Spicy night for all

While chocolate cake with icing was being served, Tammico “Spicey” Moore was singing on stage celebrating her birthday. On May 19 at De Nu Pub, on the corner of French Street and Ariapita Avenue in Woodbrook, the mother of two said: “It is only fitting that I celebrate my birthday here (the home of calypso).” For 18 years Spicey has been tilling the calypso soil and has made a few memorable marks in her career. On two occasion she placed fourth in the National Calypso Queen competition and, although the Carnival Sunday night Dimanche Gras final has eluded her, the semifinal round saw her twice as a qualifier. In the Humourous Calypso Monarch competition, she has placed second and third on two occasions. Spicey’s fondest memory in her career though wasn’t competitions or any perks in the arena but the times she has shared the stage with her father Felix “Breed” Joseph, now deceased. She said: “We would perform together all the time, and that is all I ever wanted.” Breed departed in 2009. Leggo, Do it, Ah want to know, De Tackle, Check the sign, and The Right Stand, her 2011 rendition, comprised her repertoire. However it was Do it that raised the eyebrows of the audience. 

Costumed in black, with matching stockings, Spicey ventured on stage with a cat-o-nine whip ready to beat; condemning people who commit any form of sexual offence. A ditty with a double meaning that could not be mistaken, she sang, “Yuh want cat, take cat!” Marsha “Lady Adanna” Charles, who was also a semifinalist in this years National Calypso Monarch competition, opened the night’s performances with, Mother’s Advice, Ready for the Truth, and Pan in De Party. Her second selection was a favourite to make it in the Dimache Gras final but didn’t get the judges nod. It just may be one of those songs that never made it to the final but lives on because of it’s poignant message—only time will reveal. Lady Adanna, assistant secretary for the South Central office of Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (Tuco), said: “Many people told me that I should have made the final, but everybody can’t make it. I will let them do the talking for me.” She feels rather passionate about the song because people turn a blind eye on too many occasions to the ills in society. Also performing on the night were Stacey Sobers, Sharlan Bailey and Ras Kommanda.