BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – MANY people would known him as one of the contributors and forefathers of Calypso music in St. Kitts and Nevis and the father of six-time Calypso Monarch Konris Maynard. But did you know the Mighty Contenda was also an actor?
In a previous interview with King Konris, the 30-year-old St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party candidate for Constituency Three, gave much gratitude to his father whom he said motivated him to become one of the Federation’s most successful performers.
In Linkon Maynard's office at Carib Brewery, a small section of his wall displays a number of photographs with him performing onstage. These photographs illustrated an abundance of talent in both singing and acting.
Maynard told SKNVibes Entertainment that during his time participating in the National Carnival Senior Calypso Competitions, he had always written, composed and performed his own material.
Maynard said that in 1979 he had paused from the Carnival scene to travel to Barbados to pursue his Bachelor’s Degree in Science, where he studied Biochemistry.
Contenda said that in 1982 he and another calypsonian decided that they would not participate in the Senior Calypso Competition, but in 1983 when he decided to return home he did not make the Finals.
In the Federal Calypso Competitions held in Nevis a few years ago, Maynard said he became king on two occasions, adding that organisers of the competition selected the top three performers from the St. Kitts Carnival and invited them to compete.
When asked what kept him competiting in the different competitions, the Mighty Contenda said that for the calypsonians in his time, the joy of performing onstage and the chance to contribute to the art form was always their passion.
“I never made a lot of money from Calypso, so it was primarily for the love of the art form. I love the composing, the performance and interaction of people, especially in a proximity which I like,” Contenda said.
Maynard said that his Calypso music dealt with politics and social commentaries, adding that these styles of songs made him the iconic performer he was.
“I was criticised a lot by the Opposition and still do, and I don’t mind. I say what I have to say in a Calypso art form and in an artful way,” Maynard explained.
Contenda said that one of his singles, ‘Mental Cases’, was based on people who were mentally disabled and also some who might not look as if they have mental problems.
“People like politicians and others, and that is one of the main reasons why I sing Calypso. I want to send a message about social and political issues. It’s also about a message of merriment and enjoyment,” Maynard said.
In his years performing, Maynard said he had an opportunity to meet Calypso legends such as Lord Funny, Shadow and the Mighty Swallow as well as Singing Francine. Calypsonians such as Bath Towel and Controller were artistes whom he met and were inspirations to him.
Where is he now?
Linkon Maynard is now the Plant Manager of Carib Brewery. He has held that position since 1989 and is also the Chairman of the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank.
“I just like to keep myself busy! I don’t know the meaning of the word retirement although I am 56 years old. But even then there are too many things in life not to have something to do at a particular time,” Maynard said.
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.
