At its awards evening on 10 June 2023, the Association of Calypsonians and Soca Artistes’ chair, Vincent John, announced the London Calypso Tent’s schedule for the next few months. Vincent later expanded on that for Soca News, and there are some exciting developments ahead.
Juniors in the spotlight
The most important change this year is a long-overdue push to develop young calypso and soca artistes. This is essential if the music is to survive and flourish in the decades to come.
Youth Calypso and Soca Workshops for 8- to 17-year-olds will take place in July and August. The mentoring team comprises Vincent John (ACASA chair), Talibah (a popular performer on the old Yaa Asantewaa stage), Alexander D Great (award-winning calypsonian and educator), Ms Desire (current Groovy Soca Monarch) and the Divettes (the multi-talented trio familiar to London Calypso Tent audiences).
The workshops take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays 26 and 27 July and 2, 3, 9 and 10 August. Then, on Friday 18 August, the youngsters will be able to show off their talents at the UK Junior Calypso and Soca Monarch Contests (for the 8-13 years age group) and the UK Youth Calypso and Soca Monarch Contests (for the 14-17-year-olds).
The workshops and competitions are a great opportunity to learn from highly experienced musicians, composers and performers. Youngsters will be helped to express themselves through the music, to develop writing and performance skills, and to gain confidence in front of an audience. For some, this may even prove to be a first step into a career in the music industry!
Countdown to Monarch Finals
For the adult artistes, the show gets under way at 7pm on Friday 11 August with a Calypso and Soca Showcase. After the Junior and Youth contestants have had their moment on stage on Friday 18 August, it will be time for the audience to enjoy the UK Soca and Groovy Soca Finals.
The UK Calypso Monarch Finals will take place at The Tabernacle on Thursday 24 August. Still to be confirmed is a King and Queen of the Tent show the next day, Friday 25 August.
For the two days of Notting Hill Carnival, Sunday 27 and Monday 28 August, several of the calypsonians and soca artistes will be performing on the World Music Stage in Powis Square (across the road from The Tabernacle). It’s hoped that a number of visiting calypso and soca bands and singers will perform at the Finals and on the World Music Stage.
And beyond?
ACASA hopes that in October it will be able to hold a special event for Black History Month. Because of the unfortunate absence of any grant funding, a BHM show can only take place if a sponsor comes forward.
- For more details on all these activities, including the workshops, tel: 07712 894 518 or email: [email protected]
