I-Madd captures New Song title at Vincy Mas launch – New York

by Maxwell Haywood Fri, May 11. 2012

Major names in the soca and calypso arena in the Vincentian community in the USA performed before a full and responsive house last Saturday evening. The occasion was the launch of Vincy Mas 2012 at the Sugar Mill in Brooklyn. The show, now in its seventh year, was organized by Level Vibes Promotions led by Ainsley Primus.{{more}}

When the show ended, calypsonian Paul “I-Madd” Scrubb dethroned the 2011 champion Tyrone “Fabulous T” Pierre to win the New Song Competition and was awarded the “Soca Devil Trophy”, named after the late great Vincentian soca artiste Cyril “Soca Devil” Lewis.

I-Madd’s winning song is titled “The struggle goes on”. Second place went to Filmore “Philly Dilly” John with his song “Crazy”. Third place was captured by Glen “D Reverend” Martin, with his song “Fire Hard”.

I-Madd, who was born in the town of Barrouallie in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, shared an insight into his winning song. According to him, “My song is about the pressure I have been getting as a calypsonian. There is too much double standards in the way the calypsonians are treated. So I am declaring that no matter what obstacles they put in my way, I will continue to struggle on.”

I-Madd was delighted that he won the New Song Competition. He declared that “it feels good to be back in winner’s row after winning the All-Leeward Calypso Crown in 1985, 1986, and 1988. This year, I want to duplicate this successful effort in SVG.”

I-Madd praised the organizers of the show but said he wanted to see better be done, especially by the artistes. He said that it was “a good show and a good competition, but more work could be done. Songs could be completed earlier. Artistes should try their best not to rush their songs.”

He wants the artistes and other people to know that “What ever good you are doing keep doing it. Concentrate on your lives and family and build them. Don’t depend on politicians and government to put you anywhere good in life. You have to cut your own rope and get up and get, even if life is hard. Obstacles will come in your way. So be prepared.”

After seven years of organizing the launch of Vincy Mas in New York, leader of Level Vibes Productions, Ainsley Primus was also pleased with the show. He reflected on these past seven years and noted that “The event is growing each year. There is an increase of the audience and artistes participating. The New Song Competition is attracting many artistes. It brings out the best in them. The demands from the artistes to participate were great this year. I am very pleased with the responses from both artistes and the community”.

Other artistes who performed include: Montgomery “Gomery” Frazer with his song “Sweet pan”, Frankie ‘Wise guy” Thomas with “Bumper turn over”, Curtis “Curtis C” Vincent with “Me and my wife”, Owen “Vibes SVG” Joyette Jr. with “Position”, Francis “Striker” Brown with “I got the feeling”, Dennis Patrick “Honey Boy Bells” Jackson with “The Devil”, Melvin “Bobb MC” Bobb with “Yo woman”, Vincent “Grovy D” Kennedy with ‘Touch Down”, Novie “Kappa” DaCosta with “Bad bad”, Jovasky “Jvaski” Charles with “Beat it”, Kenroy “Jakie” Jack with “Soca war”, and Tyrone “Fabulous T” Pierre with ‘Warmongers”.

Other people who were involved include: Soca artiste Lively who performed as a guest artiste, Bennett Straker as MC, DJ Eyes, and EZ Sounds.