BASSETERRE St. Kitts – “I was prepared for it…and they didn’t disappoint me”, were the words of former Calypso Monarch King Socrates who has the belief that political bashing might have cost him another title.
In an exclusive interview with the former monarch, Socrates told SKNVibes Entertainment that even before he wrote both of his singles - ‘Spinners Wicket’ and ‘Hit them Hard’ - he knew that a placing spot in the Finals of the Senior Calypso Competition was far from his reach.
“Certainly, I was prepared for it but that is where the track is of the current administration. But at the same time they have done themselves no favours because the fingerprint is found on the whole orchestration of the outcome,” Socrates said.
When asked if something might have gone wrong with his performance at the Finals held at Warner Park last December, Socrates said he had a fair performance but believes it was an “unfair and an unpopular decision”.
“I don’t want to be derogated about I was robbed, but what I am saying is the fact that the general sentiment is that it was an unfair and an unpopular decision, and it speaks for itself. The liked commentary favoured a different outcome,” the calypsonian said.
He added that generally because there is a perception that most times the competition is an unpopular decision, that is not so for him.
“I don’t have to make a comment about the judge’s decision but, based on one show, the audience saw it different like commentary.”
When asked about the new monarch’s performance, Socrates had this to say: “I did see the performer and he is a very talented performer. He is declared winner I’m ok. I have been here for the past 25 years and it doesn’t bother me anymore.”
Socrates, in good health and strength, plans to compete again next year regardless of the criticism he faces about participating in the national annual event.
“I am a Calypsonian and this is what I do, and nobody will tell me where to sing and what not to sing. I sing what I choose to and the whole discussion of boycotting…that can be their contentious purpose. For those who criticise me and say I should not sing, I am a calypsonian and this is my platform. I have a message and a role to play and I will endeavour to do so regardless of the political outcome,” Socrates said.
