AJ'S CALYPSO TENT FORGES

Ahead

WORDS | DRM JONES

AJ 's Calypso Tent returns to Reading, in Berkshire, on May 27. With the strapline, 'Celebrating The 20th Edition & The Crowning of King Charles III', the show boasts a stellar line-up of the UK's finest calypso and soca stars. Headlining will be reigning UK Calypso King, G String; current UK Groovy Soca Monarch, Ms Desire; former Monarch, Brown Sugar; 2018 UK Calypso Monarch, De Admiral (formerly known as Admiral Jack). Also appearing will be jab-soca artist, Music Man; UK born, Barbadosraised soca songstress, DeeVine; Dame Polly; Rev B; King Clivus. The singers will be backed by AJ's All Stars and the Kaiso Gems. MC on the night will be Andre 'McGenious' Shepherd. The tent takes place at the Atrium Health Club, Scours Lane, Reading, Berkshire, RG30 6AY and tickets are available on Eventbrite. Jeffrey Hinds, AKA De Admiral, launched the Tent in 2003, and last year's event paid tribute to the late singer Dave Batson. Hinds' powerful historical song The Windrush Generation earned him the 2018 UK calypso crown. Since 1982 he has played tenor pan in his spare time with Reading's Rhapsody Steel Band, and hosts The Real Caribbean Gold weekly radio show on unityliveradio.com, during which he plays the very best vintage music from across the Caribbean.