The calypso tent originated in Trinidad, when calypso performances took place in the shelter of bamboo structures called "tents". Today the word refers to a group or organisation whose focus is the production and performance of calypso; it also refers to the performance itself.
The first tent performances held in Barbados were at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, during the mid 1970's, as it led up to the annual carnival calypso competition, in which only students were eligible. The entrance fee then was $1.50 for non-students, and .50c for student and an audience of a hundred people was considered a large one.
Around the same time a group of dedicated calypsonians formed an association called Calypso Enterprises, and tried with modest success to promote local calypso by taking performances to various venues across the island.
Out of this evolved the first real calypso tent in Barbados called quite appropriately Veterans; it was established in 1979, and survived only on year. Also emerging that year was Spotlight, which survived two years. By the year 1981, five tents had appeared on the local scene, all of them in and around Bridgetown.
The following year saw the establishment of Conquerors, the first ‘country tent' and from then through a series of related events the idea of tents seemed cemented in the minds of Barbados. For e.g. Conquerors recorded its music at the Rediffusion studios, becoming the first tent to have its music on the airwaves. It became immensely popular with Red Plastic Bag becoming its favourite Calypsonian, on his debut he won the calypso crown, beating veteran Gabby into second place. That seems to have inspired many people to want to become involved calypso.
Written by Addinton Forde and extracted from Round De Tents, Calypso '97.
TENTS
Veterans 1979
Spotlight 1979-198
Gabby's Battleground - 1979-1986
Battleground International - 1988-1992
Super Tent - 1980
Warriors - 1981-1984
Conquerors - 1982-1995
Rockers - 1982
Super Tent became Jah Jah House of Soca - 1981-1992
Untouchables - 1983-1995
Hardseeds - 1983
North Torpedoes - 1984-1985
Romans - 1983
Scorpions - 1984-1985
Southern Stars - 1984-1985
Soca Explosion - 1985
Romey's Calypso College - 1986
Alien Forces - 1987-1990
Pan Invasion - 1987
Battlefield - 1987-1990
Cultural Vibrations - 1988 - 1992
Kaiso Palace - 1998 - 1992
Renegades - 1988
Community Radius - 1988 - 1990
Young Pioneers (later Pioneers) - 1988 - 1992
Contenders - 1989-1995
Super Gladiators - 1989 - 1995
Lion's Den - 1994
Stray Cats - 1994
Caiso Forum - 1995
Bacchanal Time - 1995
Jouvert Time - 1997
Celebrity Tent - 1997