One of Barbados’ most iconic calypso institutions is gearing up to kick off its highly anticipated 2026 season later this month, promising audiences a dynamic blend of powerhouse performances, up-and-coming creative talent, and meaningful community engagement. During the official program announcement held Saturday at sponsor Kooyman Barbados, tent manager Eleanor Rice pulled back the curtain on the season’s packed schedule, while reflecting on the organization’s decades-long legacy shaping the island’s beloved calypso scene.
Rice confirmed that the 2026 season will officially open its doors to the public on May 31 at the St Gabriel School Auditorium, with the first show kicking off at 6 p.m. Following opening night, weekly calypso shows will run every Sunday throughout the entire month of June. Continuing a longstanding regional tradition, the tent will also bring its vibrant production to northern Barbados for an annual touring stop at the Darryl Jordan Secondary School in St Lucy on June 27.
With decades of acclaimed productions under its belt, Rice expressed full confidence that this year’s lineup will uphold the tent’s reputation as one of Barbados’ top weekend entertainment destinations. “The tent and its cast guarantee its audience that just as we led the way in establishing the best calypso show on Sunday nights … this year holds the promise of equally outstanding accomplishments,” Rice told attendees at the launch event.
She went on to highlight the tent’s trailblazing history in the local calypso space, noting that All Stars was the first calypso tent ever to host a formal judging night at the iconic Garfield Sobers Gymnasium. Over the course of its operation, the organization has also nurtured and launched the careers of multiple calypso kings and queens, cementing its reputation as a launching pad for top local talent. This year’s annual judging night is scheduled to take place July 23 at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus big tent, continuing the tradition of identifying emerging standout performers.
Beyond putting on world-class entertainment for calypso fans across the island, the 2026 season will keep the tent’s long-running commitment to community service alive through a new charitable initiative supporting the Nightingale Children’s Home. Rice explained that at the conclusion of the season, all participating performers will pool resources to purchase essential goods and supplies to donate to the residential institution. Organizers are also currently arranging a special live calypso performance for the children at the home to give back to the local community beyond material donations.
Rice also took time during the launch to celebrate the growing partnership between the All Stars Calypso Tent and event host Kooyman, emphasizing that the collaboration would be a core pillar of the 2026 season’s success. “I am proud to be officially here to say that the All Stars and Kooyman are going to be strong in 2026,” she declared.
This year’s ensemble cast will welcome a cohort of exciting new performers eager to make their mark on the local calypso scene. The fresh lineup includes Christopher Padmore, Shane Forrester, King Key Star, Sherrie Boyce (who performs under the stage name Sher-Haya), Aziza Clarke (performing as Queen Aziza), Captain Sawyer, and Jalissa Edwards, whose stage name is Jay-E. Throughout the June and July season, audiences can also look forward to special guest appearances from a range of visiting acts, including popular local group Grateful Co and other yet-to-be-announced artists.