Was it just yesterday I was lamenting the lack of spark in the calypsoes on offer from a certain tent? Feels that way. I was quite prepared this time as I headed to the tent to be just as disappointed as I had been in my last outing. The fact that the tent started late did nothing to allay my fears that it would be more of the same. Just coming from a different direction this time around.
Did I have another think coming? The South Calypso Tent started off very slowly. What with the delayed playing of the National Anthem, the minutes of silence for everyone who had had a post mortem and the presentation of plaques and boring speeches. But very soon the tempo changed and so did my mood…from despair to the slightest glimmer of hope.
Journalist was the first to thrill me with ‘Millionaires’. While he may never win a crown with his craftily written songs, I sometimes think that he does something even better. He wins laughs and gasps of admiration at the pure audacity of his lyrical utterings. His writer could give lessons on how to play on words to maximum effect. Not even Nicole’s Mr. Dean Doe comes close to the sheer brilliance that is shown time and time again by Journalist. While not as crafty, his second song ‘Tremendous Benefits’ also was miles ahead of I Not for King.
Then came Dycer Fontellio. For the first time I can tell you that I have always found that Dycer tries to cram too many words into this songs. Not this time. He used just enough words to knock me out of my seat with a punch line I did not see coming. He forgot a verse or two but that is okay. The two he remembered more than made up for it. . Minelle forgot a line or two as well but her song about doctors in the party brought me right back to the good old days of Victoria. Wonder if I have enough time to get my own PHD…
My favourite on the night by far was Nintus. You know he from Desruisseaux like me! That boy can sing. His play on the old standard “I Bound to be King Tonight” was fresh. Well done South. I forgive you and choose to forget about the junk that was on offer tonight.
