Wallace – calypso king 2013 – Who Will It Be
Newcomer calypsonian Baptiste Wallace created history when he captured three major titles during the 51st festival celebrations, which included the coveted monarch crown, and by so doing etched his name in the annals of Montserrat calypso competition.
Wallace set the stage for this outstanding triple-title feat by capturing the Soca Monarch title on December 26, 2013 and then followed it up with the calypso monarch title on December 30, 2013 and the road march crown on New Year’s Day.
The Dominican born Wallace, sang his two songs “Who will it Be?” and “Dracula System”, stole the spotlight and walked away with the title in front of an enthusiastic and supportive crowd in the park. He pulled a rare feat similar to Trinidad’s David Rudder in 1986, sweeping the Soca Monarch, Calypso Monarch and Road March titles.
Pundits said Wallace stayed close to the other competitors in the first round and then took festival Village by storm with the ever-popular “Dracula System” to put his position beyond doubt.
Sylvina “Khandie” Malone was first runner up, while Steve “Iceman” Weekes finished second runner up. Veteran and former monarch Herman “Cupid” Francis who was defending his crown was beaten into fourth place. The other calypsonians placed as positions – Maggie D. 5th, 2+2 6th, Rakatang 7th, Rondell 8th, Tabu 9th and AJ 10th.
Maggie won best social commentary and $1000 with her song “End Child Abuse”. Cupid took the most creative calypso award $1000 with his composition, “Push that Mountain Down.”
Baptiste Wallace sings to kingdom
Baptiste Wallace won the best newcomer award $1000, while Iceman pocketed $1000 for best social and political commentary “Share of the Wealth.”
For his efforts, Wallace the 2013/2014 Monarch received a Lexus Alteeza compliments MONFEST and Bruce Farara plus $500 dollars from Ashok’s Supermarket.
The first runner up Khandie receives $9,000, second runner up Iceman $8,500, third place finisher Cupid $6,500.
Fourth place finisher Maggie Destouche received a purse of $5,500. 2+2 who finished in fifth place or in position number 6 won $4,500. Rakatang in number 7 received $3, 500, Rondel $2,800, Tabu $2,500 and AJ $1,500.
The road march prize is $1000. Wallace also pocketed $1000 for being adjudged the best newcomer for the Calypso Competition.
Meantime, for his efforts, Wallace the 2013/2014 Monarch receives a Lexus Alteeza compliments Montserrat Festival Committee (MONFEST) and Bruce Farara plus $500 from Ashok’s Supermarket.
The closest artiste to achieving this feat prior was Rondel in 2008, when, as a newcomer, he won the soca monarch and road march titles with “Love my Festival” which was also written by Cecil “Cepeeke” Lake.
Cecil “Cepeeke” Lake won the award for best songwriter for festival 51 calypso Competition having written over 25 songs for the 2013 festival. He receives a trophy from LHNET Ordering Services.
He was specifically responsible for writing songs for four of the finalists in the 2013 calypso competition including the new monarch 2013/2014 Baptiste Wallace.
All the special cash prizes were sponsored by the Bank of Montserrat.
