Fifteen finalists selected for Queen of Calypso competition

Fifteen finalists have been chosen to compete in this year’s Queen of Calypso competition, scheduled for Friday, June 8.

Speaking at a press briefing on June 22, Chewalee Johnson, acting vice president of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association (SVGCA) said he has heard and seen the rehearsals and the women who have been chosen have strong voices, which augurs well for a competitive event.

“This show is very important to the artform of St Vincent and the Grenadines especially as we know the ladies are outnumbered in terms of the amount of persons singing calypso. However, they are not outclassed as we have seen the dominance of the ladies throughout the years and what they are able to do,” said Johnson.

President of the SVGCA Earl ‘Caba’ Bennett said there was a suggestion to take 20 persons to the finals, but only 15 were chosen from the semi-finals owing to a lack of finance.He said a separate show for women shows that the SVGCA is playing its part in empowering women.

“It is to encourage and increase the pool of women in calypso and give them the opportunity to showcase talent. We need to give them reason to keep them in the artform. The more females we have is better for Calypso,” said Bennett who appealed to the public to support the artform.

Veteran calypsonian Robert “Patches” Knights-King described the competition as a prestigious one that allows the females a chance to represent themselves.

The 15 finalists are:

Phylicia (Nubian Empress) Alexander, Denise (Lady D) Stephens, Shena (Shena) Collis, Cecile (Lil Bit) King, Joeana (Nubian Princess) Christopher, Shaunelle Mckenzie, Brianca (Briah) Matthias, M’riah (Young Saiah) Robertson, Sashe (Patience) Rogers, Rolmina (Lady Rolie) Matthews, Marvo (Lady Marvo) Morgan, Sherikah (Sherikah) Liverpool-Richards, Kristiana (Singing Kristy) Christopher, Cleo (Cleo) Hendrickson, Sylvorn (Royal Gem) Lavia. The reserves are Gillian (Felisha) Smart and Kijah (The Goddess Kijah Gani) Gani.The Queen of Calypso show, which will be held at the Russell’s Auditorium begins at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $20.