by Edwin M
Herman Cupid Francis- The Tree
Veteran calypsonian Herman “Cupid’’ Francis captured the third crown of his career and second in the past three years Thursday night, Dec. 30, 2010 at the Montserrat Cultural Center. Francis, participating in the calypso finals for a Montserrat-record 24th time, won with the songs “The Tree’’ and “Before I Die.’’
Francis, who took home the $10,000 top prize, dethroned 2009 monarch Silvina “Kandie’’ Malone, who finished third. Henry “Black Jaguar’’ Sweeney, competing for the first time, was first-runner up. He also won the Best Newcomer award.
“I’m very happy to win the crown,’’ said Francis, who also won in 1998 and 2008. “I was ahead before the night of the competition. I had better songs. All I needed to do was deliver the songs and I did.’’
The finals featured two other newcomers, Maudell “Vejon’’ Weekes and Neilson “Tiger’’ Duberry. They finished 7th and 9th respectively, with Duberry earning the William “Ruler” Murrain award as Crowd Favorite.
“Entering the calypso monarch competition for me was a great experience,’’ Duberry, 18, said. “It increased my love for the art form.’’
Black Jaguar, a native of St. John’s who now lives in the United States, said the entire experience was memorable.
Henry “Black Jaguar’’ Sweeney
“I sincerely think it was a hard-fought battle,’’ he said. “The turnout was good and at the end of the day I think people walked away pleased. Cupid masterfully pulled it off and I think I stamped my authority.’’
Kandie appeared poised for a repeat after her first-round performance of “Trouble in Paradise” but she missed some lines in her second song, “Sweetness Is My Weakness” that likely doomed her chances.
“I think I lost focus and I ended up getting distracted,’’ said Kandie, who was competing in the finals for the 11th time in her career. “I have only myself to blame. Because of the presentation, I wanted everything to be perfect, and for some reason I was distracted. I guess better luck next time for me.’’
Despite the mishap, Kandie said the show was one of the most competitive she has been a part of.
Silvina Khandie Malone- Sweetness is my weakness
“Compliments to Cupid and his achievements,’’ she said. “I know he worked hard. And there were good performances by the newcomers.”
THE FINAL TALLY
Best Environmental Song: Dynamite – Preserve It
Best Diabetes Song: Kandie – Sweetness Is My Weakness
Most Improved: Lady Here I Come
Best Newcomer: Black Jaguar
Creative Composition: Cupid – Before I Die
Social Commentary: Kandie – Sweetness Is My Weakness
Neilson Tiger Duberry- I just can't wait
William “Ruler’’ Murrain Crowd Favorite: Tiger.
Final positions:
1. Cupid, $10,000, 774 pts
2. Black Jaguar, $6,000, 728 pts
3. Kandie, $4,500, 721 pts
4. Silk, $3,000, 716 pts
5. Tabu, $2,500, 713 pts
6. Storm, $2,200, 691 pts
7. Vejon, $2,000, 690 pts
8. Rakatang, $1,800, 685 pts
9. Tiger, $1,600, 678 pts
10. Bimsha, $1,400, 662 pts.
Calypso finals photos:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=262101&id=203080105851&saved#!/album.php?aid=262101&id=203080105851
