The rain could not drown it, nor could the years dull it – last night’s Super Concert, the Kaiso edition at CARIFESTA XV, proved that the heartbeat of Caribbean music still thunders with memory and meaning. From seasoned icons to rising stars, the night unfolded as a living history of calypso, where social commentary met sweet soca grooves and kaiso itself became the headliner.
The evening opened with the unmistakable energy of MC Mac Fingall, who, in his trademark comedic style, reminded the audience that he’s “not 33 anymore” after performing one of his energetic songs. Partnered with co-host Paula-Anne Jackman, their banter set a playful yet poignant tone for a night of sweet kaiso.
From the start, the crowd was treated to a range of performances: from Mighty Destroyer’s commanding delivery to the return of Bumba, Monarch of 1987, who poured passion into his classics. Following him was pint-sized powerhouse Trinidad and Tobago’s Zachary Wilson, who charmed with Play a Mas, the same song that secured him Junior Monarch honours.
Anguilla’s Queen B tackled issues of body image and resilience in My Shoes, followed by Good Over Evil, urging listeners to shine light on darkness. From St. Kitts and Nevis, teacher and performance coach Tariq Drew, the 2nd runner-up Monarch, brought a beautiful voice and gospel-like delivery.
Barbados’ Chrystal Cummins-Beckles paid tribute to her mentor Singing Sandra with From the Ghetto, Ancient Rhythm, and the Caribbean classic All of My Women, drawing the audience into a stirring chorus. Mr. Judah Goddard lifted spirits on steelpan and later joined I-Webb for a heartfelt tribute to Adonijah with Tenor Pan, the crowd swaying as the steel and voice carried memories of one of Barbados’ greats.
Anguilla’s reigning monarch Roxxy followed with empowerment anthems before shifting into uptempo rhythms. From St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Fyah Empress was backed by chanting fans. She delivered Children of the Drum among her set reminding the audience that it takes a village to uplift the next generation. Her performance ended with the Vincy delegation chanting “Vincy!” in support.
Barbados’ cultural ambassador Mighty Gabby showed why he holds the title, debuting a CARIFESTA jingle among his set of classics. Senator John King followed, belting out Calypso Travelling and the haunting How Many More. The audience lit up the Richard Stoute Amphitheatre with their phones, symbolising his plea to fight gun violence.
The Venezuelan band, Family Ground, added a cultural exchange in Spanish, widening the night’s Caribbean canvas, before Trinidadian comedian Rachel Price joined the hosts to introduce the king of kaiso kings. And as if the heavens were listening, The Baron, after 55 years in the business, had fans dancing under umbrellas, chairs and towels to Bring Water as the rain poured down. Gypsy, in his eighties, showed no sign of slowing, delivering Pick Yourself Up, Happy Song, and Little Black Boy, while Antigua’s Short Shirt, still sprightly at 83, danced like a man half his age to his oldie-goldies.
The Bahamas’ Sonovia Pierre sang Still Need a Man, a cheeky reminder that even the strongest and most independent women can still appreciate male companionship. Barbadian Adrian Clarke reignited spirits with a medley tribute to Stalin, Shadow, and Sparrow — it was what the hundreds were waiting for to prompt them to truly get up and party.
Before him, the British Virgin Islands’ nine-time Road March Monarch Colosso offered a upbeat song about the effects of the hurricane on his island. Also taking the stage was Classic, a veteran competitor for over three decades who finally captured the Monarch crown, reaching back with Tell Dem Calypsonians.
As the show neared its end, the night belonged once more to Barbados. Mac Fingall swapped MC duties again for the mic with crowd-pleasers Big Belly Man and Ah Gine Wine, before welcoming his longtime friend, the Ragga Soca King, Red Plastic Bag (RPB).
With 18 titles to his name, RPB closed the show with a love letter to the island Bim, before a rousing session with Mac singing Ragga Ragga, and crowd favourites like Something Happening and Boat Ride. By the time a conga line snaked across the front of the stage, flags waving and voices raised, it was clear: this was not just another night of entertainment, but a living archive of Caribbean culture and music. – Tracy Moore
