Carter’s Shining Stars all sparkled on opening night at the Daphne Joseph Theatre on Friday night. Before a full house which had large contingents from other tents over 20 performers created a good calypso galaxy. Veteran Admiral Nelson assisted by upcoming master of ceremonies Kiomal kept the four hour show together.

It is not easy to hand pick who should be given kudos for performing excellently as all the performers delivered their songs on first night like a boss. Don Ross with his song ‘Lend a helping hand’ will most likely emerged as the boss of the night on most people’s scorecard. He so impressed the audience that he received two encores and still there were many who wanted more. Don Ross looks and sounds like a man who is going to the next level in this calypso season. Dressed in a white jacket and black pants, Mr. Reason provided lots of reasons why his Brass-tacks song will be on the lips of many people. He focused on the popular radio call-in program which quickly gained the attention of the crowd and by the second chorus everyone was singing the hook line.

With the high standard of calypso on show at the Carters Shining Stars tent one may assume that they all obeyed the passionate calls of Jude to Rise Calypso. No newcomer to the stage Jude put in a note worthy performance and he should improve along the way.  The ever-improving Cameraman is focusing on crime in Barbados, and he is asking a haunting question ‘Who get kill last night?

 With a song called ‘Dis is me’ calypsonian Devon Moore entertained and evoked laughter with his not-in-the-box energized performance.

There is nothing bitty about Bit Bit and a name change to go along with his growth and development must be seriously considered now rather than later. Bit Bit has graduated from the kindergarten stage and his name should have evolved as well. With two performances for the night this young man punched above his weight, and I am sure will KO more seasoned artists. He left a contagious and serious message with his hook line “don’t let drugs put you in hot stew no, no don’t let drugs destroy you.’ His second song is an up-tempo one which was well received in the tent. It was easy to make sense of Queen T song ‘Make it make sense’. She has a sweet voice, and her rendition was crystal clear.

Trinity Clarke continues to transform into a star.  She has not seen many stars pitched but her name up in the stars will surely happen. Her song ‘I Love Soca’ is no masterpiece but she masterfully performed it got an encore andpeople out their seat and dancing. 

Lady J, who had been writing, singing, and producing songs before Trinity was born started the second session. The continuum of the art form clearly indicated. Lady J used a soundtrack rather than the backing band and without the band Lady J was alone on stage but like her song said she was the main ‘Attraction’.  Lady J is much underrated and unrecognized, yet she has scores of excellent materials not only in calypso but other genres of music.

Admiral Nelson gave everyone a treat when he spotted Malik in the back of the room and invited him on stage. Malik a star from yesteryear carefully made his way to the stage to loud applause. After a warm greeting from Admiral, Malik performed one of his hits, one that could not play on the radio but one that rocked the tent night and night.  If anyone is not sure that now is the time for changing the political system, they must listen to Bamba. He is very convincing and compelling, his song gives lots of reason why the current system is outdated and failing. Bamba with a song like this and in a ‘fighting’ mode will not be easy to keep in the tent. The ‘big yard’ could see Bamba yet again.

A touch of Guyana graced the stage when Guyanese born Imara came to deliver her message that ‘She now come’. She was pleasing on the eye wearing a costume depicting the Guyana and Barbados national colors. Imara who is a resident of Barbados is in her second year after doing very well last year with a song written by her writer Colin Spencer. The combination of Imara and Colin Spencer can become ominous for the shareholders.

De Announcer is never a cut from the same cloth, he is always topical, and his unpredictability is a trademark.  Donville  is the center of his witty and cleverly written song. The skillful blend of lyrics from popular songs added to the unique flair of the song. 

The tent manager and the engine behind Carter’s Shining Star, Julie, fittingly closed the show with a catchy and up-tempo song. Few people could resist moving to the African Drums in this piece.

The stars of this tent should be pleased at their performances and the reception they received. This tent is worth a visit. (Article by Christopher Williams)