THE CRS Calypso Tent launched the Calypso tent season for 2026 with an opening that would have
been the envy of any Small Calypso Tent.
This launch took place on Sun 11th Jan 2026 at the Roast and Toast Restaurant, Cipero Street, San Fernando and featured an exciting cast lead by Calypso Pioneer and Icon Carey Stephens – Kinte who is currently burning up the airwaves this year with his hit song FRONT LINE.
Kinte is well known in Calypso circles having pioneered the Calypso movement of the late 80s and thereafter. He founded the Southern Calypso Movement and was instrumental in the formation of T.U.C.O. – the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organization. Apart from this, he is also very active and passionate in the creation of opportunities for Calypso performances throughout the year and his latest initiative – the Kultural Stew, which is a weekly event in San Fernando creates a platform for artistes of various genres.
Also featured on the Grand launch was 2025 Calypso Monarch Semi Finalist – Lady Lystra, who impressed with her unique style of sweet
vocals and potent social commentary. Her song titled Dream Sellers exposed the woe of the voting public always left disappointed after each election. Lady Lystra (the current Community Tent Monarch) is well known for her socially uplifting lyrics and with another of her own compositions this year is one of many vying for a spot at the Calypso Fiesta semi finals carded for February 7th.
This year the C.R.S. cast also includes the multi-talented visual artist and former Teacher – Nerukhi Ato Osei, with his hit song – One Fish to Another. With his own unique style of wit and double entendre, Nerukhi’s song tells of a conversation among fish concerning the current situation in and around our Caribbean waters. The song ask the question “Have we been caught? Have we been bought?”. Nerukhi, a former PRO of TUCO South Zone, famous for his fine art pieces depicting his
fellow Calypsonians returns to the stage after a brief absence and his song which is receiving generous airplay was one of the several song receiving encores on opening night.
Other cast members include - Greg J, Lady Lyn, Sir Bally, Trini Saw, Suzanne Wallace, Sexy Boss, Ras I from St Vincent, Garth David , The Guru and Lord Have mercy rounding of a cast with a great mix of social commentary, humour and up-tempo soca and Calypso music.
Greg J – Chutney Soca semi-finalist, brought some entertaining Chutney along with longstanding female CRS cast member Devika.
The elegantly attired Lady Lyn did a classic social commentary titled “Ah Fraid” which addressed the crime scourge in our nation.
Young energetic “Old Brother” had the audience in high energy with his infectious soca with the audience calling for more.
One of the highlights of the evening was the fiery performances from some of the female artistes. Trini Saw- a relatively new performer who composes her own songs had the females in the audience singing
and dancing to he catchy song “Money”.
Suzan Wallace pulled no punches with her entertaining soca hit “Doh lock meh down” and Sexy Boss lived up to her name with an exhilarating performance.
The night's entertainment included an energetic, entertaining and humorous performance from Ras I from St Vincent doing a song “Bright Lights”.
The audience was also entertained by special Guests – the Icon Hamidullah, the energetic Trevor G, Sweet Merle as well as guests from other community tents in South Trinidad.
The C.R.S. tent is one of several Community Tents that perform the important task of taking Calypso to the various communities of Trinidad and Tobago and do this despite very limited funding. At a time when Calypso appreciation appears to be waning at community level this worthwhile initiative must be applauded and supported.
(All photos courtesy Joseph carver Thompson)
