd, as Seales stuttered and stumbled his lyrics, explaining to the audience why tickets to the FIFA World Cup 2006 were being sold in a package by a travel agency, which is also run as a family business by a member of the UNC. One patron was so delighted with the performance, that he ran up to the stage and pounded his fists on the wooden floor for a second encore. Newcomer from West Africa, Simiji (Alie Marrah), had the ladies screaming for more with his wining skills as he performed his humorous hit “In Trinidad.” Simiji who is from Sierra Leone gyrated to his combination of soca, calypso and reggae and was called on for a second encore as well.

Denyse Plummer performed two strong social commentaries, “Joy Cometh in the Morning” and “They reach,” which were well-received by the audience for their powerful lyrics on the politicians’ stance on crime. Performances were also heard by Astro with his “Trinidad is still a Paradise,” Teneille Cooper with “Take a Serious Look,” Ollie with “This Land of Mysteries,” Bally with “2020,” Ajamu “It’s Up to You,” The Organiser with “Trinidad Yankees,” Ninja with “Ah Tiefing ah Wine,” Lady Tallish with “Procreation,” and Soca Elvis, performing as Michael Salloum with his song “I Go Crazy.” During the 30-minute intermission which was given at 11.30 pm, manager of the Calypso Revue, Denyse Plummer told Newsday she believed the first half of the show had a lot of powerful performances, but cautioned that the opening night in Arima was just the first test.

“It is too premature to say what the outcome would be but we know some people will have to be dropped and others placed in their respective positions,” said Plummer. The second leg of the show also had strong performances with the Pink Panther (Eric Taylor) singing “Mr Big,” which was strong in political views concerning the real identity of the person behind the bombings in Port-of-Spain. Panther had the crowd chanting “Mr Big, Mr Big” even after he left the stage, and had to be eventually brought out for a second encore. Singing Sonia had the male audience in awe with her sexy moves for “Ride D Water,” the popular tune about the two ferries “The Sonia” and “The Cat.”

Also singing her version of “The Cat” was Sexy Suzy. Both Singing Sonia and Sexy Suzy were dressed in Fancy Sailor outfits and their performances were thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. The Baron (Timothy Watkins) serenaded the ladies with his “I Wanna Make Love to You.” Sugar Aloes (Michael Osouna) closed the show at 1.15 am with three songs, a social commentary “Man,” a political piece “UNC Comess” and a party tune “Trini Must Take a Wine.” His political piece was a hit with the crowd as he explored who was still the real political leader of the UNC. Other performers for the night included Princess Monique with “Mothers Fighting Back,” Tallish with “Violence,” and Wendell Etienne with a humorous piece “The Dentist.” The Revue Orchestra was led by Sylvian Sammy and the Revue Angels performed the choruses.