By Mutryce A. Williams
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IN our dear Federation there are a few things that we would go to blows and bacchanal for: they are politics, football and finally our sweet, sweet, calypso, so the fray and the controversy that surrounds the art form each year does not surprise me at all. Just walk through the streets of Basseterre during the Carnival Season when the artistes release their songs and you can hear the discourses, sit around the domino tables, tune in to any of the talk shows and you will hear the fiery debates, even in the lines and crowd on final night the fracas begins. You see, when it comes to calypso we all feel that we are astute pundits. We claim to even be more qualified than the distinguished judges who sit on what we ALWAYS declare to be an ‘unfair’ and ‘highly politicised’ panel.
The National Calypso Show 2008/2009 was indeed a historic one. We saw four women competing with four men in the finals. Amongst the finalists were two Nevisians and you know what so beautiful as well, three of the eight finalists were in their twenties, now doesn’t this say something for calypso in St. Kitts/Nevis and, of course, we all knew that should King Konris have won that crown it would be the first time any calypsonian would have won the crown ‘back to back, to back, to back,’ as we like to put it in our local vernacular. It was historic indeed.
As a calypso enthusiast, as a young person, and finally as a proud native of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis I must say that I am utterly disappointed by the way in which we have chosen to celebrate the achievements of Master Konris. Given the spate of criminal activity in our dear nation, one would think that when a young man achieves what Konris has achieved, the nation would salute him and say well done. Instead we choose to politicise and degrade his victory. As a nation, we should be saying, “Considering the fact that we have had 23 murders in our nation the past year; knowing that this has shed an unfavourable light on our twin-island paradise within the world’s sphere and the fact that we are seeking answers, seeking ways to combat crime, Konris’ accomplishments are evidence that all is not entirely lost in our dear land.”
Imagine winning the calypso monarch title four times ‘back to back’ while pursuing undergraduate, then graduate studies in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Now tell me that this doesn’t deserve special recognition. This talented young man graduated from UWI with First Class Honours. During his tenure there he returned to the federation and competed in the calypso arena and was victorious as well. People, this is a magnanimous feat all on its own. It’s obvious that Konris has mettle and a tremendous amount of discipline. I say hats off to Konris. He is truly remarkable. He has made history and at a very young age might I add. From my knowledge, he doesn’t have a criminal record. He is personable, humble and respectful. He has also always led a life of scholarship, leadership and service. As I said, I am utterly flabbergasted at the response, and we wonder why our young men and women do not aspire for greatness. The youth are probably saying, “We can’t do anything right for these people. Imagine it’s not even his peers, but big people arguing and going on so…the judges cheat…he aint win…is just politics…as if he has no talent… as if the young man is overrated…when truly he is not.” A young man achieves and the first thing we do is try to drag him down. Where are the accolades? I ask. What is the reward for leading an exemplary life? I am surprised you even have to question why there is an escalation in crime amongst young men in our country.
We have heard the Prime Minister, politicians, ministers of religion and community-based organisations ask that parents take their responsibilities more seriously as it is obvious that something definitely went wrong somewhere. Konris is evidence, as I know that there are others, that some parents in our dear Federation have indeed done something right. Why am I not hearing of the masses flocking Linkon and Verlyn’s door asking them just exactly what formula they used in raising their son? Say what you may, they have done a good job in raising a fine young man and they should be proud. I am saying even if Konris didn’t win that crown he would have proven to be an exemplar to many just by the way in which he lives his life…give jack it’s jacket…the young man is just damn good.
Please do not underestimate the impact that Konris has had and is having on the youth of our nation. Konris, as well as other young calypsonians like Anastasia, Kibianne and Lady Sunshine have ushered in a new throng of young followers to what we are calling a dying art form. Trust me, this is no longer so. The young people are listening. A young lady I mentored called me a few weeks ago asking whether I had heard Konris’ song ‘Mommy and Daddy’, and unfortunately at the time I hadn’t. She said, “Lord the song touch me and bring me to tears.” Now this is someone steeped strong in her Beyonce and the prevailing hip hop/pop songs of the day telling me a calypso had brought her to tears. Now isn’t this something. Konris’ songs can play twenty years down the road and one would enjoy it. His lyrics are thought-provoking. He is an entertainer. He is quite versatile. There are not many calypsonians who write their own songs or arrange their own music. Konris does that and trust me I know that this is not a requirement for finals, but it sets him apart from the rest. He has developed his own unique calypso blend. He is the ultimate patriot…just listen to his lyrics. One thing I truly admire about him is that in none of his songs do you hear any, ‘show me your panty-size or bend back on it’ or anything that dehumanises women or that is tasteless. He realises that music is an effective medium for communication and he uses this to impact social change; take for example his song ‘Walk Away’. All of his songs possess wit and true class.
As I said before, even if Konris was not crowned the 2008/2009 Calypso King this young man and his achievements are worthy of praise. Konris has done himself, his parents and the nation proud. The headlines should read ‘Given the dire criminal situation in our beloved nation where vigilantism seems to be the order of the day and gang warfare is perpetrated by our young men, Konris Maynard proves that all is not lost. He is a beacon for the nation’s youth.’
