The world’s first female-only calypso tent has opened once again at the Little Carib Theatre for the 2026 season.
The Divas Calypso Cabaret was met with much fanfare as the all-female cast serenaded and encouraged patrons to leave their seats on Saturday.
Tent manager Dr Rudolph Ottley says that thus far, they have sold out most of the early shows.
This year, the tent pays tribute to King David Rudder, who is celebrating 40 years since winning his famed triple crown.
“We are paying tribute to King David, especially in tribute to the 1986 year when he won the triple crown, which was the young king, the calypso monarch and the world march title in 1986. And this year is 40 years since that wonderful occasion, and we felt that, you know, we should pay tribute to him. So the ladies are going to sing, each of them will sing one of David’s compositions.”
Dr Ottley says every year is a good year for calypso, but more airplay is needed to drive patrons to the tents.
“Two things are happening here. One, you’re not getting enough airplay, so people are not hearing it, and if they’re not hearing it, they’re not motivated to go to the tents. So until we can get a broadcast perspective where the media sees it as a responsibility to go to the tents, have the music exposed, have the music broadcast live either by streaming or whatever means on whatever platform, so the public will hear it, and once the public are hearing the music, they’ll come and visit the tents.”