Thirty-year-old Stray Cats to launch this weekend

One of Barbados’ oldest calypso tents, The Stray Cats, is coming as a unified force this summer, vowing to bring ‘kaiso excellence, and the Pic-O-De-Crop crown home. 

And while the tent over the last 30 years has been largely managed by founder Jerry Roberts there is now a young team including international recording artiste Ayana John, singer Queen T, niece Joy Anne Roberts and calypsonian Sean Apache Carter seeking to elevate and carry on the name of Stray Cats.

Roberts explained that this year, Cultural Ambassador the Mighty Gabby has written for most of the calypsonians in the tent. 

Speaking during the tent’s launch at the Crane Beach Hotel in St Philip, Roberts, also known as the Big Boar Cat said that he will be bringing songs such as “Kitty” and “Mock Boxy” for the fun of calypso. He is very grateful to his corporate partners including Carlton and A1 Supermarket.

“We are looking forward to working with A1 supermarket. Mr Bynoe has been a very supportive [partner],” he said. 

“I come out every year regardless of if I’m able or not. I have ten credit cards that I lick them up because Stray Cats must come out regardless of if we get sponsorship or not. I’ve been playing music for 65 years and [with] Stray Cats for 30 years and it’s just something that is keeping me,” said the 75-year-old. 

Roberts’ passion has trickled down to those like Apache who said that he’s very happy to be on board after being with the Experience Tent. 

“I think even though we didn’t have finalists last year, the quality has improved significantly with the addition of more experienced calypsonians; the standard has been lifted. Last year they were saying that several people from the tent should have gone through to the finals. It’s always good to hear that from outside of the tent. People who saw the tent last year would have realised the tent is a force to be reckoned with and has quality calypso,” he said.

Meanwhile, the younger Roberts said that she’s willing to give her uncle the much-needed break.

“We are trying to bring it to another level. We are trying to lift the profile of the tent and continue with the good work that Jerry is doing. This is to assist when he is getting down,” she said, adding that the tent is now on Instagram @straycats_calypso_tent.

“We have a really good team and some really powerful songs,” she said, adding that they are hoping to have a solid four in the Pic O De Crop Finals. 

Joy Ann feels honoured to have part responsibility in carrying on the Stray Cats legacy.

“I have been with Jerry from the beginning and he doesn’t do it for the money, he does it for the love and I have the same love and I see how it makes him so happy and excited to pull it off. I am trying to help him along the way. I feel really honoured to be able to assist,” she added.

Meanwhile, Ayana John, who has been working with the tent since 2013, is helping in the capacity as background vocalist, as a Master of Ceremony and even in the accounting department. 

She is sold on the family that makes up Stray Cats. 

“Stray Cats is a family and I know most of the people here. They have faith that I will keep coming. I’ve been coming consistently for more than five years. They have faith that I will do my job,” the singer added. 

The talent this year includes Sammy Jane, Anneanna, Black Eagle, Dibby Dan, Akola, Chorus, de Doc, dSelah, Q-So and Joy-Anne.

The tent will open this Sunday at the Crane Beach Hotel. Tent night will be on July 14 and Judging night on July 21 both at the Barbados Museum. 

(MR)

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