King Paido crowned 2019 Calypso Monarch for emancipation

In what could be described as a surprise victory, Reynold ‘King Paido’ Philips has been crowned the 2019 Calypso Monarch of the ongoing emancipation festivities.

While no points were announced, the 11-time Calypso king (six on Virgin Gorda, five on Tortola) walked away with the newly-renamed Mighty Rocky calypso trophy and the grand cash prize of $7,500.

Fifth to perform during Thursday evening’s competition, King Paido sang ‘Bring Your Culture On’ before following up with his second and stronger selection entitled ‘The Letter – Wa You Answer For’.

That second song spoke about the historic court case between Speaker of the House of Assembly Julian Willock and Fourth District Representative Mark Vanterpool.

King Paido also walked away with the most category awards of the night — which were the early signs that he would have been crowned champion. He copped the Best Lyrics award as well as Best Stage Performance and Best Social Commentary.

The newly-crowned champion told BVI News after the victory that he expected a favourable outcome.

“I went in to win and I came out on top, thank God. We put our best foot forward and leave it up to the judges and this is what happened,” King Paido stated.

The calypsonian also said the aim of his first song, Bring Your Culture On, was to advocate the return of culture to the BVI.

“… Even in the schools, [we should] get youths involved and I hope from here on you will see some more of that,” he said.

Sistah Joyce comes in second

Meanwhile, four-time Calypso Monarch Joycelyn ‘Sistah Joyce’ Searles — the defending champion — emerged from last evening’s competition as the first runner-up. She also won an award for the best song arrangement.

Michelle ‘Lady Liberty’ Harrigan, who was a clear crowd favourite for her songs ‘Speaker Wig’ and ‘Cost of Living’ was the second runner-up. She received the Most Humorous award.

The other competitors included Reddo, Mighty Lay Lay, King Henry, and Falco.

Prior to the start of the competition, Veteran Calypsonian, Mighty Rocky, was honoured and received a plaque. It was also announced then that the Calypso trophy would be named after the veteran.

The competition was decided by five adjudicators which included Wendell Gaskin, Jevon France, Mighty Pat, Melvin Jeffers and Gerald Huggins.