For Carnival 2015 the Divas Calypso Cabaret International (DCCI) will be celebrating its 12th year as a component of Trinidad's Carnival. From 2004 to present, under the directorship of Rudy Ottley, the tent has managed to produce an excellent calypso programme as part of the annual Carnival celebrations.
In its inception Divas operated from the Hilton Trinidad poolside, later moving to The Mas Camp Pub in Woodbrook.
The tent is moving its base again in 2015 to operate at Little Carib Theatre, Woodbrook.
DCCI will open its doors to the public on January 8 and will continue at the Little Carib Theatre every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until January 31.
The tent's programme for Carnival 2015 will include a KAISOCA/Friday-night show whereby on every Friday night show a renowned soca artiste will be featured starting with Olatunji on January 9.
This special continues on January 16 with Benjai as its main attraction.
On Friday, January 23, Denise Belfon will be the featured star. The last Friday in January will showcase at least three of the popular Soca artistes.
This year, the DCCI shows will be in honour of Lady Trinidad, the first female calypsonian to sing in a commercialised calypso tent, a feat was accomplished in 1935.
In addition, the tent's cast members will also be singing calypsoes from the repertoire of some of the former national calypso monarchs.
2015 Cast
The cast for 2015 includes: Karen Eccles; Stacey Sobers; Kerice Pascal; Sharon Alexis; Crystal Charles; Dilena Diamond; Tenaj Smith; Calika Grayson; Vornique Benjamin; Lyncia Morris; Khadija Jeremiah; Sherisse Collymore; Miguella Simon and CAL Invaders pan musician Khadija King. The tent's programme will be hosted nightly by Jillain Smith; chorus will be supplied by The Divettes and musical accompaniment will be provided by Chantal Esdelle and her group Moyenne.