To the uninitiated, any mention of a tent is likely to evoke thoughts of a temporary accommodation shading its occupants from sun and rain, but in these parts a Calypso tent is furthest from this image. The name tent is given to the traditional meeting place where social commentators and presently kaisonians converge to deliver cutting lyrics in song and songs to make you jump and wine.

Since the 1960’s Barbados has known the tent culture, producing every year with the exception of one, a Calypso King. The one exception was when Rita Forrester emerged as Queen, a feat never since repeated by another female. These days there are several titles to be won; Calypso Monarch, Party Monarch and for the first time the Monarch of the Sweet Ragga Soca competition.

June generally sees tents opening their doors for weeks of performances preceding the preliminary judging. The atmosphere within is uncompared; a live band complete with a horn section, background singers grabbing the attention of audiences with their dashing outfits, choreographed movements and sweet singing voices and yes …. there are the Calypsonians singing on issues that qualify them to be the social commentator while others are more inclined to ‘mek yuh brek off yuh waist! And don’t forget the MC.

On average there are twelve Calypso tents operating during the season. Performance nights are usually on Fridays and Saturday and admissions range between twenty five and thirty five dollars.