Only one round in this year’s calypso competition
BVI News Staff - Tuesday, July 17th, 2012 at 5:39 PM
The calypsonians performing in the 2012 calypso competition scheduled to take place on July 28 will only have one chance to make an impression and convince the judges that the crown and new car should be theirs.
At a press conference on July 17, members of the media were informed that the calypso sub-committee will be implementing some changes, and in short it would not be business as usual.
Unlike previous years where calypsonians were required to perform in two rounds, this year there will only be one round. Additionally, there would not be an elimination round, so the reigning monarch will be defending his title against 17 contenders on the big night.
Reported Gripes
In past weeks word was circulated in the media that the committee and the calypsonians were not seeing eye to eye in relation to some enforcements that were made on the committee’s end, and as such a petition was circulated, and there after a meeting was held with the Minister for Culture Myron Walwyn.
At the press conference on Tuesday, both Chair of the Calypso Sub-Committee Marvin Williams and Chair of the Festival and Fairs Committee Marvin Blyden said there were points of diversion between the two groups.
Blyden stated that there was a final meeting with the calypsonians on Monday, July 16 and there was agreement on both ends and as such he announced that the public can look forward to having one of the best shows it has had in history.
Williams said that in order for the problem to be resolved some compromising had to happen. He said that the committee agreed to give $500 as a consolation prize to the calypsonians who do not place. It was stressed to the media that this money was not a payment, but rather assistance to the artiste, who it was stated, pay out of pocket to provide their music.
One of the negotiated points was the performance of the monarch after the competition; it was stated that the monarch will have to perform at the Miss BVI show, and if he/she has to perform on any other paid night, a fee between $600-$800 will be negotiated.
Williams disclosed that the committee was unwavering on its point that no old song can be presented. He said that calypsonians are expected to produce new music that has not been used in any way shape or form. He especially stated that calypsonians cannot re-record over old beat.
Acting Director of Culture, Brenda Lettsome-Tye said while the Gospel Fest will take place on the July 26 as was previously announced, festival will officially open on July 28, the night of the Calypso show.
Copyright 2013 BVI News, Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
6 Comments
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what does MB and that dunce DOMINICA marvin know about calypso… so i guest there would be a reduce in price cause its only one round and not 2 now the calypso fans should boycott and see what happens every year the bvi festival jus gets worse….. look at all the other countries in the caribbean when it comes to there carnival or festival there is a big increase in visitors plus locals comin back home for the different shows we need to reinforce the panaroma the junior calypso get back the festival to where it belongs like in the early 90′s
pure bull!
What is happening to this West Indian art form, this genre? The BVI should strive to improve Calypso, not degrade it. To keep from degrading it any further, keep politicians and politics out of it. Let the private sector and a non-partisan group manage the competition.
Calypso is a West Indian art form that had its genesis as a social commentary. It was used by the poor and down trodden to say in song what they could not verbalize publically. It is an integral part of the West Indian being. And it has become an integral part of Emancipation Festivals and Carnivals; it is West Indian culture.
In most islands, calypsoians typically go through a minimum of two to three rounds while competiting for Calypso Monarch: quarter final, semi-field, final. This proposed one round competition is hastening the decline of the artform, not building it up. The multiple rounds provide the opportunity for calypsoians to develop and hone their skills, improving the level of the artform in the BVI. But the current proposal is what happens when politicians get involve and power and ego collides.
the current proposal is whathappens when some calypsonoions are GREEDY and really do not care about the artform and dont sing what they really believe or how they are feeling but waht they think will make them win
Mr Meley wood have done a better job period
What does Mr. Meley have to do with the calypso show. Not a damn thing. He was just a producer for the festival.
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