Bowman wins first ever SVG Independence Song Competition in US

by Maxwell Haywood Tue, Nov 11, 2014

In the wee hours of the morning of Saturday, October 25, 2014, Denis Bowman emerged winner of the Independence Trophy and a cash prize in the St Vincent and the Grenadines Independence Song Competition, held in New York. The event, at Cafe Omar in Brooklyn, was organized by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Dynamites Calypso Tent based in New York, under the leadership of cultural arts organizer and Vincentian patriot Ainsley Primus. It was the first Independence Song Competition of its kind in the USA.{{more}}

Bowman won the Independence Song Competition ahead of 11 other performers, with a song titled “Not giving up.” From the start of his song, he meant business and he delivered the winning performance with sharp lyrics, excellent delivery, attractive melody and a very active presentation. The song is deeply patriotic and it defends the good name of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), while asserting the positive things about SVG. He made it quite clear in his song that he is not giving up on his country, no matter where he goes in the world.

In this song, Bowman challenged those Vincentians at home and in the Vincentian diaspora who consistently speak negatively about St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Earlier this year, Bowman won the Best Song Competition at the launch of Vincy Mas 2014, held in New York, on May 3, 2014. He was also selected to represent the Dynamites Calypso Tent in the National Calypso Monarch Competition of Vincy Mas 2014. Over the years, he has been a consistent calypsonian in SVG and in the diaspora.

According to Bowman “I am very excited about winning the first ever SVG Independence Song Competition in New York. I was not surprised coming out on top because if you listen to the song carefully you would realize that the song is very strong lyrically and on the night of the show I did a great presentation.”

Bowman had more positive words for the show. He said “I must commend Ainsley Primus and the other organizers of the show. It was a great effort and was well put together. As far as the future of the show is concerned, I think with more time for promotion I am sure for the years to come this show will be much bigger and better. I want to take this time to thank all my fans for their love throughout the years and to expect much bigger and better things from Denis Bowman. One Love to all. Thanks again.”

Ainsley Primus, president of the Dynamites Calypso Tent shared Bowman’s sentiments. Primus declared that “the show was a good start to what will be a great show in the future. Patriotism was on display. People were excited about the performances. We will continue to build this show in the years to come.”

In addition to Bowman, the list of performers included Stryker with his song “We are Vincentians;” Fabulous T, with “Happy independence;” Wise Guy, with “Happy Anniversary;” John Dougan, with “In SVG;” Jose Juan, with “I miss you;” Jakie, with “Independence;” Brother Dan, with “Bring back we Vincy;” Groovy D, with “What a world we live in;” Exposer, with “Fight back;” John Cato, with “Our Independence;” and Super Dex, with “All ah we.”

This line-up of artistes was no easy walk-over for Bowman. They all performed competitively with good patriotic songs and fine delivery. John Dougan placed second, and Exposer, third; but these names were publicized after the show, since the wrong winners (Super Dex and Brother Dan) were announced due to errors made in the auditor’s calculation of the scores from the judges, who handed the correct scores to the auditor. However, this issue has been resolved to the satisfaction of the members of the Dynamites Calypso Tent. The judges for the competition were Vincentians Cauldric Forbes, Samuel ‘Kala’ Gordon, and Monty Constance.

Adding to the show’s success were MCs Bennett Straker and Hailes Castillo, and DJs Young G and EZ Sounds.