BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – OVER the past couple of years, the number female calypsonians participating in kaiso competitions has either stagnated or dwindled. However, there have been recent attempts to pump life back into that part of the art form.
One such attempt is a project which is to be launched by the Legends Tent during 2017, commencing this month.
Founder and Manager of the Tent King Socrates explained to SKNVibes Entertainment that on the last Sunday of each month, he is hoping to host a show which will feature female calypsonians, seasoned and budding.
“My next step…is, I am hoping for the last Sunday in each month to host a calypso show where we would feature the female calypsonians from each band (the Legends and the Proud Sounds Tents) at Ma Pau. I spoke with them already and they have given consent…”
While Socrates said focus would be placed on the female calypsonians, other calypsonians from across the Federation would be performing at the event.
Some years ago the Female Calypso Monarch Competition was shelved from the Sugar Mas calendar and was revived in 2015 with Queen Kibi taking the crown that year and Lady Diva winning last year’s competition.
During Sugar Mas 45, a number of female calypsonians contested the Calypso Monarch Competition including a couple of new comers. The fairer sex participants were: Princess P, Singing Jackie, Lady Diva, Queen Kibi, Queenie G and newcomers Lady B and Lil Miss Attitude.
Four of those, namely Lady Diva, Singing Jackie, Lil Miss Attitude and Queenie G, were among the seven who advanced to the final round. Queenie G and Singing Jackie were named in the top four of the competition.
“There is a need to maintain the female calypso competition even though it is poorly attended. That is why I intend to – throughout the year – build momentum and give impetus to that show by getting as many females involved so I’ll be doing a little more writing and showcasing their talents.
“I’m hoping I would get the support of the Department of Culture which I’m sure I would but from the public at large, it is very instrumental that we get that support from the early stage… Jackie has made her contribution and still is but I want to assist the younger ones and keep the whole platform of calypso afloat.”
