Scrunter, a three time calypso king, revealed on a radio show Tuesday, that he will no longer participate in this year’s calypso competition revealing that it is becoming too political.
Scrunter’s decision not to participate was disclosed by Vice President of the Dominica Calypso Association, Davidson “Observer” Victor who also revealed that calypsonian Yakima and Dutchess will not compete in the next round of competitions. It is unclear why they are not participating.
Three calypsonians who previously did not qualify for the quarter final round of the 2011 calypso competition have now secured a place after a few others have decided not to participate.
Twelve calypsonians who were selected from the calypso elimination round last month, will now move on to the quarter finals. Observer said the next three calypsonians in line, Lady B, new comers Dehros and Royette will now participate in the calypso quarter final round.
Meanwhile Scrunter said his love for the artform will remain and he commended this year’s calypsonians and their song writers.
hey scrunter you having a change of heart or what? not so long you and your butterfly group sang and performed ‘ all of dem blue vex’ wasn’t that political? with or without yo calypso finals gonna be great. too bad you do things and then think it is wrong when others do it.
Stupes! Scrunter realise that his neck was gonna be cut at quarters so he backed out like a coward! Now he puttin de blame on songs being political, and his songs are always political.
I have been a lover of calypso music all my life. More than forty years. Calypso has been an expression of the people’s social situationin song. The art form started on the slave plantations and has grown over many generations to become a multi-million dollar industry. That monumental success has been realised by practitioners outside of Dominica. Unfortunately we in Dominicxa has adopted a myopic of how the art form is expressed. We have held on to the not so subtle view that a good calypso has to be hard hitting against the ruling party or thosein auhtority. We forget that other sittuations in life/ our life (neighbourhood/family feuds) have been told in song and continue to receive rave reviews decades after being song. In Dominica, we have “Erica”, “Solomon Woulay” Solo’s indomitable “Mas in the Cemetery” among many. That particular song has been with us for well over three decades now and just will not go away. There is “Tennis Shoe Scandal” by Lord Tokyo. Sparrow, the king of the world brought us so many of them such as “Lying Excuses” complete with parts one and two, “Saltfish”, “Elizabeth” etc. can be song about in calypso. Obstinate brought us “Children Melee'”
In Dominica we have the greatest of all calypso writers ever who has made it his business to pen calypso’s year after year with one theme. Hit the ruling party. It does not matter what the opposition does, he is deaf dumb and blind to it. For all his skills and successes in the Dominican context I am unaware of any regional crowns or recognition his compositions has won. But Checker is singing his praises as the maestro of Kingmakers – but only in Dominica though. That much I am aware of.
We love u scrunty…see u nx year!
That is really a poor story. Interview Scrunter because this is unclear. From a man that bring us joy in his music.
RC massive
Comin from a man who allegedly received money to sing a particular song last year. Lol
thats why our music will never get out…because we narrow it down to us alone so people not of our culture or not from dominica cant relate..more so we promote the worst of songs and when compared to songs of other places we cant meet the standard. we need to step up in lyrics and stop narrowing the songs to just politics…people from all walks of life should be able to place themselves in our shoes and relate it to their own situations.
i want my land and my van too
I think scrunty should sing gospel……he still a catolick nuh?
What is calypso all about?
I am glad that finally scrunter has realized calypso is ‘big man ting’ and there is no place for him there anymore.
He has the record for coming out of retirement more than anybody else.
I wonder how many of his songs he wrote himself.
All the best scrunter.i hope the ‘r’ in your name remains otherwise,,,i am not sure what it would spell.
SCrUNTEr
I personally spoke to Scrunter and he wasn’t talking about political lyrics. He was talking about the internal politics in the whole management structure of the calypso association to include the judges etc. and short of being bias we can understand that. Just listen to the statements made, esp the one made by the kingmaker re the king getting a vehicle and not having to travel on a scooter. What does that tell you, my people
We should not narrow down the meaning of ‘politics’
Well he should have made himself clearer. Look he getting his fire on DNO now.
i beg to differ. iI really don’t think scrunter was talking about the politics of the calypso association like you said.. Because, if he were, at Stratdom Tent, last night, why did he choose to acapela the the verse of his song that talks about the king maker?The verse that is saying that the king maker is only composing songs about one set of people. Why that verse especially? What do you make of that? He used it to re-enforced what was said on DNO. Scrunter is under fire now so he is changing his mind.
well he should be happy cause most of the judges are labourite. one even publicly call dice seend me a gospel song. that ain’t bothering us cause we will be victorious again
I am a longtime supporter of Scrunter and will continue to be. This story is just too vague. DNO should have interviewed Scunter to find out exactly if there is more in the morter than the pestle.
