BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE recently crowned National Calypso Monarch of St. Kitts and Nevis, David ‘King Pungwa’ Patrick said he would be representing St. Kitts at the Leeward Islands Calypso Competition in Anguilla this summer.
“People can spread propaganda and everyone has a right to speak and say what they want, but I know myself deep inside and I don’t want to leave anyone with any doubts. So I will say it now, Pungwa, King Pungwa will be representing St. Kitts in the Leeward Islands Competition.”
Patrick had his eight win in eight years on Wednesday, December 29, 2010, when he dethroned Socrates, who placed First Runner-up, to take the National Calypso Crown for the third time.
The calypsonian won the competition singing ‘Hang him High’ and ‘Take the old clothes off’.
According to Patrick, ‘Hang him High’ was his strongest song and he chose to perform it in the first round, adding that it is based on what is happening today in the Federation.
“I knew the impact it would have made and I think when the youths hear a song like this, they are going to think twice before they commit murder,” he said.
He said he knew his performances would have been great and extended gratitude to Basil Gardener, the person who usually helps with his props and presentations.
In terms of entering the competition and capturing the title, Patrick said he is overjoyed and thankful to God.
“I would just like to say thanks to God Almighty for blessing me with such unique talent that I can speak to the world in a unique style.”
In addition to winning the National Calypso crown on three occasions, he also won the Mr. Easterama title twice, King of the Festivals, the OECS Soca Monarch Competition held in St. Lucia and the Road March title in St. Kitts.
He said with the help of Ellie Matt and the G.I’s Brass, he won the Road March title with ‘Stranded Night’.
Recently, former ‘four-peat’ king, Konris Maynard had captured the Sugar Mas 2010/2011 Road March title, and it had been 15 years since Patrick, an individual and not a band, had celebrated that same victory.
He felt that Konris did a fantastic job by following the criteria for Road March, noting that was one of the reasons why he was victorious over the competing bands.
“All of us are citizens of this country and all of us have rights to display our talent, so I see nothing wrong with it,” he said.
