BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – ALTHOUGH six-time Calypso Monarch sensation King Konris Maynard is now campaigning in the political arena, could St. Kitts see a comeback in the Kaiso genre for this young politician?
In our last interview with Maynard, we highlighted his accomplishments, both academically and in the field of Calypso, but King Konris has now begun his family life and his new interest is in politics.
Speaking with the 30-year-old, Maynard said that he and his wife are expecting their first child very soon. He added that he is prepared for fatherhood and his new life; adjusting to the political arena.
As a performer, Konris said that he was never scared of performing in front of large crowds. “I was never scared because from a tender age I always would be seen performing in front of family and friends, so the stage is always a comfortable place for me and it still is.”
Maynard also revealed to SKNVibes that as a singer he has been told on a number occasions about his double personalities. “People tell me I am a different person on the stage than I am in person, but the stage has always been a comfortable place for me.”
Maynard also said that usually the most terrifying feeling is present when performing in front of small crowds.
In the summer of 2009, Maynard added to his trophy case by capturing the coveted Leeward Islands Calypso Monarchy; a crown that had eluded him on his two previous attempts. The following year however, he became the first ever Calypsonian to win the crown for a second consecutive time.
But, after a two-year vacation from the National Calypso arena, Konris re-entered in 2011 to again be crowned King with ’20 20’ and ‘Oil and Water’. This was followed by another Leeward Islands crown in the summer of 2012, which was shared with De Bear from Antigua.
Controversy however erupted when De Bear was crowned King on the night of competition. The Leeward Islands Carnival Committee later released a public statement indicating that Konris was the rightful winner due to a tiebreaker error. De Bear was wrongly announced as winner on that night.
Back in St. Kitts for Sugar Mas 41 (2012), Konris truly distanced himself from his fellow competitors with his mega hits ‘Finish De Song’ and ‘By De Breath’. With this win, he further extended his unbeaten run in the National Calypso Monarch Competition to six wins from as many tries.
King Konris revealed to SKNVibes Entertainment that although he is thinking about a comeback in competing, he is looking forward to reappear in both the National Senior Calypso and Soca Monarch Competitions.
“I am still young, so competing again is possible. Even in line of work, if I were to be successful, I will tamper with the idea of competing. However, I will say that I will not stop contributing to the genre,” Konris said.
In his advice to young Calypsonians, Konris said: “Just have fun…it is a form of culture that is used to entertain, educate and to let down our guards. It is a time to have fun!”
Konris said that as a young Calypsonian he never worried about competitions.
“I found that when you focus too much on that your creativity, your flexibility and your ease of mind are affected. So I always went with the mentality that I am going out there to give my best performance.”
Where is he now?
Konris Maynard is now a candidate for the St. Kitts and Nevis Labour Party in Constituency Number Three, seeking to be that area’s Parliamentary Representative.
“I am also looking forward to be part of the next Labour Party Government after the next general elections,” he said.
Konris said that since general elections are due in early 2015, he has been visiting, introduced and getting to know as many constituents as possible. “My days and my weeks are now consumed with being a candidate.”
Editor-in-Chief’s Note: SKNVibes solicits suggestions from the public in identifying other individuals who have made significant contributions to the Calypso art form in St. Kitts and Nevis. Feel free to email us at newsroom@sknvibes.com or call us at (869) 466-9242 or (869) 662-3901 and pass on the relevant information.
