BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – POPULARLY known for his undeniably excellent vocal performances and unexpected stage props, the talented Devon Liburd, a.k.a ‘Lord Kut’, has been described by many as ‘The Ambassador from Hell’ because of his outrageous onstage attire and mannerism.
At last year’s National Carnival Senior Calypso Competition, Lord Kut’s ‘clothing line’ was exceptionally remarkable, as he stepped out in the first round in a multi-coloured two-piece suit, which shimmered when kissed by the lime lights.
But with all the emphasis and preparation Lord Kut put into his onstage appearance, this former Junior Calypso Monarch has never won a senior title. In fact, last year’s senior competition is the farthest he had reached, placing First Runner-up.
In an exclusive interview with Lord Kut, the very vibrant entertainer told SKNVibes Entertainment that since performing in the 70s at the junior level, he has always placed much emphasis on his lyrics, performance and stage presentation.
“I believe in performance. So my appearance when going onstage means a lot to me. You can never see me in the clothes you passed me in or see me perform in before. I always change my costumes,” Lord Kut expressed.
He said that as a young calypsonian travelling to neighbouring islands, he witnessed Calypso legends such as the Mighty Sparrow and Short Shirt perform onstage, adding that he took the same approach and fashioned himself to the artiste he is.
“As a singer, your attire is very important because you are the highlight of the programme. With me, I always want a shine and clean leather shoes. I don’t wear slippers! Presentation and the way you carry yourself say a lot about you. Not only as a singer but also as a normal everyday person,” Lord Kut explained.
When it comes to his costumes, he sits himself down, sketches and creates his own onstage clothing. The veteran calypsonian told this publication that he has been doing so for over a decade.
“My mother was a seamstress, so I learned to sew from her. There were times when I would help other calypsonians prepare their costumes, because I always believe that as a calypsonian you have to be well-attired onstage,” Liburd said.
Lord Kut also said that he spends his own money to arrange and create the one of a kind pieces.
He further said that his motivation for participating every year in the competition is basically his many fans from across the Federation and the region who have been supporting his music since its inception.
Some of Lord Kut’s most memorable hits are ‘Um Gala Gala’ and ‘Only in St. Christopher’.
“Everywhere I go to perform I get enormous applauses; sometimes standing ovations. That alone and sometimes when I’m in the city people will tell me about it and encourage me to press on. So people give me motivation,” Lord Kut said.
What is he doing now?
Lord Kut is currently an Equipment Operator at Solid Waste Management. He is also an entrepreneur operating an open-tent bar in Lower Monkey Hill.
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.
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