I don’t think Scrunter is referring to too much politics in the lyrics composed by the calypsonians. I more believe he is pointing fingers at the organizers of the competition that they are doing too much political maneuvering behind the scenes.
Come on DNO let’s get more of this story from Scrunter and the others who pulled out from the competition.
Stupes Scrunter!! Isn’t calypso always full of politics..even you have songs that are politically based…..so what’s the difference this year??
Calypso is political and social commentary!!!
like all of dem blue vex. i guess scrunter forget already
This is a total example of hypocracy and cowardice by Scrunter!!!!!!!
The calypsonians need to expose the political issues of the day …………….so many, many issues.
Thes issues must be written in Guiness Book of Records……..this is a first in Dominica history……this is a record in Dominica’s political history!!!!!
Wow!!!!!
I hate hypocrites. Scrunter your carnival custume should be a big white t shirt marked I AM D HYPOCITE NUMERO UNO. STONE ME TO DEATH
people dont worry with scrunter his time really gone indeed, all he know is come to show and take down his pants, showing his old boxer short on stage, and ineed he is to old for the calipyso show right now thank you my boy for your many years and rest in peace
Boy!boy!boy! I am convinced that the majority of DNO readers don’t thoroughly read before posting their comments. The man is talking about the internal /behind the scene bureaucracy that controls the process….You guys really need to understand before you guys start typing….Jesus Christ, man. He is not talking about party politics – as in DLP or UWP….zoute sot.
Did he say that to you in private because he sure did not say it to the public. There is a big difference in saying that there is too much politics in the executive of the calypso association or in the background versus saying there is too much politics in calypso. We did not read it wrong; he said it wrong. If you want to clarify for him I have no problem but when you want to look for a SOT, check in your mirror!!
You may be right, however, sometimes we are so quick to rush to judgement that we neglect to see what is really being said…
You and I have only the news items to go by. My point remains: The article did not explicitly say anything about what the man meant when he said “it is too political”. Everyone is on DNO making assumptions that he meant that the songs that are an intrinsic part of carnival is marred with political lingo. He said that the Calypso competition is becoming to political. In universal and acceptable jargon, when someone says that an organization or process is political, they are most often referring to bureaucratic mechanisms that control something.
It would only be rational to make this assumption, because even Scrunter knows that the bedrock of Kaiso is politics – as in governmental, party politics, and bobol, etc.
I cannot understand, where has the origin and meaning of calypso gone? I have seen those greater than us and who have claimed to create calypso, Trinidadians do nothing but talk about politics in calypso . If you were really a calypsonian you would understand its history from creation and realize that there is no limit or boundaries which confine calypso . Calypso is created from that which is prominent in society and what most relates to the people . If you want to cast blame on the calypsonian for that which is extended and consistently bombarded on the people you have to go further than just removing yourself from the Competition but also turning off your radios and not exposing yourself to any sort of media coverage . You are now becoming that which you are trying to avoid” a negative topic” Mr Scrunter you should have also been cautious in your action as you have been representative of a party by the song in which they carried . Your action has thus placed a negative stigma on the party as . If you were a truly good calypsonian that observation would have been a topic for a hit , a true calypsonian. As for the followers , I hope in no way does their ignorance and irrational behaviour fuel our radio media to place everything back to which they always do, to –SKERRITT . If you dont like your environment use that which gives you voice, CALYPSO: a culture created just for that EXPRESSION
I am a fan of Scrunter but I don’t share his views at all, I see nothing wrong in political commentary. Scrunter himself has had songs in the past which were in favour of a particular political party so I am really surprised that he would now criticize Pat. I agree that there should be some balance but he is no position to say so because he has done the same in the past.
Scrunti i heard you at stardom tent playing politics in a sly and cunning way. You were just lauding the Pm. To be honest, you were sounding so silly singing for your supper. You are nothing but a bloody opportunist. oh, on a different note, I analysed your song and it has no sound bite to it. if you had to use that weak composition in the calypso competition, you would not have made it past the quarter finals. Accept the fact; you are just a has been caslypsonian that is why you are so sour about the other calypsos. You made your fate and buried yourself when you refused to sing about issues that affect the people. Your hypocrite.
C.D sell no more and I think is time we change this competition into high gear with a mix of our local bouyon music.For the past 20 or more years is a recycle of the same songs which reach no further than marigot and some make it in peoples backyard in new York and london.Another idea for new writers to show writing skills is to allow only 2 songs per writer for the compitition.the songs way to local for the international market.spread your wings writers millions of topics out der.
Right on. Im quite certain that some of those posts are from insiders. Thanks for the support. I was starting to feel outnumbered.
