TUCO claims neutrality ahead of Calypso Fiesta

2026-02-06 - 02:59

With Carnival days away, the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO) has issued an unusual public statement distancing itself from politics and rejecting claims that Calypso Fiesta is being used as a political platform. Hours after the draw for Calypso Fiesta at Radisson Hotel in Port-of-Spain yesterday, TUCO said it remains an apolitical body, established by an act of Parliament, and is not affiliated with any political party or grouping. The organisation stressed that it denounces any attempt to portray Calypso Fiesta as a political rally, insisting the event must remain a cultural and competitive showcase centered on artistic excellence and national expression. Reaffirming its role as the governing body for calypso, TUCO said it remains committed to unity, inclusivity and preserving calypso as the country’s premier indigenous artform, guided by its motto, “By Calypso our Stories are Told.” While the release did not address the reason for the statement, it seemed to be a response to complaints from several calypsonians and members of the public about the judging criteria used to select the semifinalists. The criticism has come in light of the fact that several top bards did not get the judges’ nod for the semis, with some arguing it may be due to an apparent political bias on the part of the judges and TUCO. As the 40 calypsonians prepare for the semi-finals on Saturday at Skinner Park, San Fernando, TUCO president Ainsley King said patrons can expect a high-quality show. “I think that a lot of people forget at times, it’s not about a good song, it is not about your popularity, it’s how you utilised your few minutes you have for your performance,” King said. Calypso Fiesta begins at 2 pm. Order of appearance 1. Nicole Thomas-Clarke — Sacrifice 2. Nakasa “Nakasa” Tahcher — Judgement 3. Duane O’Connor — Alexander Yuh Great 4. Heather Mac Intosh — Not The Way 5. Arnold “Jaw D” Jordan — Thy Servant Heareth 6. Anthony “Squeezy Rankin” La Fleur — Rat Race 7. Cindy “Ife Alleyne” Alleyne — Leal Victory 8. Dave “Pae3ot” Maikoo — Mother Music 9. Muhammad “Freetown Collective” Muwakil — Calypso 10. Mark Howell Paul — Cry Of A Young Man 11. Samraj “Rikki Jai” Jaimungal — Doh Spoil Meh Name 12. Sean “Ifa” Singh — Puppet Master 13. Kerice Pascall — No Conscience 14. Brian London — De Code 15. Sherwin “Becomer” Babb — Voicemail To Mother Kamla 16. Neville “Bunny B” Brown — This Is Not My Planet 17. Akenathon “Yung Bredda” Lewis — The Messenger 18. Roslyn “Roslyn” Reid Hayes — Calypso Calling Me 19. Catherine “Kassy” Chandler — Crisis Of Truth 20. Lystra “Lady Lystra” Nurse — Dream Sellers 21. Karene “The Calypso Princess” Asche — Nobody Wins Until 22. Curlissa Charles-Mapp — Identity Crisis 23. Marsha “Lady Adanna” Clifton — One Caribbean Vybe 24. Nicholas Lucas — The Tree That Never Forgets 25. Meguella Simon — My Child 26. Tameika Darius — No Love 27. Bethany “Trinity” Lightbourne — Dat Is Woman 28. Addelon “Banjela” Braveboy — Staying In Power 29. Marq Pierre — How Yuh Feeling 30. Dillon “Dilly Suede” Thomas — One Man’s Trash 31. Wendy “Wendy Garrick” Garrick — Family 32. Ta’Zyah O’Connor — Cast Them Away 33. Roderick “Chuck Gordon” Gordon — Tory Time 34. Jerrisha Duncan Regis-Paponette — Not All Men 35. Devon Seale — Ah Little Power 36. Sean “D’ Psalmist” Daniel — In The Middle 37. Giselle “GG” Fraser — A Village Can’t 38. Rivaldo London — Water Thicker 39. J’leise Orr — Wolves In Sheep Clothing 40. Terri Lyons — Blessings Reserve- Amrika Mutroo — Loyal to Party