Some of the Calypsonians in action
The recently completed Festival City, located on the cricket grounds in Little Bay was the venue for the 2011 calypso eliminations which drew a total of 22 calypsonians on Friday, December 9, 2011. This was the first event of the festival season when 15 calypsonians qualified to challenge for the crown currently held by Herman “Cupid” Francis.
The calypso eliminations began with the rendition of a ‘national song’, sung by Miss Ronel White. The MCs for the night’s show were ZJB morning show host, Basil Chambers whose alias this year “Ching Wang Yaaaaaah” and Dmitri Tuitt.
The Show was divided into two halves. At the completion of the second half the all men panel of judges retired for what was a brief deliberation. Calypsoian Garnet “Silk” Thompson entertained the crowd during the judges’ deliberation.
MC Basil Chambers AKA “Ching Wang Yaaaaaah” announced the 15 contestants who qualified for the calypso semi-finals scheduled for Friday, December 16.
Silk garnered a total of 429 points from the judges while Anderson “Andy” Kirnon followed with 409 points and Jester “Iceman” Weekes with 405 points.
Also making it through to the top 15 heading into the semi-finals slated for tonight were: Alvin “Black Jaguar” Sweeney, Nielson “Tiger” Duberry, Silvina “Khandie” Malone, Vickie “Storm” Locker, Leroy “Jah Wanza” Daley, Rondell Meade, Sydney “Black Gold” Galloway, James “Cruza” Brown, Denny “Jack Sprat” Bramble, Angela Joy “Dynamite” Williams and Kevin “King Natty” Farrell.
They were: In the points system Garnet “Silk” Thompson topped the pack with – 429, Anderson “Andy” Kirnon – 409, Jester “Iceman” Weeks 405,Alvin “Black Jaguar” Sweeney – 403, Kelvin “Tabu” Duberry – 397, Nielson “Tiger” Duberry – 384, Silvina “Khandie” Malone – 383,Vickie “Storm” Locker – 369, Leroy “Jah Wanza” Daley – 358, Rondell – 351,Sydney”Black Gold” Galloway – 344,James “Cruza” Browne – 341, Denny “Jack Sprat” Bramble – 329, Angela Joy “Dynamite” Williams – 322and Kevin “King Natty” Farrell – 315
Calypso songs were judged according to lyrics 35 points, melody 30 points, Redemption 25 points and presentation 10 points. The biggest response from the crowd was to the lyrics of “The Mountain Sick” sang by James “Cruza” Browne.
Several organisations have sponsored cash prizes for the competition. The Calypsoian with the most patriotic song will receive $1000 sponsored by the Department of Culture, while the artist with the best mountain chicken song will receive $1000 sponsored by the Department of Health & the Environment. The Bank of Montserrat has a cash price of $ 1250.00 for the best social commentary, $1250.00 for the most creative composition, and $500 most improved calypsonian.
