Tammico Moore was recently showcased at the annual National Women's Action Committee (NWAC), Calypso Queen competition where she placed ninth, singing D'Advice. Despite her placing, she caught the T&T Guardian's attention with the catchy lyrics of the composition which focused on the breakdown of relationships.
Her placing was a real disappointment for the mother of two and grandmother of one, but she chose to be positive about it.
"It is not encouraging at all," said Moore. "But I will continue entering the competition nonetheless."
She believes she brings a different vibe to the competition and the stage. Her songs speak directly to the masses on social issues; content and delivery are not long and dreary, but hot and spicy (pun intended).
She has been a contender in the competition for some time now, delivering pieces such as: The Whip, I Want to Know You and Man In Dat, which won her fourth place in the competition last year.
"I write just as I would talk to you. I know the big words too, but I don't feel you have to be an Aristotle to your fans. Calypso must also be entertaining. Listen to the patrons after a show, they don't want no long boring song. They want action from start to finish," said Moore.
Her start
?
The former teacher who originally hailed from Marabella goes by the sobriquet SpiceY, a nickname she attracted from peppery performances during her early days at the Kaiso Showcase tent in San Fernando.
"I coulda real wine," she says, through laughter.
It all began for the 38-year-old at Williamsville Junior Secondary school when she entered a calypso competition. Singing a social commentary titled Be Grateful, penned by her mother Maria Moore, the then teenager placed first in the competition, winning over 12 other contestants.
"I went home the night before the competition and told my mom I needed her to write a song for me to sing tomorrow and she wrote it. I learned it and the next day I walked away the winner of the competition."
Moore kept competing, but now she also tried her hand at writing.
"We had a group assignment at school in which we had to research calypsos from long ago to present. We did the research and I decided I wanted to sing about it," said Moore.
A teacher who heard her vocal ability and was impressed by her writing skills advised her to sing professionally. But Moore shied away from the idea. Eventually she got the courage and responded to an audition call by Kaiso Showcase.
But even before Moore began to perform professionally, she recalls growing up in a family where calypso music was highly celebrated.
"My grandparents never missed a semi-finals at Skinner's Park, so I was always in it. Up to today, my grandpa is my number one supporter," she states.
She also grew up amongst a lot of rastafarians, including Leroy "Black Stalin" Calliste who lived just a stone's throw away from the Moore house.
"My family were big supporters of Stalin who is also the godfather of my older brother."
Moore, a rastafarian herself, wearing butt-length locks, said Calliste, Ras Shorty I and the Love Circle were her most prominent influences.
Taking it up a notch
After spending eight years with the tent, Moore decided it was time to introduce herself as an artiste to Port-of-Spain. She debuted at Kaiso House singing Leggo, written by Frank "DeLamo" Lambkin. Lambkin, a calypsonian himself, had previously written political and social commentary for Moore. But Leggo, a real wining tune, was the song that sold her grand introduction.
"I remember people staying until the end of the show. I used to close the show so people would stay to the end. Up to now Kaiso House still need somebody to close the show since I stop wining," she says playfully.
Today Moore has performed all over the world through singing on a cruise ship.
"I worked part time on a cruise ship for 12 years where I performed with a Caribbean band. We went everywhere and the feedback was always awesome."
Apart from her cruise ship stint, Moore also taught art and business studies at Prestige Secondary in Chaguanas. Currently, she is completing a bachelors of fine arts (BFA) at UTT, with the intention to teach thereafter.
"I chose to go back to school because I don't intend to go back on the cruise ship. I also cannot just depend on singing here in Trinidad, because ah go dead. That alone cannot pay the bills," said a jovial Moore.
Future plans
Moore has also dabbled in the Soca Monarch, National Calypso Monarch and Humourous Monarch competitions, placing second and third respectively in the latter.
"This year I plan to be the first woman to win the Humourous Monarch," she said confidently.
As the wife of Sharlan Bailey, who is the son of veteran calypsonian Winston "Shadow" Bailey, the two make a great team working their musical magic together.
"He produces and arranges all my songs. And we have also written songs together. It is just good to have someone in your corner who understands your passion and drive for your craft."
She revealed they are also working on an album together due to be released later this year.
Of her future plans, she intends to continue writing, singing and spreading her messages through song.
Asked what advice she had for women in the calypso arena, Moore says: "Raise your head and close your leg."