BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – REIGNING National Calypso Monarch Sylvester ‘Socrates’ Hodge told SKNVibes in an exclusive interview that he would definitely defend his crown.
After winning the crown last year, Hodge, in an interview with this media house, announced that he was retiring from the national competition but shortly after the 2010 Leeward Islands Calypso Competition he said he was reconsidering that decision.
“A number of factors changed my decision,” he said.
Hodge said one of the major reasons he has decided to defend his crown is because the general public and his fan base told him they wanted him to do so.
He also said that another reason is the lack of content in the calypsos from the other calypsonians and they are not addressing the socio-economic situation that the Federation is currently facing.
Hodge pointed out that the introduction of Valued Added Tax and the way in which it was done needed to be addressed by calypsonians, as it is normally their duty to monitor society and suggest alternative policies to governments.
He said his song ‘Mortgage’, which has already been written but yet to be recorded, would address VAT.
The veteran calypsonian said VAT has a negative impact on the economy and there is a defending outcry from the people.
He said that ‘Mortgage’ and his second song should be on the airwaves by December 13.
In terms of his chances in retaining the crown, Hodge said they are “excellent”.
“But nothing is taken for granted, I will now have to focus and sharpen my skills,” he added.
Hodge extended congratulations to the 16 Semi-Finalists and advised those who fell short not feel discourage.
“Without them there is no carnival…they play an important part in carnival,” he said.
The 16 calypsonians, from a field of 52, are I Sour-Sop, Singing Jackie, Alamoulou, Big Lice, Pung Wa, Stitch In Time, Kinta, Astro, Anastasia, Lord Kut, Hollywood, Calypso Reggie, Idoni, Singing Angie, Ace, Blazer with Godfrey as the alternative in event that anyone opted out.
The Semi-Finals is scheduled for December 16 and the Finals will be held December 29.
