BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – SATURDAY (Mar. 26) went down as a significant day in history for the Mighty Navigator, as he made a comeback after five years and won the ZIZ/LIME 50th Anniversary Calypso crown at Carnival Village.
He competed amongst a field of 12 competitors in the show which was described by some patrons as one of the best calypso shows held in the Federation.
His song, titled ‘ZIZ At 50’, amassed over 300 points while the First Runner-up spot went to Hollywood out of Nevis and Second Runner-up position to Quantash.
Navigator, an Defence Force Corporal whose given name is Joseph Bergan, had been in the calypso arena for several years before he took a long break to recuperate after being shot in the line of duty during an attempted robbery in December 2005.
Bergan, who began singing calypso in school in the 1980s, continued on that road and later made the National Senior Calypso Monarch Semi-Finals on two occasions and once at the Finals.
Since his involvement in the art form, Bergan has won two other crowns; the first in 2002, winning the Police Calypso Show, and the second being the Village-O-Rama Calypso King Competition in the following year.
The new king said words could not express what he felt after being crowned on Saturday.
“It was an overwhelming ‘fantasmaristic’ feeling for me. If I had to compare that moment to the times I made the semi-finals and the finals, I would have to say it was a much better feeling,” he added.
He said it was indeed a good feeling for him after so many years out of the art form, adding that he enjoys entertaining people because it gives him a great feeling.
Although he is wheelchair-bound, Bergan made his way onstage Saturday night with the help of a few individuals and he used a cane for support. He said his recovery is steadily progressing and daily thanks God for life.
Bergan said he is unable to stand for long periods but moves around at home for several minutes with the use of his cane.
“Despite the many challenges, I am positively inclined and full of joy. And at the end of the day, I can smile and be happy that I lived through my ordeal,” he stated.
Asked if he would consider entering this year’s national calypso arena, Bergan said he is considering it but would let his fans know when the time approaches, as he is currently working on putting his mental resources together.
The Corporal said he has many ideas for penning songs, including a track about the story behind his injury, as well as focusing on reality and the social elements in everyday life.
Bergan took the opportunity to commend the patrons who attended the show and also the individuals who paid to view it online. He noted that the show was a very outstanding one and also commended the committee and other calypsonians who made it possible.
SKNVibes has included a copy of the song and it can also be found on YouTube by searching for - Mighty Navigator ZIZ At 50.
