Many ‘tent pinez’ regard Saint Lucia as the modern Calypso Capital of the Caribbean, as the musical form has evolved throughout the years to include youth, veterans, students and, most importantly, government financial support. Performances by calypsonians often attract thousands of views, and the results of Calypso finals usually attract heated debate among quarters of the public.

This year, veteran calypsonian Calixte "Kakal" Xavier has raised alarm over what he describes as an orchestrated campaign to disrupt and silence voices in calypso that are critical of the government. Speaking out following the recent showcase of the South Calypso Tent, Xavier claimed certain political operatives are encouraging hecklers to disrupt performances deemed unfavourable to their party.

“You cannot silence the voices of the people. Calypso is about when an entertainer hears things happening in the community, they can openly come and express it in song,” he said.

Indeed, what makes Calypso so impactful is less about vocal proficiency but the singer’s ability to capture crucial issues of society and provoke deep thought within the public. It is this unlimited freedom calypsonians enjoy that Kakal says is under threat after he was reportedly booed off stage by the audience.