TWELVE very talented junior calypsonians faced off at the National Cultural Centre (NCCP) last Saturday night, for what was described, by many, as a very riveting and exciting competition.

And while some sections of the audience voiced their disapproval of the judges’ final decision, it was, however, Linden’s Niiosi Alsopp’s ‘Drama School’ that was adjudged the best rendition of the night.
In second place was Ernesta Nelson with ‘Don’t tek cat fuh Kitten’, while Ajani Collins placed third with his song ‘Show Love and Respect’.
Alsopp will receive $200,000 for her effort and Nelson and Collins would get $150,000 and $100,000 respectively.
The Most Promising Junior Calypsonian prize, of $50,000, was won by Akeem Adams with ‘No to Narcotics’.
To a very sparse audience, Master of Ceremonies (MC) Moranno Isaacs opened the show, setting a much relaxed atmosphere with his very experienced style and presentation.
What was very refreshing is that seasoned calypsonian and guest artiste ‘De Ivan’ set the pace for the contenders with two beautiful renditions, ‘Save the Children’ and ‘Prevention is better than Cure’.
Stirring performances
His was followed by two very stirring performances by the Unique Dance School, under the leadership of instructor Kelton Jennings.
This year’s Junior Calypso Competition was conducted under the theme ‘Reflecting Creativity, Embracing Diversity’ and the contestants were backed by the popular Mingles Sound Machine.
Another Lindener, Ronald Gonsalves took to the stage with his ‘De Blackberry’ and he connected nicely with the audience, in song that told the hilarious tales of the Blackberry phone contributing to damages in marriages and relationships.
He also touched on the wild rush for the phones by thieves who would pounce on unsuspecting victims using their instruments in public.
Sixteen-year-old Candacy Jackman spent more time gyrating than focusing on her presentation and certainly had problems with her diction, missing some words when she presented ‘Unity is the Key’.
Next was Vanessa Critchlow performing ‘No exception to Society’. She was visibly nervous on her appearance but regained her composure and, with appealing dance moves, creditably executed her song.
The eventual winner, Alsopp, from the moment she arrived to present ‘Drama School’, presented a real life experience in schools today that depicted a group of students courting, exposing body parts and liming in the streets after classes.
Her performance was well orchestrated and her diction was excellent. Her song spoke about the lack of dignity, discipline and morals among students of today and called on the related authorities to ban violent movies. She received the best crowd response for the entire night.
Shontelle Gittens’ ‘Daddy’s Advise’ was a pulsating piece and it was well delivered by the singer. She was dramatic and captivated her audience in little time. Her song was a lesson to young girls to be sensible and be “able to say no.”
Niebba Gordon was just too nervy to properly present ‘Drug Affect the Brains’. She was totally off key most times, had serious diction problems and missed almost every beat in the song. Save for her costume, which some said was the best, she was definitely the amusement of the night.
Dismal tale
Loquita Price, also a Lindener, was excellently attired and performed her song ‘What’s the Use’ with excellence. It told a dismal tale of young people coming out of school qualified and unable to find jobs. It also lamented the sordid story of young girls having ‘to pull up dem dress and offer sexual favours before they could obtain work in this society.
Representing Haslington, East Coast Demerara, young Shakita Daniels did well singing ‘Don’t Abuse’. Unfortunately, she forgot her line at one time and was having difficulties with her diction. She, too, seemed more concerned with theatrics and marred what would have otherwise been a good delivery.
In her song, she appealed to parents to nurture and love their children, instead of accusing them most times.
Veteran campaigner Ernesta Nelson should certainly be chided for donning a very revealing and scandalous costume that exposed even her underwear. She failed to connect with her audience and one could not distinctly hear her words sometimes. She almost tripped and fell to the floor when her nine-inch heels hooked in her evening gown.
Ajani Collins was an instant crowd favourite the minute he put in his appearance and gave a high energy and very impressive performance of ‘Love and Respect’.
Nadia David, with her piece ‘Curb this Brutality’, was a refresher to patrons and she certainly executed her song well. Vanessa Critchlow’s ‘No Explanation’ must have been an appealing rendition, judging from the reaction of the audience.
Though it attracted a very small crowd, the 2013 Junior Calypso Competition was, nevertheless, well planned and orchestrated.