In a landmark move for artist welfare, the TOT/Soca Village tent has introduced a new insurance and welfare plan for its members and their families, one of the most significant initiatives in its recent history. The plan, developed in-house, reflects the tent’s ongoing commitment to supporting artists not just on stage, but in their everyday lives.
“One of the beautiful things that we have also done this year… TOT/Soca Village …to put a plan/[insurance] for the membership and it would involve their families also,” said tent manager Cecil Charles at the TOT/Soca Village media and sponsor launch. “We are happy for that.”
With a combined legacy of over 75 years in calypso, the Take Over Tent (TOT) and Soca Village have each played a significant role in shaping Saint Lucia’s cultural landscape. Although they only joined forces as a collaborative unit a few years ago, their shared commitment to innovation and artist development continues to drive their presence in the calypso arena.
Though they operate under a collaborative umbrella, Charles says the future of this partnership may soon need reevaluation.
“Once again, Take Over Tent (TOT)/Soca Village is collaborating, and it’s a collaboration that started long ago; it continues,” Charles affirmed during a recent address. “But we have been faced with challenge, and I’m going to be up front.”
With three major shows scheduled May 31st, June 8th (a holiday special), and June 18th (quarterfinals) the TOT/Soca Village tent promises another vibrant season, balancing legacy, leadership, and artistic integrity in Saint Lucia’s rich cultural tradition.
Charles noted that while the collaboration was born out of necessity in a past season, the strain of accommodating a growing number of artists under one umbrella has become increasingly difficult. With over 30 performers in the lineup this year and only room for 24 songs per show, the tent is stretched thin.
“We realized that much more has to be done if we are to benefit the calypsonians and the artists who invest a lot for the season,” he said. “It was never a merger, it is a collaboration.”
The TOT/Soca Village team has consistently pushed boundaries, offering more than just performances. Known as the “tent of titles,” they pride themselves on innovation, dominance in competitions, and holistic artist development.
“We have won many crowns… we are tent of titles and no tent can’t beat that,” Charles boasted. “We have won all the crowns in any one season and no tent cannot match that.”
Despite their accolades, Charles stressed that competition is not their only focus. The tent is particularly invested in artist growth, offering free annual training to performers an initiative unmatched in the region.
“If persons had to pay for the training, they would not be able to afford it. But we do it out of our conviction because we are very much interested in the development of the artists,” he stated. “Our artists could attest to that.”
Beyond artist mentorship, TOT/Soca Village has added several community-centered efforts this season, including partnering with Dunnottar School where the Girls Vocational School was to host a free children’s calypso show on Friday, June 20th.
TOT/Soca Village will ensure that everyone will be catered for but Charles encourages persons who attend to bring snacks for the children.
“Our artists are going to perform free of course. We’re talking about over 100 children with their parents and the fans,” Charles shared.
The tent is also joining forces with the new Nexus Carnival Band and continuing its collaboration with Sufete Tent, a testament to their commitment to evolving the carnival experience.
Still, Charles voiced frustration with ongoing critiques about the quality of local calypso music.
“It doesn’t necessarily mean that the better constructed calypso ever wins the competition,” he said. “We have to be very careful how we degrade people’s artistic work. People’s creative work is very important.”
In his closing remarks, Charles urged continued public support.
“Do not tell us that we don’t have quality. Do not tell us that our artists are below standard,” he said firmly. “We are proud of that… We don’t have to go outside to look for consultancy. We have them right within our tent.”
The event took place at Peter and company Auto, one of the main sponsors of the show.
