ALL systems are in place for the staging of the National Junior Calypso Competition tonight (Saturday) at the Cliff Andersen Sports Hall, Homestretch Avenue, beginning at 19:00 hrs.The Sports Hall is expected to come alive, when 11 well-rehearsed young contestants, full of energy and verve, and rearing and ready to go – take to the stage to delight the audience with rich and spicy original pieces that send powerful subliminal messages.

Speaking with Guyana Chronicle, Administrator of the National School of Music, Andrew Tyndall, said attractive prizes will be up for grabs.

This year, Carifesta will be held in Barbados and there is a regional Junior Calypso Monarch competition being held as a part of Carifesta celebrations.

Thus, the first prize winner of the Guyana Calypso competition has a chance to go and represent Guyana at that competition in Barbados.
“And so, apart from all the prizes to be won locally, I think that is a big incentive,” said Tyndall.

Contestants at this year’s Junior Calypso Competition include Romichelle Brumell, Niomi Alsopp, Jada Harmony, Akeem Adams, Ryan Jagnarine, Tishahha Cort, Paul Clarks, Damain Stuart, Jenelle Cumberbatch and Michael Smart.

Guyanese are urged to come out in their numbers to lend moral support to the contestants, whose positive messages in song can go a far way towards influencing developmental support.

Tyndall said that the contestants have been rehearing at the National School of Music on Brickdam for the last four weeks and last Sunday had an out-door rehearsal at the seawall band stand.

“And I could tell you that that was well received by the public,” he said.

It started off with a concert, which served to make the people aware that something special was going on there and so, naturally draw the crowd.
The response was simply phenomenal and the crowd clamoured for more.
“And so if we were to judge from the response we got last Saturday, I think we are looking forward to a good time on Saturday and I expect we will have a large turn out,” Tyndall said.

The songs, he said, are on various topical issues which would make for a very interesting competition and some of the competitors are very crafty in presenting their songs.

“This is the time when you get to find out how they feel and what they are interested in. There were presentations on the budget. There is one on domestic abuse; respect for teachers – so it is a wide-cross section of concepts that these young people are presenting on so it makes sense.”

Reiterating his call for the public to support the initiative, Tyndall said: “They too, have a view on these things,” adding, “We want you to come out and support our young people. Let’s provide them with that support. The Ministry, and by extension the Government, is providing that platform for them to express themselves and this is a way of getting a feel, and to hear what they are talking about.”