Starlin:

Prime Minister Patrick Manning has agreed to lend his patronage to the second annual Black Stalin Kaiso Festival which comes off tomorrow at the Jean Pierre Complex.

To add some “colour” to the proceedings the PM will also present the five-time calypso monarch with a special award for his 49th anniversary in calypso.

Stalin’s good friend and musician/bandleader Roy Cape who is celebrating 48 years in the business will receive an award from Minister of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs Senator Joan Yuille Williams.

Promoter Randy Glasgow said the production was created to pay tribute to someone who has done and continues to do so much for our culture. “The hallmark of a champion artiste in any genre is one whose works stand the test of time and nobody could contest the longevity of Black Stalin’s calypso creations.”

Schduled to appear with Stalin on a show dedicated to the Soca Warriors are David Rudder, Maximus Dan, 3 Canal, Erphaan Alves, Explainer, Organiser, Ken Professor Philmore ensemble along with the Roy Cape Kaiso All Stars.

Sixty-five-year old Stalin said this concert in honour of the Soca Warriors, is very special to him.“The national football team is close to my heart and I want to give them my heart in song.

My entire performance tomorrow is dedicated to the Soca Warriors,” Stalin said. And, he hopes to get two artistes with big football songs to appear on the show. Stalin should not be seen only in terms of having composed and sung some of the finest calypsos in the last 40 years but one who has been equally popular at home and abroad and who is highly respected for his contribution to charitable causes.

The Black Stalin Kaiso Festival kicks off at 8 pm at the Jean Pierre Complex.