In the lead-up to the The Big Crop Over Weekend, much of the musical fun takes place in calypso “tents”. Traditionally, these were simple cane and canvas structures, but nowadays they range from marquees to hotels, nightclubs to churches, or even schools. The music too has evolved, from the heavy social commentary of traditional kaiso (a word derived from the West African Igbo language) to songs that rely more on catchy tunes.

Catch nights of non-stop performances during June and July at one of the six tents’ shifting venues. Each tent has its star performers and partying devotees, as well as a regular backing band.

This year’s tents are:

– COB All Stars

– Super Gladiators

– Carter’s Sling Stars Calypso Tents

– Stray Cats

– CO Williams House of Soca

– De First Citizens Big Show

The excitement is ramped up on judging nights (which are great fun to attend) when selectors turn up to choose the performers who will vie for the titles of Sweet Soca Monarch, Pic-O-De-Crop monarch and their “junior” equivalents.

Check this season’s performance (and judging) dates on the National Cultural foundation website and social media.