‘Young Bill Rogers’ takes the crown! (Big, big head)
-in fiercely contested Calypso finals
THE FINALS of the Mashramani Calypso Competition, which kicked off last evening at the Thirst Park ground of Banks DIH Limited, saw thirteen contestants fiercely vying for the monarchy.
Each finalist sent the crowd wild with laughter and excitement during the evening’s proceedings.
Following that intense rivalry, the judges decided that Roger Hinds, aka “Young Bill Rogers”, reigning champion of the Health Song Competition, had bested the other contestants: Derrick Mangal, Estella Simpson, Manoel Ferreira, John Marcus, Kenroy Fraser, Dawn Edwards, Karen Bennette, Garfield Campbell, Noel Clementson, Malcolm Corrica, Martin Byrne and Tennecia De Freitas. He was crowned king, taking the title from Lester Charles, aka “Mighty Professor” with his song, ‘Dem Rig It’. The reigning king’s song was titled ‘Soup Drinkers’.
In second place was Kenroy Fraser, the “Mighty Believer”, whose song was titled ‘Is dem politician’. Fraser’s song and performance spoke to Guyana’s political issues, and how the people are affected by its wrath.
Copping third position was Malcolm Corrica, aka “Lord Canary”, who did a song titled ‘Is Woman’. Canary was decked in a half-male half-female outfit when delivering his performance last evening. Sponsored by the Burnham Foundation, he had won the competition in 1998 and in 2006.
After a few challenges on the stage, the former reigning Calypso King, “The Mighty Professor”, mustered enough strength and courage to perform his song, titled ‘Dem Rig It’.
Of the other contestants, Derek Mangal performed “Humans”; Estelle Simpson sang “Stop The Lies”; Manoel Ferreira sang “That Is Life”; John Marcus performed “Just Because Dem Switch”; the reigning Junior Calypso Monarch, Tennicia De Freitas, performed “Rumours”; Garfield Campbell sang “Beautiful Guyana, I Love You”; Noel Clementson performed “Dem A Champion”; Martin Byrne sang “Dat Burns”; Dawn Edwards sang “De Greatest Lie”; and Karen Benette performed “Cherish a Woman”.
The singers were mandated to have songs that were not slanderous, libellous, vulgar, or culturally/ethnically insensitive. Compositions were judged on lyrics; melody; rendition; and presentation, which included attire and showmanship.
The new Calypso Monarch, Young Bill Rogers, will receive $550,000 for his efforts; while second, third, and fourth placed winners will receive $350,000; $200,000, and $100,000 respectively.
The semi-finals of this competition were held at the Leonora Technical Institute, West Coast Demerara; and from a list of 21 contestants, 13 were selected to participate in the finals.
Chief Judge of the competition was Capitol News’ Enrico Woolford. During a telephone interview with this publication, he opined that the standards of last evening’s competition were higher than in previous years, and he lauded the performers. While the finals were almost perfect, credit being given to the setting and venue, Woolford said he believes that the number of contestants should have been less than 13.
“It must be brought down to half of that; it carried the show longer than it should (have gone).”