When the North Zone of Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation staged the 2016 edition of Extemporama recently at SWWTU Hall, Port-of-Spain there was standing room only at the Wrightson Road venue.
The extempore aspect of calypso has captured the imagination and support of calypso fans as has been demontrated at Carnival when the extempore competition is held.
The November 5 show wasn’t a competition in the true sense but Neil “Abelele” Baptiste was unanimously adjudged to be the most popular of the bards. He outwitted Black Sage, the latter even giving him an accolade in extempore fashion.
The 2013 South Extempore Monarch, Abebele is no stranger to calypso. The San Fernando resident has made himself quite popular with the public as he has performed nationwide at show venues for many years and could be regarded as the successor to the very popular Mystic Prowler who did gigs at pubs like The Mas Camp back in the day.
The zone honoured veteran calypsonian Wilfred Barker (Young Creole) and gave him a portrait of himself, painted by fellow calypsonian Dr Will B, and a cheque. Among the calypsonians in the fray and the zones they represented were Present were Black Sage, Contender, Brother B, Gary Ranks (North); Lingo, Myron B, Dion Diaz (East); and, Brian London, Short Pants, Abebele (South). Notably absent were past Extempore monarchs Gypsy, due to a death in his family, and Lady Africa.
Guest performances also came from young artistes Kevan Calliste and junior extempore monarch Kishon Phillip, reigning Humour Monarch Brother Ebony and 1980 Calypso King Relator.