As the clock ticks toward 2013, veteran calypsonian Clifton Ryan (Mighty Bomber) 84, was honoured at Caribbean Musical Explosion calypso tribute to 50 musical legends at Jean Pierre Complex, Mucurapo, on Friday. He was joined by other icons including Chalkdust, Ray Holman, Calypso Rose, Singing Francine, Shortpants, Leston Paul, Valentino, Jit Samaroo, Winsford Devine, Ed Watson, Scrunter, Boogsie Sharpe, Clive Alexander and Baron.
Wearing a broad hat, Brigo did not forget to make a funny face. Promoter Elsworth James was also conferred with an award and a $50,000 cheque. Asked how he felt, Ryan said, "I?felt magnificent. I?thank God for keeping me." The spotlight also shifted to legends who had gone to the great beyond like Merchant, Maestro, Lord Kitchener, Andre Tanker, Sonny Mann and Rudolph Charles.
Accompanied by her children, Claudette Blackman graciously accepted the award on behalf of her late spouse Ras Shorty I (Garfield Blackman). His daughter?Abbi Blackman said, "We felt honoured to know he created soca; songs like Om Shanti and Sweet Music." Mighty Composer said he "felt like a king."
Another highlight was the tributes that were paid to the respective artistes such as David Rudder's rendition of Tanker's Hosanna. Among the others paying tribute were artistes like Crazy, De Fosto, Singing Sandra, Ajala, Mighty Trini and Drupatee in her hot red dress.
Barbados' Gabby, famous for Government Boots, put in an appearance. Consensus was patrons were pleased the icons were treated royally. Spotted on the sidelines, Tuco president Lutalo Masimba of?Ring The Bell fame danced with a small crowd.
On the flip side, many patrons felt the show was too long and needed to be better organised. Some of the legends confessed they were fedup and by the time they mounted the stage they could not stay any longer to enjoy the festivities. By 12:42 am they had not yet concluded formalities.
