BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE stage is set for an evening of lyrical battle as nine calypsonians will strive to outdo each other to gain the right to be anointed with the title of 2012-2013 Senior Calypso Monarch.
The war of words with musical accompaniment amongst the finalists was evident when they were present at a pre-competition press conference today (Dec. 28) at the Sugar Mill and each declared their intent and desire to become the new monarch.
Speaking at the press conference, reigning monarch King Konris stated, “I would like to invite everyone to the show we are having tonight and I think we are going to have a blast.”
He also declared his plans for the evening’s event.
“I always look to go out and have fun on the final night. I take it with a nice light heart! I enjoy what I do. I think I am making a contribution for Carnival and that is how I view it, and so I am going to go out and do my best. And at the end of the day, whatever the judges decide, that is the final say.”
First time finalist Ace voiced his confidence and his intention, which is to dethrone King Konris.
“I want to say that I am really confident and I am not coming here to settle for second place. I am coming tonight to try to dethrone the king; so king, watch it. I have been in the Semi-finals now for about three years and singing calypso for about 12 years, and I think the experience from those years I have been in the Semi-finals I have been able to look back at those performances and try to build from what I started.”
Another first timer, Rudder, also has his eyes on the crown. He said, “I coming in this competition not to settle for second best and I am going all out to do my best to dethrone the king for the first time.”
Debutant Lady Diva said that last year she had some distractions, but she is more focus now and thinks that she is ready for the Finals.
Singing Jackie, the most senior calypsonian in the Finals, stressed that it is time for a calypso queen.
“We don’t try to outdo the men, we have outdone the men, but when it all boils down we are not judging ourselves and everyone knows the judges’ decisions is final. But, I am going out to kick butt.”
Vernon Springer, representing I-Soursop, said that it is an honour for I-Soursop to be in another National Carnival Final and wished all the finalist the best for this evening’s competition.
Veteran calypsonian Godfrey also had his say and threw some punches at the reigning Monarch.
“I would like to invite the people to come out and see me make history, because there is a bit of jealousy. When I say so, I grudge Konris for what he has and I am willing to get it tonight and dig some sand from under his feet to try and get him to fall.”
Chairman of the Carnival and Calypso Committees Sylvester Anthony promised that the show would start on time and announced that some special treats would available for patrons, who are required to pay an entrance fee of EC$50.
“We will be recognising a number of our calypsonian comrades who have passed in the last year and we will be honouring two special people who have contributed to the art form and Carnival in general.”
The criteria to be used for this evening’s show are LYRICS - Expression of Theme (five points), Word Craft (15 points), Lyrics (five points) and Creativity (five points); MUSIC - Melody (15 points), Arrangement (10 points) and Originality (five points); PERFORMANCE - Rendition (15 points), Presentation (10 points) and Demonstration (five points).
The finalists in order of appearance are Singing Jackie, Calypso Craig, Big Lice, Lady Diva, Ace, Godfrey, I-Soursop, Rudder and the reigning Monarch, King Konris.
