King Garnett 'Sylk' Thompson
A very appreciative crowd, celebrated Garnett “Sylk” Thompson, a young Cudjoe Head resident who was adjudged the 2011-2012 Calypso Monarch at Festival City on Friday, December 30, 2011. Intermittent showers did not dampen the festive mood, while there were grumblings and heated debates about what could and should have been done to prevent the constant interruption by the rain. But, fireworks, flashing cameras and screams echoed throughout Festival City as ZJB morning show MC, Basil Chambers announced the winning monarch.
Tabu
Sylk has reportedly made good his tenth entry to the competition with his renditions of ‘Changing World’ and his patriotic winning song of ‘Never Give Up‘ which earned him a total of 840 points to defeat a strong field. The field included Black Jaguar who secured first runner-up with 783 points, four-time calypso monarch Silvina “khandie” Malone who earned the next spot with 760 points, followed by Nielson “Tiger” Duberry with his score of 738 points. Defending monarch Herman “Cupid” Francis followed with a total of 735 points.
Cupid
The other contenders were Anderson “Andy” Kirnon and Jester “Iceman” Weeks who tied for with a total of 717; Kelvin “Tabu” Duberry captured the number seven position with 692, Vickie “storm” Locker, 683 points, placed her at position number eight and Kevin “King Natty” Farrell in the final position with a total of 681 points.
Sylk’s first place prize earned him $10,000, in addition to a cash price of $1,000 sponsored by the Department of Culture for the most patriotic song. He also captured the People’s Choice Award. Sylk was one of the first calypsonians to release his entries.
James “Cruiser” Browne (not in finals) a favourite for many at the eliminations and up to the semi-finals was judged the most improved calypsonian. He also received $1,000 for the best mountain chicken song – De Mountain Chicken Sick
best social commentary was captured by Sylvena “Khandi” Malone with “Melting Pot”. She received a cash price of $1,250.00 sponsored by the Bank of Montserrat.
Iceman
The cash price of 1,250.00 for the most creative composition was captured by Kevin “King Natty” Farrell with Rose, Goddess of Radio
The calypso competition is usually one of the biggest highlights of the Festival celebrations. The 2011 festival came to a close on Monday, January 2, 2012.
