Ravi B signals comeback for Soca Monarch 2012

By Paras Ramoutar

Dhamaka is excitement. Dhamaka is fun. Dhamaka is real good Trini entertainment. And this was what pervaded the stage at Centre Pointe Mall, Chaguanas on Saturday night at the annual Father's Day show.

Ravi B headed a most powerful cast of performers, who represented every genre of our rich cultural heritage-Satnarine Ragoo, a young dynamic performer of Bollywood songs; Rick Ramoutar, whose ability to mix and match Bollywood with a strong Trini influence into his repertoire has made him one of the most sought-after local singers; the veteran Rakesh Yankaran; Kenneth Supersad with rib tickling comedy; and dance masters Kiss Natraj Dance Group. Also showcasing their talent were Nisha B and Gregory of the band Karma. Nisha's sister, Nalini, who lives in Miami, joined her sibling on stage. Nisha B made her way on the stage with majestic precision. Her songs were powerful and her dances were poised.

Ravi B's presence on two occasions during the four-hour or so presentation was remarkable. He left no doubt in the minds of his patrons, and in general, the populace, that he would come out with full force for next year's Soca Monarch Competition, which eluded him this year. Early in the show he remarked to his overflowing audience that he was going deep into his repertoire of oldies, singing from such greats like Mukesh and Rafi, in memory of his late father. But the night's proceedings could not end without some of his already entrenched songs in the T&T vocabulary, with such hits as Cyah Come and Dulcie Gyal, both of which had patrons, especially the young women, scampering from their seats to dance.

Supersad brought his daughter Peggy on stage, and they performed a duet, with Peggy dancing to her own song. A highlight of the show was the performance by Berry Baboolal with ten-year-old, David Bedassie. Baboolal won the, Knock A Table competition organised by Ajeet Praimsingh's Mere Desh annual Indian Arrival Day celebrations. Baboolal's presentation with his timely knocking and melodious beat of the table, was a resounding and moving moment, and brought back memories of the real old time days when the rural East Indian communities had to power up musical instruments.