Antigua Calypso Tent 2025 Ignites the Season with New Venue, Big Vibes, and Powerful Performances

Press Release – Thursday June 19th, 2025 – St. John’s, Antigua

The spirit of Calypso is alive and thriving as the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) officially launched the 2025 Calypso Tent season last weekend in grand style at a vibrant new venue, Jack Idle. Running every weekend through July 4th and 5th for Calypso Quarterfinals, the Tent showcases the richness of our Calypso music through stirring performances, lively bands, unmatched VIBE and energy that’s fueling the countdown to Antigua Carnival 2025.

Each Friday night features Wadadli Vibes, while Saturdays spotlight the high-energy sounds of the Sweet Benna Band, both delivering next-level musical accompaniment for the calypsonians. The Tent continues to grow in VIBES and momentum, and this weekend will be extra special with two featured guest performers from Nevis: Garlic the Entertainer and Calypso Sabu, appearing on both nights.

Garlic the Entertainer, hailed as the #1 entertainer in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, has graced international stages including the St. Kitts Music Festival, a performance for President George H. W. Bush, and the 2023 Black Tie Gala at the White House. With a career that includes sharing stages with global icons such as Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Machel Montano, Calypso Rose, and Antigua’s own Onyan, he brings electrifying energy and undeniable star power. Joining him is fellow Nevisian Calypso Sabu (Ted Brandy), a seasoned and passionate lyricist and performer since 1979, known for his thoughtful commentary and regional appearances. A co-founder of the Nevis-Antigua Calypso Association (N.A.C.A.), Sabu embodies the heart of calypso through his words and presence.

This year marks a strategic partnership between ABFC and Jack Idle, transforming the Calypso Tent into a more immersive and accessible cultural hub. From the bar in the back to intimate seating up front, Jack Idle offers space, comfort, and atmosphere a perfect blend of lime and lyrics. The venue’s elevated stage, expansive seating, and sports bar vibe have already drawn larger and more diverse crowds.

“Our music is one of the sources that fuels Carnival, and this year, the calypsonians have truly delivered. I want to congratulate all the artiste, arrangers and producers for the exceptional quality of music,” said Peter Abraham Sr., Chair of the Calypso Monarch Subcommittee.

The opening weekend was filled with unforgettable highlights, the return of legendary Queen Ivena as a backup singer, a warm welcome for returning junior artistes, and impressive showings from first timers and veterans alike. The tent blended social and political commentary, witty humor, and rich storytelling, all hallmarks of classic Calypso.

“We are thrilled with the reception to the new venue,” said Ms. Elizabeth Makhoul, Chairperson of the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission. “Jack Idle has given the Calypso Tent a fresh identity, and the feedback speaks for itself. We are already seeing new faces, new VIBES, new energy, and a renewed love for the artform. This is exactly what we hoped for.”

Hon. Daryll S. Matthew, Minister of Education, Sports and the Creative Industries, added:
“Calypso is not just music; it’s commentary, it’s tradition, it’s our story, and it’s a VIBE on its own. The Tent is a vital space where our creatives connect with the people, and this year, it’s not just about the songs, it’s about the movement, with a strong presence of our young artiste crossing over into Calypso. I encourage everyone to come out and support our artists. There’s no Carnival without Kasio.”

The Calypso Tent continues every Friday and Saturday night through July 4th and 5th for Calypso Quarterfinals, and all are invited to be part of the Calypso Tent. Come VIBE, lime, laugh, dance, and support our artiste as they bring the spirit of Calypso in Carnival to life. Local music is more than a VIBES, it’s our voice.