Boost the Caribbean in you

Have you visited the web site BajanCropOver.com which promises to deliver the activities of the Bajan Festivals during the Crop Over Season (written also as Crop-Over?) They say that from as early as February, Calypsonians start the release of their Calypsos as they vie for the prestigious position for the Pic-O-De-Crop (Picodecrop) Monarchy.

The name Calypso seems interchangeable nowadays with Kaiso and thus these artistes are sometime describes as Kaisonians and their music sometimes as Soca music. Originally these names seemed to be more associated with Trinidad’s Carnival.

The two stewards of local competition the Mighty Gabby and RPB (Red Plastic Bag) have each won the title of Calypso Monarch nine times. This is a remarkable achievement although many of the locals have been crying out for new blood. In an interview on Fireworks, a call in program on VOB 92.9 from Starcom, John King had indicated that perhaps the younger upcoming entertainers are more concern with the “wuk up” type of music and place less interest on the social commentary aspect of the original calypso art form.

Wukin-up [ or wukkinup, forgive my writing of it, it is as difficult for me to write as it is to perform, I didn’t inherit the waistline of my African ancestors nor the vernacular of my counterparts] has been the crave of the younger generation and they have now created new names like Party Monarch, Soca Royale and Socaholic to satisfy their appetites, The newly started Cavalcades ensure that they get as much as their hearts desire.

The older folk still go to the Calypso Tents but in diminishing amounts. Those who go have a great time; it still is one of the best outings during the Crop Over Season. Next to enjoying  Kiddies Kadooment, Grand Kadooment,  Pic-o-de-crop, Bridgetown Market, Cohobblopot, Spektacular, the Semi-Finals, Party Monarch, Peoples’ Choice, Soca Royale, Socaholics, Cavalcades, wow there are more activities than I thought, the Calypso Tents are still great, I just wish that they were featured live on CBC TV.

The list of entertainment seems endless during the crop over season, no wonder they say it is more than a festival. Bajan Culture explodes to many fetes, parties and shows leading up to the great Street Party (Grand Kadooment) and the air waves are ablaze with our music, fun and entertainment. Madd Entertainment is still very funny and they have the best organized Tent, Bacchanal Time. With all of what they do one would expect that they would beat Lil Rick and Krosfyah and be amongst the new comers to snatch away the Road March Tune but all in time.

The NCF , National Cultural Foundation and the local associations of tent/band organizers have change the road route but we still are singing the old Ras Iley tune Spring Garden we coming. I think Gryner had a Spring Garden tune too. Later when we post the schedule for the year’s activities and the outcomes of the competitions we might bright some more info on Bajan Crop Over.