Emrold “Brother Valentino” Phillip rounding up the calypso semi-finals.
South people know how to throw a party. And that’s exactly what Calypso Fiesta is. Officially the semi-final round of the National Calypso Monarch competition, Calypso Fiesta is an all day, down-to-earth, relatively* inexexpensive day of fun, kaiso, food and drinks. Several heavy hitting calypsos on politics, social issues, and a few not so heavy, caught the attention of the crowd. Although, the crowd seemed to lack some of the usual grit, as it seemed no calypsonian was really booed or “papered” on stage. Legendary (or notorious) patron Joanie, known for raising that black umbrella with a roll of toilet paper on the top if the people think you’re singing something worthy of the sewer :-), is a usual staple of Calypso Fiesta. I heard an announcer allude to people getting that habit out of their system with the recent faux pas after results of the Chutney Soca Monarch. Although it’s the semi-final round, this event is often one of the toughest crowds to perform for. From noon yesterday 40 calypsonians vied for the coveted spots in next Sunday’s Dimanche Gras competition for a chance to beat reigning 2011 monarch, Kurt Allen. The finalists are:
1. Brian London – We Fed Up
2. Devon Seales – Ah Need Me Carnival
3. Dexter ‘Stinger” Parsons – Mystic Revelations
4. Dr Hollis “Chalkdust” Liverpool – Wounded Pride
5. Joanne “Tigress” Rowley – Woman To Woman
6. Karene Asche – Uncle Jack
7. Kizzy Ruiz – De Engine Stall
8. Michael “Sugar Aloes” Osouna – Not One Word
9. Rodney “Benjai” Le Blanc – Trini
10. Tameika Darius – Ungrateful
11. Weston “Cro Cro” Rawlins – Compare and Contrast
Following the show there was an afterparty with many notable calypso and soca greats. And the people stayed to show how they do it. For more photos go to http://www.studiolafoncette.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=3203 or the Facebook Page.
The original Disco Daddy, Robert “Lord Nelson” doing his thing at 80-years-old, still strong.
2011 Young King (and unusual addition to the finals list), Rodney “Benjai” LeBlanc giving the crowd another performance of his Iz ah Trini
Neil “Iwer” George making an early pitch for crowd choice in the International Soca Monarch competition next week.
I love your blog Leslie. This is coming from a person who is very tentative about following blogs :-). Great interviews, insights and pics….every time. Keep it up!
Thanks a lot. Glad to know it’s made that impression on you.
You think Nelson is good? Well you missed Calypso Rose turning her bottom to de crowd and giving Saucy Wow a run for her money! But this was a great year for calypso; calypsonians were NOT NICE to the PP and they’re not supposed to be. Benjai is an unusual addition. On another note, you’re at a great vantage point for these lovely pictures 🙂
Calypso Fiesta is the ultimate day fete. And classics like Rose will always hold their own, I’m sure Saucy would be proud to be in the same statement as Rose. As for what calypsonians are supposed to be, when dey hit dem hard (like Cro Cro) de people instinctively know their Hausa roots and they shout, “Kaiso! Kaiso!”