BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - A renowned controversial calypsonian in the Federation has promised to always address the social ills faced by Kittitians and Nevisians in his renditions.
Veteran calypsonian Duncan Wattley, popularly known in the calypso arena as Big Lice, has been highly critical of policies implemented by the current administration.
In an exclusive interview with SKNVibes, Wattley gave a brief synopsis on his selections for this year’s Carnival.
“I have been singing songs that have been critical of the administration and the Prime Minister in particular, because I think there is some policies and the way he does things that are wrong, and I set out every year to highlight some of the issues in all cases and correct all that is wrong.
“So I have a song called ‘Ask the PM’, which stems from the radio programme and hear people call and ask him questions, but they are not asking the hard questions. So I decided to put my questions in song and sometime people come to me in terms of what is going on and I just say I could put some of their concerns in song.”
The selection previously mentioned has been performed by him in the calypso tents held thus far for the Carnival season, but Big Lice revealed to this publication that he has a second song called ‘Country Above Party’ in which he is calling for politicians and the people to have a new way of thinking.
“I think it is time we need a new direction and I think that we need to put country above party. The song will speak for itself. It’s time for us to unite it is time for all parties and stakeholders involved to come together because our economy and our social economic situation it not pretty right now and that is how why I sing this song to see how we can bring about some change.”
He said that the writing of those songs was a combination between himself and his brother who resides in Anguilla.
Big Lice had believed that this year’s event would not have been possible as it is with the Female Calypso Bacchanal, but having learnt that it is not so, he is currently in preparation for it.
“Perpetrations are a bit slow. I almost thought we were not going to have any competition this year. I guess it is indicative of what is going on in society; it is a bit slow but we are getting there.”
In terms of projections, Big Lice has made a vow to complete his job in calypso, which is to educate the nation about the issues of the day and “I will put my best foot forward to get this done”.
“I am just gonna go and do my best, and if it means I reach the furthest point that will be good. I am not too bothered about that.”
Calypsonians are all faced with challenges and Big Lice is no different.
One of the challenges, he explained, is the increase in price to produce music and, in this regard, he does not receive contributions from anyone.
“Another challenge is that I don't think we get enough air play for our songs. We only get that around Carnival time and not after that. So, sometimes you are reluctant to really put out so much because we know that it is only during Carnival it will be played until it will be pushed in a corner.”
Big Lice also discussed some of the short comings and pleaded with persons who are charged with the running of calypso competitions on St. Kitts and Nevis to rid the art form of political interference.
“A lot of politics is involved. I know for a fact that the judges who judge the calypso competition and the whole organisation have an agenda, and it sometimes make it difficult for calypsonians. Everybody won’t sing anti-government songs and not everyone is going to praise the government. I believe a calypso is a calypso and I believe that should be cut out if you want calypso to build.”
This, he said, was the reason why a number of persons are no longer singing.
Big lice also recounted his most memorable time as a calypsonian.
“I think, maybe it was last year. It was the first time I went into the final show with everything working and I gave it my best shot and thought I had a good chance at winning…and thought I should have won. I also remember the year when I was in the final and had an encounter with the Prime Minister.”
Big Lice has been singing calypso for approximately three decades and was inspired at a young age by Antiguan calypsonians Swallow And Short Shirt, while locally he looked up to Ellie Matt and King Sweeny.
“In recent times Sugar Aloes has been one of my favorite calypsonians because of his style, and sometimes I take inspiration from him.”
Big Lice has always been compared to King Sweeney and, commenting on that comparison, he said that he loved how “Sweeney used to portray himself on stage”.
