The battle is on for the $1 million first prize in tonight’s prestigious Calypso Monarch competition.
Eleven finalists—four women and seven men—will come up against defending champion Roderick Chucky Gordon for the prestigious title at the Queen’s Park Savannah.
Having captured the coveted crown in 2014 and last year, Chucky is aiming for his hat-trick when he competes against his rivals at the Big Yard.
While Chucky is optimistic about his chances, his competitors, some of whom are newcomers, are equally confident of winning the monarchy.
These were the responses of the competitors hours before they appeared on stage.
Seale: It’s all about execution
Devon Seale said his chance of winning the crown “is just as good as last year. I feel very confident. I just finished rehearsals and it went down flawless. On Sunday night it will boil down to execution and timing.”
Seale said he expected a few of his rivals to be strong with their performances, but that would not deter him.
This will be Seale’s 11th attempt at the title. The closest he came to winning was last year when he placed second.
“I have been singing calypso for over 20 years. I will come up with a few tricks of my own to snatch the monarchy.”
Seale will deliver Respect God’s Voice and The Spirit of Carnival.
Cro Cro: I am coming out blazing
Four-time calypso monarch Weston Rawlins, popularly known as Cro Cro, is gearing up for a fifth victory. Cro Cro will perform Advice to the Boss and I Sorry for Gayle.
I Sorry for Gayle tells of the missteps of West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle who recently faced severe backlash for his comments made to television reporter Mel McLaughlin.
“ I still have a few verses to write about Gayle but it’s coming along nicely. God will give me the inspiration to put together a powerful song. I am coming out blazing.”
Cro Cro described last Saturday’s Calypso Fiesta competition as weak.
“I don’t think Chalkdust should have been there. So help me. I was disappointed because Sean Daniel should have never been left out of the finals. That is the man I was afraid of,” Cro Cro said.
He complained that many of the semifinalists sang with the same melody.
Chucky: Aiming for his hat-trick
Roderick Gordon, known in the calypso fraternity as Chucky, is aiming for his hat-trick.
Chucky thinks his chances are as good as anyone else’s.
“It’s all about execution and delivery. You can never tell what number can play on Sunday night. It’s a two-song competition and you just have to go out there and give it your best shot. It’s a strong line-up. People like Cro Cro, Chalkdust and Gypsy can come up with anything on the night.”
Chucky will deliver Fixing Time and It Ain’t Go Wuk.
Helon: Taking one step at a time
First-timer to the Big Yard, Helon Francis, is promising not to disappoint patrons in the Grand Stand.
Francis, 22, who is the youngest competitor in the contest will sing Paradise and Real Bandit.
Real Bandit earned Francis the 2016 Young Kings title.
Pursuing a Bachelor’s in Performing Arts at the University of T&T, Francis said he intended to take one step at a time and be himself.
“I am not going to outdo myself to look awkward. I will just be myself and go with the flow.”
Queen Victoria:
Promises not to disappoint
Known as Queen Victoria in the calypso world, Victoria Cooper-Rahim will render songs The Aftershock and More Hope for the Poor.
Both songs were written by Queen Victoria’s father Victor Cooper.
“I am just ecstatic and proud to be among the finest of entertainers. Just being a finalist is an accomplishment in itself.”
A mother of a four-month-old baby, Queen Victoria who is close to completing her Bachelor’s in Social Work said this would be her fourth consecutive year gracing the stage.
“I am going out there to do my best. I will not disappoint.”
Lady Adanna:
A first-timer on stage
My Music and A Murder a Day.
These two calypsoes will be sung by 50-year-old Marsha Clifton aka Lady Adanna, who is a first-timer in the competition.
Though this will be her debut on stage, Lady Adanna has been singing for the past 20 years.
“I have worked as a background singer for many calypsonians over the years. It’s nothing new to me being on stage with them. The only difference is that Sunday night it is going to be a competition. I am a strong believer in God. I know things are going to work in accordance to God’s will.”
Outside of the Carnival season, Lady Adanna of Pointe-a-Pierre manages her own sewing shop.
Chalkdust: Inspired by the Mighty Sparrow
Veteran calypsonian Dr Hollis Liverpool aka Chalkdust is back in the ring this year.
“I am in town very long. I am going to go through the paces. I want to thank Tuco for selecting me because they left me out last year. They said I was too old. I am glad they realised their mistake.”
Chalkdust’s two selections are The Road Bad and When Trini Get Vex.
“Those songs were written by me. Nobody has never written for me in my life. May the best man or woman win,” the 74-year-old bard said.
Crowned the Calypso Monarch eight times, Chalkdust said he was pushed by calypso king of the world the Mighty Sparrow Slinger Francisco to go for his ninth victory.
Sparrow and Chalkdust have both won the monarchy eight times.
If Chalkdust wins he will break the deadlock.
Skatie: Leaving
everything in God’s hands
Carlos James, popularly known as Skatie, thinks 2016 will be his strongest.
Skatie will sing Back on Track and Jus Come Chinee.
Selected 14 times as a finalist, Skatie said he does not see anyone as a challenger.
“I don’t think about anyone when I go out to perform. My mission is to deliver to the people and judges.
“And what the judges do they do. I don’t think about challenges. This year will be very strong for me because I think I have two good songs. I am leaving everything in the hands of God.”
Gypsy: I am back as
a full-time entertainer
Former Ortoire/Mayaro MP and minister of culture Winston Gypsy Peters is back in the Savannah. In 1997, Gypsy was adjudged winner of the Calypso Monarch with his famous Little Black Boy calypso.
Gypsy said he refrained from entering competitions while he served as a government minister.
“I never gave up singing in the tent even as a government minister. I sang in the tent every year.”
Ship of State and Too Many will be Gypsy’s choice of songs.
“ I am not singling out anyone as my toughest challenger.
“I have always identified myself as a calypsonian. That is what I am...that is what I will always be.
“Everything that I have in life calypso gave it to me...including being a minister of government. I started singing when I was four years old. I don’t know anything else.
“I am back as a full-time entertainer.”
Gypsy said he has already been booked for gigs outside of T&T.
FINALISTS
• Marsha Clifton
(Lady Adanna)
• Victoria
Cooper-Rahim
(Queen Victoria)
• Dr Hollis Liverpool
(Chalkdust)
• Karene Asche
• Winston Peters
(Gypsy)
• Carlos James
(Skatie)
• Selvon Noel
(Mistah Shak)
• Weston Rawlins
(Cro Cro)
• Devon Seale
• Heather Mac Intosh
• Helon Francis
• Roderick Gordon
(Chuck)
(2015 Monarch)