A HEAVYWEIGHT CONTENDER for the party music competition but a lightweight prospect in social commentary.That about sums up the overall entertaining package which the folk at the Celebration Time calypso tent put together for fans and judging officials at the Plantation Theatre on Friday night.Of those seeking the judges’ favour in the Pic-O-De-Crop competition, Ishiaka, Longfellow and Baby Doll were the main protagonists.Baby Doll’s Aborted Abortion, which exhorted females not to play God with their foetuses, was a highlight of the night. It was very much a pro-life ditty, possessed of a catchy melody and delivered in confident style. She was warmly applauded by the majority, although it was noticeable that a few females in the audience frowned throughout. Her second song was the rhythmic Aduwayo Africa. Longfellow was in good voice during his delivery of the nation-building All Ah We Is B, which called for Barbadians not to be caught up in mindless political polarisation. His first selection It Has Come To Pass, delivered at a slower tempo, was quite humorous, but still short of the impact of his second number. One dig at judges in the song suggested that RPB would one day simply provide a CD to them [in lieu of competing] and still win the crown.The seven-time semi-finalist could not be faulted for his overall delivery, but the reaction of the crowd to his songs suggested that indescribable oomph was missing. But then again, they weren’t the judges.Ishiaka’s time on stage was well spent although there was that hint of deja vu. Unfortunately, humour has gone out of Barbadian calypso to a huge extent and there is this preoccupation with heavy, well-meaning lyrics more suited for ventilation at tea parties or Lecture Theatre 1 at the Cave Hill Campus.His Tourism’s Plea was a solid song that looked at a number of scenarios that could harm the island’s main industry. His second selection, I Got An Issue With That, was another worthy effort that examined a number of social issues with which he has a problem. But will anyone remember either song come December?AC [Anita Charles], last year’s age 13-18 junior queen, has much promise, and this was evident in her renditions of Poverty Is A State Of Mind and Save Haiti. The first selection dealt with people whose lifestyles often did not correlate with their cries of being at poverty’s door. This little nugget will only get better.Cyclone was efficient without being spectacular in his renditions of Punctuality and Don’t Say That. There were times when he sounded very much like the almost forgotten Ronnie D – which is a compliment to him.For entertainment value, Queen T and her dancers must be seen to be appreciated. There is no pretence about her Wiggle & Dip. It is a fun song, a party song, and a simply sweet song. Add to this her confidence and stage charm, and the young lady is a definite drawing card.Keann with No Satisfaction, Edwin with Chrissening and Khiomal with Don’t Tell Me Nuttin and Wine On You delivered the type of performances that should advance them to the party competition.Li’l Rick lit up the stage with What A Feeling as only he can. If that was energy personified, he returned to create bedlam at the St Lawrence nightspot with the infectious Guh Down. He was joined by three members of the audience who competed for prizes by showing who was best at “gine down”. It was tremendous fun and a riotous ending to the show.Others providing entertainment on the night were Redd Man, Hypa Kids, Ramases Browne and Wrinkles. Stabby was more distraction than entertainment value. Emcee was the inimitable Mac Fingal and the musical accompaniment provided for the artistes was fabulous.
