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I remember the first night G’Eve performed that masterpiece of a calypso, “Daughter Come,” in the tent. I was disappointed – deeply let down.
What unfolded on stage felt like a disservice to such a powerful composition. There was a complete disconnect between the band, the artist, and the backup singers.
The performance was tuneless and draggy, the harmony was off, the musical texture lacked depth, and the backup vocals were completely misaligned.
G’Eve’s vocals, sweet as a morning bird, were not the issue. But she failed to summon the ancestral spirit that lives at the heart of that classic calypso. She appeared not as a daughter of Africa, but as a child lost in character.
Her expressions and movements didn’t align with the message she was delivering. In other words, she failed to embody the soul of the song. It was clear- she didn’t yet know who she was as a daughter of Africa.
As a die-hard lover of the calypso artform, I’ve always believed that when an opportunity arises to offer advice for the betterment of an artist – and by extension, the artform – it must be seized. But it must be done strategically.
I couldn’t share my feedback with G’Eve openly, but I found a way to reach her – and I did.
And I must add: the same advice I offered her is the same I would offer to any artist I see struggling. My goal is always to uplift the artform and help artists reach their full potential.
Her second performance showed little improvement, but I didn’t give up. I continued to send my advice. Then came the quarter finals – and I saw results. It wasn’t perfect, but it was ten times better that where she started. That’s when I realized: this dark horse of a song could become the stallion of the race – if she perfected her performance in the remaining rounds.
And she did. G’Eve took every piece of advice to heart and did her homework – not just vocally, but holistically.
She went back to the drawing board and worked tirelessly to refine her stage movements, gestures, and expressions.
She immersed herself in the cultural and emotional depth of the song, reconnecting with its African roots. By the time she returned to the stage, she was longer just singing Daughter Come – she was living it.
Her body language, her presence, and her emotional delivery began to reflect the ancestral spirit embedded in the calypso. She became the daughter of Africa the song demanded, and the transformation was undeniable.
By the time she reached the semi-finals, she was unstoppable – just like the song. Her triumph in the local Calypso Monarch Competition and Leeward Islands Calypso Monarch Competition are proof of that.
I recently listed to her morning interview with Dr. Jacqui Quinn on Observer Radio following her victory in Anguilla. What stood out was her humility and the way she gave credit to those directly involved in the production.
She gave them their flowers – and rightly so. The individuals she acknowledged are not only talented, but they truly understand what it means to put on a good production.
Their ability to shape and elevate a performance speaks volumes about their professionalism, artistic insight, and dedication to craft. It was a team effort, and their contribution was instrumental in G’Eve’s success.
To all aspiring competitors – whether you’re a soca artist, calypsonian, teen splash contestant, or queen of carnival hopeful – this is what I want you to take away:
Know yourself. Know what you want to accomplish. And surround yourself with a team that not only sees your talent but knows how to bring it to life in a way that leaves a lasting impression.
Too often, I’ve seen performances where I had to ask myself, “Did someone really sit with this artist and approve this for the public?” when audiences complain about the shows being boring or uninteresting, understand that it’s often a reflection of the production team.
They bring the product to the market – and if it’s inferior, we won’t hesitate to call it out.
Yes, things can go wrong on the night of competition – some beyond your control.
But when real effort has been put in, it shows. Even if something falters, we can still see the potential of what could have been a solid production.
Finally, be open to constructive criticism. Learn to distinguish between what’s helpful and what’s not.
It may sting – competition is emotional- but it’s for your growth. Invest in your craft. Choose a team that’s detail-oriented, perfectionist, and passionate. It will pay off – no matter how long it takes.
Just ask G’Eve.
Written by: Vere J. Aaron.
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