BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – VETERAN calypsonian Clement ‘King La La’ Wilkins has had over 25 years of singing and song writing as well as competing in the National Carnival Senior Calypso Competition. But where is he now?
SKNVibes Entertainment caught up with Wilkins at his home, where he was elated to speak out about the reason why he never won a Calypso Monarchy at the national level and how important farming is to him.
Wilkins claimed that since performing he has won five Calypso crowns outside St. Kitts and Nevis.
The veteran said he started singing Reggae music with a group called La La and I-Roy. He added that apart from being a talented singer, he was also a guitarist and after many years of singing together I-Roy moved to St. Maarten where he currently resides.
Songs like I aint nuh Hurry’, ‘Puppy ah turn Dawg’ and a collaboration with Konris Maynard called ‘Buy Local’ were just a few of his popular hits in the 70s, 80s and the 90s.
Known to be the best dressed calypsonian every time he stepped onstage, Wilkins said that singing Calypso, based on the importance of farming, has always been his main focus.
“I’ve been doing this type of work for the past 25 years and I have sung a number of songs based on farming because it is very important that we support and eat our local produce.”
Wilkins said that while starting out in the Calypso genre at a very young age, he had the opportunity of meeting a number of well-known calypsonians such as Ellie Matt, Mighty Contenda, Unexpected and the Mighty Sparrow out of Trinidad.
Although Wilkins considers himself one of the greatest calypsonians and song writers of the Federation, he has never won a National Calypso title but managed to make the finals on a few occasions.
“You see, I am a Rastaman and they despise Rasta people. That is why they never give me the crown. All the time I singing, writing and making my own music, not once have I ever won.”
Look out for part two of our exclusive interview with King La La as he talks about his plans for the farming industry in St. Kitts and his advice to young calypsonians.
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.
