Within the spirit of Lucian Carnival and the celebration of the island’s culture, one entity is sure to add to that excitement this year, having been around for more than four decades.
That organisation is the Take Over Tent (TOT), a calypso fraternity that has produced some of the most formidable calypsonians and endearing calypsos over the years.
The TOT is marking its 45th anniversary this year. The calypso tent, which has produced the likes of De Ahanti, Herb Black, Alpha, Ricky T, says that one of the messages this year is that calypso is not for a season.
The tent kicked off its 45th anniversary programme with a church service two weeks ago at the Lady of Fatima Church in La Clery, ahead of their opening tent night.
According to the new tent leader, Nadiege Charles, the occasion was a time for reflection, giving thanks and seeking blessings for the journey ahead, as the tent celebrated 45 years of “excellence in calypso, culture and community”.
It is a double celebration for TOT, as this milestone coincides with that of one of their longest-serving members, Herb Black, who is observing 40 years in calypso.
At a recent media and sponsors “thank you”, the former calypso, groovy, and Road March king was recognised as having a near pitch-perfect tone and a strong repertoire.
Tent manager Cecil Charles also acknowledged the support received by the Folk Research Centre (FRC) over the years. He pointed to Monsignor Patrick Anthony of the FRC, who also delivered the homily at TOT’s thanksgiving service.
“TOT is celebrating 45 years, and we do not focus only on what we call the season, we are going to have much more than that… we have 45 activities for our 45th anniversary,” Charles says.
The activities will conclude with a grand youth activity and a concert.
The tent indicated it is also proud to be pioneering promos this year in various languages, including Kweyol, Spanish and Mandarin, targeting some of the non-national communities on the island.
As part of the celebration, various documentaries will be produced in collaboration with Calabash TV, which will focus on several aspects of calypso.
“The decades of dominance will be a four-part series. We’re going to look at the 80s – kaiso and social commentary, steel pan and so on; the 90s period – Ragga Soca takes over; the 2000 power Soca surge and beyond that all the way to the present – what is happening now with the young stars, soca and so on,” Charles says.
Another activity will be the clash of crowns, where veteran calypsonians will come up against the new generation.
The TOT says part of its mantra is engaging up-and-coming talent from schools, and this year will be no different.
“This one is really dear to our hearts this year, where we will be having what we call ‘youth take over’, and actually it will be a schools and youth calypso showcase and workshop series and songwriting camp,” Charles says. “And of course, the goal by doing that is TOT’s investment in the next 45 years.”
With the colour of sapphire embodying the 45th anniversary, Charles says the support they have received from sponsors as well as Saint Lucians from all over is not lost on them.
It is for this reason that the TOT intends to take some of their initiatives this year to different parts of Saint Lucia.
One of TOT’s sponsors for the last three years has been Peter & Company Auto.
Speaking at the tent’s media launch, Sherani Augustin, the Sales and Marketing Manager, recognised TOT as an entity that has “kept Saint Lucians entertained, inspired and connected to their roots.”
“We are really honoured to celebrate this incredible milestone with the takeover tent family on this remarkable part of their anniversary,” she said.
Augustin went on to single out Charles for his visionary work and continued commitment and investment in the arts, which she says Peter and Company Auto will continue to support this year.
“The ‘Take Over Tent’ has become a launching pad for many aspiring Saint Lucian talents and a home for the preservation of our calypso and culture. We salute all of the veterans of tents, the legends who continue to pave the way for the younger generation as well. At Peter and Company Auto, we are really proud to stand with the organisation that invests in people, culture, and community. And we are very excited about what is ahead,” Augustin says.
Despite a rainy opening night, many fans braved the inclement weather for TOT’s first showing.
Herb Black, Ashe’, Alpha, Yandi, Mica and others proved the staying power of TOT.
Newcomer John Ghoti, the reigning Virgin Island Calypso King, who is originally from Saint Lucia, had a good Saint Lucian debut, while Unique from the Anglican School was warmly received by calypso fans.
TOT also received support on the night for their partnership with the Saint Lucia-Cuba Friendship Association to raise money for those in need in Cuba.
The tent is also aligned with Helen Association for Persons with Autism who this year will put on a junior carnival band for autistic children and their families.
TOT will culminate its 45th anniversary celebrations with a mega concert featuring 45 artistes, a mix of legends and current stars, and the presentation of legacy awards.
Prior to that, the tent moves on to its next showing on June 3 and quarter-finals on June 20 at the National Cultural Center.
