By Daniel Haynes
“There’s no stopping me!” words from a jubilant and confident T’Shanna Cort mere minutes after being crowned the 2016 Junior Calypso Monarch.The 19 year old, who hails from the Essequibo Islands, stole the hearts of the crowd with her phenomenal performance of “I have hope” written by Burchmore Simons. The song, tells the tale of a people who have hope in the APNU+AFC coalition and who believe that the coalition will keep their promises to Guyana. Fresh off her win, Cort has secured entry into the Senior Calypso Monarch competition semi –final in Linden. On the night however there was another performer who also captured the hearts of those in attendance; 15 year old Domonique Haywood from Grove, whose performance of “No Access” – a song about girls being abstinent- garnered major points with the judges and crowd. Haywood was crowned 1st Position Newcomer.
Steve Harvey Moment:
In what was a complete mix-up, Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase-Greene broke the heart of the younger of the two Alsopp sisters who both performed with a mix-up that looked eerily reminiscent of Steve Harvey at the Miss Universe pageant. Younger sister Niomi Alsopp heard her name called for second place winner but was then forced to step down after MC Mondale Smith corrected the error by Greene. The older of the two sisters Niozi, was then forced in an embarrassing manner t to replace her sister on the front stage. However when commenting on the mix-up the elder of the two stated she and her sister will share this award.
Also taking awards on the night were the former Calypso Monarch William Powell who on his final performance on the Junior Monarch stage placed third with a performance of “No more licks.” This event was sponsored by Banks DIH Limited who will also be sponsoring the rest of the Calypso Monarch finals. The entire event was a full on success and if this level of professionalism and class is continued, the Golden Jubilee of Independence will be a sight to behold. The Senior Calypso Monarch semi final will be held on the 12th of February in Linden and the final will be held on the 19th at Thirst Park.