BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Sugar Mass 40-40 celebrations seem to have brought out a few veterans who have not competed for years but are now back in the calypso arena to make their contribution.
Two of these veterans are Calypso Craig and King Dwitie, both of whom have been finalists in the Senior Calypso Monarch in past years.
SKNVibes spoke with Calypso Craig, born Craig McDowell, who said his nine-year absence was due to a number of reasons but mainly because he thought he was not being treated fairly.
“Based on a number of comments, such as I am young and I have time, I felt like I was being over looked for more seasoned calypsonians,” he opined.
McDowell said he was tempted to make a comeback for a number of years and many people have been encouraging him to do so as well, but each year he said “next year”.
He however added that he guess the 40th Anniversary got him going.
Of his nine years singing calypso, McDowell has made the Senior Calypso Monarch finals on six occasions; two of which he placed Second Runner-up.
He recently was named as a semi-finalist after taking part under the Legend Calypso Tent.
His two renditions are titled ‘Back To Basics’ and ‘Ready For De Fight’.
He declared that ‘Back To Basics’, which was written by himself and Richie Buntin, speaks about the days when a community raised children and when neighbors looked out for each other.
His second rendition is self-written and was performed on Sunday night (Dec. 11 )for the first time.
This song, he said, describes his return to the arena and his reasons for leaving.
McDowell said he is “ready like Freddy” for the semi-finals and is positive that he could make the cut to the finals and even take the crown, as he competed against seven big guns before, including Ellie Matt, Star Shield and Phonsy and managed to place Second Runner-up.
SKNVibes also spoke with King Dwitie, who said that he never really took a hiatus from calypso but was more taken up with being a member of the Legends Band in which he plays the saxophone.
Born Dwight Huggins, he is known for taking two Village-O-Rama crowns and one Inner City Festival crown in past years.
Huggins has also made his way in the Senior Calypso Monarch finals in 1999 and 2000 and has been a contender in the semi-finals on six occasions.
According to him, both his songs, ‘Faded Glory’ and ’40-40’, were penned in Trinidad.
“Faded Glory is basically about the failure of men when it comes to leadership and responsibility. It is a general song which also speaks to the advent of women in a man’s place,” he explained.
He added that ’40-40’ is quite different and is an upbeat celebratory song dedicated to the 40th Anniversary, and it was only released yesterday.
Huggins said although the reception from his first song was not overwhelming at first, people are now beginning to like it more as it is very strong lyrically and just needs proper deliverance.
He indicated that even though his love for calypso is there, he does not think he would continue onto next year, because it takes a lot financially and physically, adding that he would just stick to playing with the band and consider this year a 40th anniversary treat.
A confident Huggins said he thinks the semi-finals would be full of surprises and he has no fear, because he is as good as any of the competitors.
The semi-finals will take place on Thursday (Dec. 15) at 6:00 p.m. at Carnival Village.
Calypso Craig and King Dwitie will compete alongside King Konris, I-Soursop, Queen Anastasia, Ace, Socrates, Singing Jackie, Big Lice, Rudder, Lady Diva, Astro, King Ayahtollah, Mighty Takeover, King Godfrey, Zarkie and the reservist, Bra Bread.
Seven of them will be chosen to compete on the final night against King Pungwa for his crown on December 28.
