Former monarchs, fresh talent advance to calypso semis

Calypso fans can look forward to a closely contested National Calypso Monarch competition this year. The season has brought together new talent, former champions and some returning artists, all hoping to advance through the competition.

The quarterfinals of the National Calypso Monarch Competition took place last weekend, setting the stage for the much-anticipated semifinals. Eighteen calypsonians have qualified for the eliminator, scheduled for this Sunday, June 28, at the National Cultural Centre.

Hundreds of people from across the island attended the quarter-finals, which organisers say showcased the depth of Saint Lucian calypso talent. Performers impressed the audience with songs about current events, national pride, social issues and clever satire, showing off their creativity and wordplay.

This year, four calypso tents took part: South Calypso Tent, KPT, Fire One, and Soca Village/Take Of Tent.

The semifinalists:

South Calypso: Lushane, Menelle, Gumption

KPT:  Anwar, Blaze, Devine, TC Brown

Soca Village/TOT: Ashe, Carlton Roberts, Herb Black, John Gotti, Mica, Narcheal, Ti Caro

Fire One, Walleigh, Snow, Ready, Educator.

Nine calypsonians will be chosen from the semifinals to move on to the National Calypso Monarch finals, where they will compete against the reigning champion, Dezral.

The article Former monarchs, fresh talent advance to calypso semis is from St. Lucia Times.