The London Calypso Tent boasts many veteran calypsonians. Of these, few are more lyrically astute than Alexander the Great. Even fewer boast the musical talent that he possesses to make his songs musical masterpieces, elevating the calypso artform from the piccong of the Calypso Tent into renditions that are suitable for any operatic ensemble. In fact, Alexander has been one of the few calypsonians who has successfully crossed the bridge to the mainstream- he has written a folk song opera for Talawa Theatre company.
Alexander is indeed great. A qualified teacher by profession, his songs are punchy and pack powerful weight. Last year's song "Since Kelso Cochrane died", was so thought provoking he had me doing in-depth research on the legacy of Kelso- who was the victim of racist abuse in England in the 1950's. He questioned, with plaintive pathos- what have we achieved since his death?
Alexander's seminal album SocaBlues is a heady mix of kaiso with a tinge of rhythm and blue. His songs boast a wide variety of themes- Last them Lara, is a tribute to Brian Lara's dominance over the cricket game, Amandla Mandela is his tribute to our most well known freedom fighter, Rationalisation focussed on the efffect of mad cow disease, and Wake up Africa was a plea for peace.
Alexander is also extremely community minded. He runs a variety of workshops for young singers, and he pens winning compositions for a number of calypsonians. He is also the BBC Calypsonian in Residence.
Alexander can be seen on Opening Night at the London Calypso Tent on 30 July.
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