One would have forgotten one was at a national prison listening to inmates dissect the social fabric of T&T as they highlighted issues through political, social and humorous calypso compositions—which, by the way, were penned or co-penned by each contestant.
It was a terrific kaiso house—the collective competitors could give authentic calypsonians and the tents a good run for their money, if ever given the chance.
It was excitement, laughter and a moment of “freedom” for inmates. For the five hours of the event, the men did not think or see themselves as prisoners but as celebrated artistes among their peers. They’d rehearsed for weeks to show off their vocal abilities and writing skills.
That was the atmosphere at the Remand Prison, Golden Grove on January 21. Inmates, officers, sponsors and a few family members gathered at the courtyard—otherwise used as an airing ground for their loved ones—to show their support and encouragement to ten innocent-until-proven-guilty men as they vied for the coveted title of calypso monarch.
The sixth annual inmates’ calypso competition, called Kaisoca Fusion, opened with a rendition of the national anthem sung by defending champion Marlon “Bitter Honey” Lee, who for the past four years copped the title and remained a thorn in his competitors’ sides as he retained it once more with his contribution All in One Hour, a socio-political commentary which spoke to racial divide in the nation and the victory of the People’s National Movement (PNM) at last year’s general election held on September 7, 2015.
Lee comes from a family of musicians, being the cousin of Austin “Super Blue” Lyons and the son of Michael “Sugar Aloes” Osuna. He delivered his offering quite convincingly with a powerful voice, completed with superb diction and well written verses, not to mention a catchy chorus which encouraged a sing–along from fellow inmates and the rest of patrons. His incredibly smart white three-piece glowing suit, complemented by a hint of lilac, and matching white fedora, did not hurt his package either.
By the end of his performance some were convinced this was a seasoned calypsonian.
In a brief interview with the T&T Guardian after being crowned, Lee, often referred to as “Uncle Marlon” by fellow inmates, stated this was going to be the last year he would compete. It is not that he was being released from prison; rather, he believed it was time to help other inmates with potential to gain the crown. He said he would now serve as a mentor and consultant on the committee responsible for the venture.
Lee has been remanded for the past seven years, having entered prison in 2009. He is yet to receive a trial, like many of his fellow inmates who have been remanded for even longer periods—some, as long as 15 years and counting. Coming from a spiritual and cultural background, as he described it, Lee said when he was brought to prison, the first thing he noticed were the lack of recreational programmes that are very important when talking about passing time. He said things were very stagnated and the men’s morale was severely crushed.
“They were just frustrated and depressed. As an ambassador for culture, though prisoners are incarcerated, they are still citizens. And there are a lot issues that need to be heard from those behind prison walls. However, there was no forum existing for those issues to be heard,” Lee explained. He said as a result of this, he together with other inmates, organised the Kaisoca Fusion which is now six years old.
“We organised this for men to get an opportunity to voice issues. The first year we hosted it in 2011, I emceed and in 2012 I wrote songs for 11 inmates.”
Lee has also dominated the humorous, road march and extempo categories on several occasions, taking the crown. He even displayed his extempo skills at the event, taking on guest performer The Incredible Myron B. Other guest performances included calypsonian Queen Victoria Cooper, Austin “Super Blue” Lyons and Neptune School of the Performing Arts who treated inmates to 15 minutes of intense drumology.
At 43 years of age, Lee said he knows one day he will be free again and vows that when that day comes, he will return to prison and open a music band. But for the time being, he continues to minister as a pastor in remand, and has even started a choir. Lee hopes one day the calypso tents will allow inmates to compete; that would take a careful process which he does not believe is impossible.
“I can tell you if given the chance, I know we will beat some of those kaisonians because we practice very hard and we also take our time to write,” boasted Lee who also plays a number of instruments including the saxophone and the trumpet.
This, his last year in competiton, opens the way for second and third place winners Joel Demas and Shevon Hodge respectively, to battle for first place next year.
Demas, who has a striking resemblance in voice to that of reggae oldie Benji Myers, secured his space in the top three with a composition titled Political Games, in which he speaks of the injustice in the so-called justice system in T&T. His fellow inmate, Hodge, brought some humour early in the competition, performing in first place with a song called Ah Taking Dat, which underscored the issue of cheating in relationships.
Participants were judged on melody, rendition, presentation and originality. Each contestant was backed by the Maximum Security (MSP) band which is made up of inmates. Live coverage of the event was broadcast on Rise Maximum radio, a frequency only available to the prisons.
The event is recognised as one of the more important components of the prisons’ rehabilitative programmes as it fosters team spirit, encourages innovation and culture and provides an exciting and interested space for inmates who are attracted to music. On Wednesday, the MSP will host its annual calypso competition while inmates at Carrera Convict Prison will have their time to shine on Friday January 29.
Results
Competitors’ results
10th place—Winston Medina
9th place—Harold Jeremiah
8th place—Shane Aberdeen (also road march winner)
7th place—Neil Samdeo
6th place—Simon James
5th place—Miguel Cato
4th place—Kenyatta King (also people’s choice winner)
3rd place—Shevon Hodge
2nd place—Joel Demas
1st place—Marlon Lee