Javascript Menu by Deluxe-Menu.com

SKNBuzz Radio - Strictly Local Music Toon Center
My Account | Contact Us  

Our Partner For Official online store of the Phoenix Suns Jerseys

 Home  >  Headlines  >  ENTERTAINMENT
Posted: Thursday 1 May, 2014 at 11:56 PM

“We did it for the love of Calypso music” says Contenda

Linkon ’Mighty Contenda’ Maynard
By: Entertainment Reporter, SKNVibes.com

    BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - FROM performing since his high school days to competing at the national level, the Mighty Contenda said that although he is not in the limelight of Calypso, he still makes his contribution to the art form. But, where is he now?

     

    Linkon Maynard, as he better known, told SKNVibes Entertainment that his affiliation with Calypso began in 1975 whilst he was a fifth form student at the Basseterre High School during that institution’s annual house competition. 

    “In those days we had the different colour houses participating in sport activities. But at the end of those events we had a queen show and then a junior calypso competition. In my time also they used to have a strongman competition, but I never participated because I was never a strong man.” 

    Maynard further explained that in that same year he won the Junior Calypso Competition with his single entitled ‘Build and Better Land’, and successfully defended it in the following year. 

    “I have always written my own material and I’ve sung one or two Calypsos on the local circuit and in tents and so on; but I have always written and composed all of my recorded songs,” Maynard said.

    With the fact that he was preparing for exams while in the fifth form, which might have been seen by many that could adversely affect one’s preparation, the former calypsonian said that his parents never had an issue with him participating in school activities while studying. 

    “It was never really a problem for me or them. This was a short period of time and I was always involved in school activities, which were something that was always encouraged by my parents to the extent that I had an option to do sports, debating and the other aspects; just as long as it didn’t affect studies.” 

    Contenda revealed to SKNVibes Entertainment that one of his songs sung about the school’s administrative body spark much controversy throughout the entire institution, which eventually led to the screening of his future lyrics by the school’s administrators. 

    “The Head Teacher at that time, Mr. Rupert Herbert, didn’t really like the song so it was controversial, and then the next year I sang another one which they didn’t like, so it reached to a point where the school administration wanted to see my song before I sang it.” 

    Maynard said that, as requested by the administration, he gave them a copy of his song but sang the original on the night of the competition. The song that the superiors had was totally different from the one he sang onstage.

    After completing his secondary level education in 1977, Maynard said that he decided to participate in the National Carnival Senior Calypso Competition where he later made it to the final stage. 

    “I placed Third Runner-up that year and I think that was the first and only time they had such a placing.” 

    His song that year was ‘Greediness’ which was a popular hit throughout the Federation.

    Maynard said that he and other calypsonians always competed for the excitement of the genre.

    “The prizes in those days, I remember, were a bottle of rum and about $50, so it wasn’t really a money making thing. We did it for the love of Calypso music.”

    Our interview with this Calypso legend does not stop here. Look out for Part Two in which Maynard talks about his years performing in the National Carnival Senior Calypso Competitions and where he is now. 

    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.
     
Copyright © 2024 SKNVibes, Inc. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy   Terms of Service