Calypsonian Warrior Empress (Allison Bernard) is set to pay a musical tribute to the African ancestors with “Iba—The Thanksgiving”, on December 7, at the Little Carib Theatre, Woodbrook.
“Iba is a Yoruba word which means to pay homage or to give reverence. The performances on the show would reflect the meaning of Iba by giving praise and thanks,” Warrior Empress explained when she spoke to Kitcharee yesterday.
The show will be half theatre production and half concert. The first half of the show will feature African drumming and dance from Fabrice Barker and Arlington Serries. The second half will feature calypso queen Singing Sandra, Noelle Archer from the Archer Sisters, Banjela, Sheena Richardson and Warrior Empress.
“It’s both about spiritual and carnal reverence. Thanksgiving can be done in many forms and a senior spiritual elder told me its ok to do it in the form of a show, but let it be done in a spiritual way,” she said.
Warrior Empress, who started her singing career as a background vocalist for folk songstress Ella Andall, said the showcase also has personal meaning to her and is her way of saying thanks for all the blessings she has received this year.
She placed third in the National Women’s Action Committee (NWAC) National Calypso Queen competition and was selected as a reserve for the National Calypso Monarch finals.
“2019 has been a great year for me personally. I want to give back and say thanks. That’s why the songs of the show will be praise and worship. It will be an uplifting night,” she concluded.
Visit Kamara’s Culture Store, Chaguanas Main Road ( inside Adam’s Bazaar ) & Musician’s Paradise Frederick Street, Port of Spain for tickets.
