Klassic Ruso opened its 2014 season on Friday night at Port-of-Spain City Hall. Headed by veteran calypsonian All Rounder, Klassic Ruso has been one of the flagship tents of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO).Before the programme began, tent cast members formed a guard of honour welcome party at the entrance of the auditorium to welcome President Anthony Carmona.
When the President sang calypso as a student at UWI, under the monicker of The Prophet of Sysiphus, Klassic Ruso was the first calypso tent in which he sang. He was escorted on Friday night by Community Development Minister Winston "Gypsy" Peters (also a calypsonian and former national monarch); extempore champion, Port-of-Spain Mayor Raymond Tim Kee; TUCO president Lutalo "Bro Resistance" Masimba; TUCO North Zone president Mark "Contender" John; and officials of the tent.
In the audience sat former Culture Minister Joan Yuille-Williams, MP NiLeung Hypolite, Judge Malcolm Holdip and former police commissioner Everald Snaggs.Friday's formal opening was hosted by Rudy Ottley (himself a calypso tent manager) of International Divas Cabaret.
After the national anthem, Shirlaine Hendrickson gave an invocation, and Contender gave a welcome address. Contender's cellphone rang while he was speaking, causing much mirth.He said: "30 years ago the President performedwith us. The President is back with us tonight. This is an honour."
Bro Resistance hailed the night as "a blessed time in our republic." He heralded the 100th anniversary of calypso recording, adding that with over 30 radio stations in the country it continues to be difficult to hear calypso on the airwaves. Resistance also said that $15 million is spent annually to produce calypso music for Carnival and yet people still do not respect the art form.
The first performer on stage was Sergio "Shylock" Francisco, son of the Mighty Sparrow. Bearing a striking resemblance to his internationally renowned father, he sang the thought-provoking Know Thyself. Shylock is a finalist in this year's NYAC Stars of Tomorrow competition.
Klassic Ruso is a well-balanced calypso tent, offering a mix of experience and youth. In fact, the night's first encore was earned by a young artiste when Makeeda Darius sang Profiling Laventille, a well-scripted composition. In all, 31 calypsonians sang on opening night, taking the programme to well past midnight. Double encores were given to Contender, singing Political Fallout, and to Versatile for his bouncy ditty entitled Call Me.
Also receiving encores, and their songs, were Typher (Me); Helon Francis (Homeless Hero); Rasheed Latiff (Penis Calamity); Brother Ebony (Ordinary People); Lady Wonder (Do Something Positive); Stanley Adams (The Bull Ring); All Rounder (Dr All); Dr Rhythm (My Son); and, Nefta Kojo (Vintage Fever).