BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – MALLET, as he is popularly known, is remembered not only for his three-time win at the National Carnival Senior Calypso Competition in the 70s, but also for his sterling contribution to the twin-island Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis as an educator. But where is he now?
In an exclusive telephone conversation with this former Calypso legend, Mallet ‘Hammer’ Edwards, as he is now known, said that his Calypso career began at a competition hosted by the University of the West Indies at the Cave Hill Campus in Barbados.
“My first entry onto the Calypso stage was in 1973. I was age 26 then and in that first year I was fortunate enough to the win the University of the West Indies/Cave Hill Calypso Monarch Competition.”
After leaving Cave Hill Campus in 1974, Mallet decided to participate in the National Carnival Senior Calypso Competition in 1975, where he performed his debut single called ‘Tell it like it Is’.
“The concept behind ‘Tell it like it Is’ was essentially derived from the social commentary flavour, whereby I was singing with a view towards encouraging our calypsonians to deal factually and honestly with the political situation as it was at that time, and also to do so without fear or favour. In other words, sing the truth without fear of victimisation or other possible political or social ills,” Mallet explained.
Edwards noted that he grew up in Sandy Point before his family moved to Basseterre in the early 60s. “We lived first at Fiennes Avenue and then to Branch Street, and then later on my own I lived in Westbourne Ghaut, then Church Street followed by Central Street before I migrated from St. Kitts in 1981,” Mallet elucidated
Edwards participated in the National Carnival Calypso Competition from 1975 to 1980, and within those years he was twice crowned Senior Calypso Monarch but he never won a Road March title.
“Honestly, my style of Calypso was never of Road March flavour. While I was in St. Kitts my focus was on pan music, social commentary to some extent and also on wit and humour. These were the areas I concentrated on the most.”
Growing up as a youth in Sandy Point and his other places of abode around the island, Mallet said that he was always motivated by the style and approach of the Might Sparrow out of Trinidad and Tobago.
While I was a student in Trinidad I met him 1982. There is a place called Sparrow’s Hideaway, a massive structure, and my contact with him focused a lot on stimulation and encouragement. I was advised on key things like Calypso writing, rhyming, phrasing and articulation,” Mallet explained.
Edwards said that he was also fortunate to meet calypsonians such as the Mighty Duke, the legendary Shadow and the great Ellie Matt by whom he was also inspired.
“I remember calypsonians such as Sweeny, Marc the First and Pharaoh. These were the guys of 1970 to 1980 that come to mind. I also remember Singing Jackie who was very impressive even at a youthful age. She was also one of my students at the Sandy Point High School,” Edwards said.
Our interview does not stop here! In Part Two, SKNVibes Entertainment will highlight what Edwards said about his stage name and how it became his actual name, his teaching profession in St. Kitts and what he has been up to over the years.
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.
