Battle for royalty

Ten calypsonians will battle for royalty in the final at Victoria Park Sunday July 9.

The finalists emerged from a classy semi-final clash at Victoria Park last Friday. Among the ten contenders are four former monarchs: Princess Monique, with ‘Shake them up’ and ‘Mother fighting back.’ Elvis ‘Abijah’ Abbey doing ‘Wouldn’t be always so,’ and ‘Calypso boat,’ Errol ‘De Man Age’ Rose: ‘Education revolution,’ and ‘Ghetto man to me heart,’ and Cornelius ‘Poorsah’ Williams: ‘Inside job,’ and ‘Vincy.’

There would be no letting up as the race intensifies following one week of rehearsals with the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force Band.{{more}}

Grantley ‘Ipa’ Constance: ‘Can’t tell the Comrade so,’ and ‘Can’t treat calypso like that,’ has been a regular finalist and may think that this is his big year. ‘Ipa’ has been singing for 23 years. His best placing was second in 1998.

Fitzroy ‘Brother Ebony’ Joseph progressed with: ‘Heaven help us all’ and ‘Hands off Venezuela.’ He won the New Song Competition twice and would be looking to prove that he is top quality.

Glenford ‘Azara’ Charles would consider this year as his break through. One with a pan-based influence, he is anxious to prove that the musical marriage of pan and calypso is ideal. Success for him would be recognition of the creativity of Caribbean cultural exponents. His songs are ‘Deal with the issues,’ and ‘Tribute to Clyde Bradley.’

‘Ron B’ Browne has been a musician for years. He is an original member of the group Almo, which produced a big hit in 1987 called ‘Don’t think about going home.’ Ron B, the composer of that number served as a calypso judge for some time until his entrance into the competitive arena this year. His songs are ‘Old time calypso,’ and ‘Say ah little prayer.’

Dwight ‘Dwighty’ Huggins is Kittitian-born, but has acclimatised to Vincentian culture. His musical roots were established with Elly Matt, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a benefactor. His songs are: ‘A prayer of understanding,’ and ‘It takes a village.’

Cecile ‘Lil’ Bit’ King made it with ‘Is carnival again,’ and ‘Vision of a tourist.’

There will be additional brass from the Security officers.

The bands Next Level and Akcess accompanied semi-finalists. No one can complain about the professionalism of those two bands. In fact, the semi-finalists ought to be pleased. The competition was keen.

Carnival Development Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer Ashford Wood acknowledged that there was an improvement this year.

The unlucky semi-finalists were Winfield ‘Rey’ Williams, John Dougan, Man Sick, Dennis Bowman, Sunny Banks, Toiler, Hero, Kijah Gani, Shaunelle, and LandLord.