You wait a year for one calypso show and then five come along at once!
The London bus analogy seemed appropriate as, just days after Talk Yuh Talk’s successful Kaiso Lime on Saturday 9 August, Soca News learned of four more calypso shows scheduled for Carnival Week. These are being organised by the Calypso & Soca Collective (CSC), a Carnival Village Trust-approved alternative to the established Association of Calypso and Soca Artiste (ACASA).
The first two shows, on Thursday 21 and Friday 22 August, will take place from 7pm in the bar area of The Tabernacle, Powis Square, London W11 2AY. Entrance is free. We understand that the calypsonians will be performing existing material; it will not be a competition, and once again, there will be no calypso monarch.
The venue for the second pair of shows, on Sunday 24 and bank holiday Monday 25 August, will be the International Music Stage in Powis Square.
Six calypsonians will take part on each of the four days, drawn from among Alexander D Great, Brown Sugar, De Admiral, Dee Vine, G String, King Clivus, Lord Cloak, Master Link, Muffinman and Rev B. There may also be a guest artist on at least one of the days.
Speaking on behalf of CSC, Jeff Hinds told Soca News that the collective is working with Tabernacle owner Carnival Village Trust. He admitted that financial constraints have meant that “We’re behind on everything,” including publicity.
Nevertheless, fans will be happy that this late but welcome addition to the calypso calendar ensures the artform will have a voice in London once again.
We at Soca News also convey our congratulations to De Admiral for achieving a remarkable 40 years in calypso – something worth singing about!
And it doesn’t end on Carnival Monday, as Kaiso Lime continues its 2025 season at The Tabernacle with shows on Saturday 13 September and Saturday 11 October. Both are free and run from 8pm to 10.30pm.
