Preliminary judging starts at Dynamite Calypso Tent

08.June.07

by Nelson A. King in New York

Preliminary judging starts tonight, June 8, at the Dynamite Calypso Tent in New York.

Judges from the Carnival Development Committee have trudged to the Big Apple to select calypsonians for a semifinal spot in Vincy Mas.{{more}}

According to tent president Ainsley Primus, who hails from Arnos Vale, fifteen calypsonians will compete in the much-anticipated event at Café Omar in Brooklyn.

“This is usually the best part of it,” he told Searchlight. “All will be performing, except Mr. X (formerly Ras X).”

Primus said Mr. X has opted to participate in the Soca Monarch competition, and is already at home preparing for that contest.

Tonight’s line-up comprises: Seco, JC, Navel String, Pufty, Man Sick, Jose Juan, Detector, Bobb MC, I-Madd, Drakie, Groovy D, Exposer, John Dougan, Striker and Lively.

Scorcher, whose real name is Cyril Thomas, the Deputy New York Consul General, is among guest artistes, adding variety to the show, Primus said.

Grenada’s Super P and Scho Shanna, the Montreal-based, 12-year-old daughter of Pufty, will also make guest appearances.

Bobb MC – whose real name is Mervin Colin Bobb, originally from New Grounds – said he will “mash down de place” with “See Me Woman.”

“Yeah man, I am very confident I will make the semifinals for the first time,” he said, hanging out Tuesday night at Sam Tech’s, a popular Vincentian entertainment spot on East 95th Street and Church Avenue in Brooklyn.

“I am at least 95 percent sure I’ll make it,” he added.

Man Sick, a Questelles native, who captured the 2006 “New Song” title in Vincy Mas, said he will not only reach the semifinals, but plans to dethrone Reigning Calypso Monarch Ipa.

“Tell Ipa, watch out, I’m coming,” said the former South Leeward Calypso Monarch, who plans Friday night to render “Can’t Happen,” a social commentary on the political status quo at home.

Philly Dilly, who hails from Mesopotamia, boasts that he has taken Vincy calypso to a new level, claiming he will “run pass” the preliminary round with “Wine Up On It.”

“Nuff artistes [are] signing so long, and they haven’t gotten to my level,” said the former Vincy Mas Soca Monarch Competition semifinalist.

“I’m a positive person, and my goal is to at least reach the finals,” he added.