innis_francis@yahoo.com
Former National Women’s Action Committee (NWAC) Calypso Queen Makeda Darius promised and succeeded in a grand production; Pieces of Me concert at the San Fernando Naparima Bowl recently.
The 2020 Calypso Queen’s set consisted of calypsoes, ballads, rockers, and reggae that had patrons out of their seats more so as she performed a soulful rendition of Whitney Houston’s Saving All My Love For You.
A smiling Darius appeared in the second half of the show hosted by Morisha Ransome and Eunice Peters in shimmery golden apparel brought out by the North West Laventille Cultural Movement.
Darius, who hails from La Brea, began her set with fellow calypsonian and former National Action Cultural Committee (NACC) Young King Addelon “Banjela” Braveboy singing Tis the Season. This set the pace for Darius’ spoken annotations and snippets into the evolution of her career as a calypso artist.
Blessed with the gift of voice, Darius kicked off her glass slipper and worked the stage to deliver hits after hits that include her winning item Not Martin, Shame by Ella Andel, Goodbye to the Summer, Red, Red Wine, and Ancient Rhythm.
She said: “I shock them to the core because I sing ballads too but people don’t know that. The show was about my life story and stages of my life, every artiste on the show would have been someone impacted my life, even the people in the background…and the pieces were the different genres of music that made me who I am. The sponsor asked to take a show to Port of Spain but there were no venue available on Republic Day or Independence Day.”
Makeda Darius and Addelon “Banjela” Braveboy singing Tis the Season.
INNIS FRANCIS
Endorsed by fellow calypsonian Michael “Sugar Aloe” Osouna who lamented Darius’ growth and talented skillset; he said: “once she stick it out, she has far to go.”
Aloes also performed Love Don’t Love Anybody, Signs of the End of Times, and I Love Being Me with budding youngster Zachary Ransome.
Chairman of TUCO South Central Zones Steve “Ras Kommanda” Pascall and cousin to Darius also called for the show to be taken to Port-of-Spain.
The show was far from finished and welcomed commanding performances from pannist Joshua Regrello who played Play Pan Man Play, Trini To the Bone, and Pum Pum.
Banjela also surprised the audience as he performed between two mirrors Michael Jackson’s Man In the Mirror before joining Darius on stage with the song, Tis The Season.
Tobago’s Sharon Phillip made a bold impression during her set, singing Phoenix Rise, and The Slave; and Jimecya Burnett performed I’ll Rise Up by Andra Day.
Calypso Monarch 2020 Terri Lyons raised the roof with a mesmerizing performance of songs Cah Take My Joy, Calypso, and Fling Bam Bam.
Darius said she was happy that the show was a success. A second show is planned for next year.
North West Laventille Cultural Movement dancers.
INNIS FRANCIS
Makeda Darius entertains in style.
INNIS FRANCIS
The audience on their feet during Makeda Darius’ performance.
INNIS FRANCIS