The audience on the night of November 12 was so large at De Nu Pub management was forced to mount an outdoor monitor to transmit the proceedings taking place inside. The occasion was a celebration to mark Explainer's (Winston Henry) birthday, coordinated by his daughter and manager, Stagieann.
Immaculately attired in all white, as he closed the show, Explainer said that young calypsonians were deliberately selected to open for him, as he has always tried to inspire and encourage the youth in calypso.
The "young" singers–Victoria Cooper, Rondell Donawa, Devon Seale and Roderick "Chucky" Gordon–were joined by Tuco East Zone president Johnny King and former Calypso Queen Twiggy (Annmarie Parks-Kojo). The programme was hosted by Kaiso Karavan resident emcee Godfrey Pierre, and the artistes were ably supported musically by Cummings & D'Wailers.
Twiggy opened proceedings and sang It Hard To Be A Lady In Trinidad, written by Explainer; GB's Calypso Rising and Man Up Under Meh. She was followed by Rondell Donawa, the reigning South Calypso Monarch, singing Imitation of Success and Yes We Can. Veteran Kalypso Revue singer Devon Seale sang We Just Can't Go On This Way, Game Show Politics and FDAT.
By the time the night's three singers had performed, Pierre was in ripping form, delivering a staccato of jokes, keeping the audience in stitches. Queen Victoria was up next and rendered Political Love Affair and Explainer's In Parliament Dey Kicksin'.
Soundly applauded, she was encored for the latter number, enticing patrons to sing the songs' refrain with gusto.
An animated Johnny King rounded of the show's first half singing Wet Meh Down, Darling and Ah Want It.
Following intermission several patrons received door prizes, ushering the appearance of reigning national monarch Chucky. Very energetic throughout his set he sang Weh Yuh Think, Anything Ah Want, I Never and Explainer's Ras Mas.
He introduced the star of the evening after the second verse of Ras Mas and Explainer sang the remainder of the song. Seemingly rejuvenated in his 67th year, Explainer continued his repertoire, a mixed one, singing He Gone Away, Forever Young, Is Only We, Stand Up Straight, Horse, Drink Ah Rum (and a Ponche Crema) and Every Country Gets A Government Dey Deserve.
He culminated his set with his all time classic Lorraine.
Seen at Explainer's celebration were Tuco president Lutalo "Bro Resistance" Masimba, Tuco executive members Contender (Mark John), Karega Mandela and Shirlaine Hendrickson, and past national calypso monarchs Karene Asche and Duane O'Connor.