Scrunter is right because the king maker only write against the ruling party and most of his compositions will make it to the finals.This dude write a full album against the government and deliver it to singers who cannot pen a song.
Come on Scrunter you used to be very political in your calypsoes so what are you talking about?
calypso is politics, and politics is calypso. you are just scared of the competition.
you are just a coward.
calypso is politics baccanal wat u cant say on d street carnival and calypso is the time to throw it out so come on hit d politicians let us know wat dey doin if there is no politics there is nol carnival
Calypso is the voice of the people. You and your masters thinks they could suppress the voice of the people by shutting them up from the national media. The people will speak.
EH EH SCRUNTI U SEEM TO BE GETTING EARLY ALZHEIMER’S. YOU ARE ONE OF THE MOST
CONTROVERSIAL CALYPSOINANS, BUT YOU ONLY SING CONTENTIOUS SONGS WHEN YOU ARE GIVEN LUMP SUMS FROM THE POWERS THAT BE. SO WHAT, THEY ARE NOT BUYING YOU ANY MORE? THE MONEY SOURCE HAS DRIED UP? WHY ARE YOU SO SILENT?
CALYPSO IS THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE. CALYPSONIANS LET OUR VOICES BE HEARD. SING FOR US. KAISOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MAMA.
In my opinion this statement was an immature statement. If he is dissatisfied with the level of politics in calypso, then write a song which has a slang; bring new meaning to calypso instead of complaining.
not ‘slang’ a different slant I meant
SCRUNTY BABY, THIS A HORSE RACE NO PLACE FOR A DONKEY, MAYBE NEXT YEAR
There can never be enough politics in calypso. It is the very essence of this art form to satirize, whether it be our former masters, the ruling classes or the political establishment that has taken their place, in short those in authority whether it be social, religious or political. It is a very important safety valve to vent emotions that otherwise may manifest themselves in more violent ways and those that feel targetted by the lyrics should feel some pride, albeit it sometimes a “warped” one, that they are important enough to be “honoured” in this way. Above all, we should not take ourselves too serious! Thank God for calypso.
That how it has been all the time WHY now he making NOISE DON”T DRY brother you lucky u out because of what you did. According to a writer earlier on FAREWELL. TOO STRONG FOR YOU.
Scrunter started calypso with is first song on mamo so what you talking about now ???? is she hunting you? are you regretting or your sins have you covered that you will never shine again??how biased you are!!
Is he saying that the process that governs the calypso competition is too political? When he says political, I don’t think he is referring to politics – vis-a-vis, singing about political affiliation or party politics, or the state of political affairs in DA. He is referring to the internal bureaucracy that governs the entire process.
If, however, he really means political, as in political affiliation, government politics, etc; then he really isn’t making any sense, because Kaiso has always been political driven.
scrunter for your information…. the definition of calypso is…..CALYPSO IS SOCIAL AND POLITICAL COMMENTARY…….. scrunter for the past 5 years and more you have failed to produce any good social or political commentary….you have made finals several times …just on your name only…not on the material that you have produced….
you need to listen to your calypso of now and those of the 90’s …its the same sh*& you have sang for years…
the reason why your calypso has shown little or no improvement is because you have been writing your own songs….and you have run out of ideas and creativity…..
i like to see u perform scrunter but my advise to u is get a new writer…and stop criticising the persons who have made an effort to bring out some touching political commentary…..
never forget where calypso came from….it was a mouthpiece of the slaves to express themselves against massa……now we have a new massa in dca….SO CALYPSONIANS MUST SPEAK AND THEY MUST SPEAK LOUDLY
I agree with that. The man is essetially killing democracy. Besides a form of democratic expression he once enjoyed and flourished on. So this one baffles me. AND his reaon is so ambiguos. I mean he should have said on my doctors advice, my voice box cannot make it. We could have swallowed that pill, but to mention “too political”. Calypso and other artforms are really subjectively critiqued. we all know that. Whether it’s internal politics meaning the management of the artform,or the political atmopshere of the country, we cannot escape that, because we are dealing with human beings who come with built in biases. So I find it rather cowardly on his part. Clearly exhibiting signs of a sore loser. I suppose nobody coming “for corn” anymore.
I agree with you Scruntie; calypso is too political. Well, I await your efforts to change that by writing a calypso that is not political; that is if you have the capability of writing a song. For years it was good for the goose. Suddenly it is bad for the gander. We all can see through your nonsense. You know full well that your reign has ended. It ended a while back though you did not get the message. We know you well, too well. We also asked ourselves ‘Who will guard the guards’ because apparently the guards needed guarding. Therefore, my advice would be, stop talking. You talk too much. You talk so much that you told us to guard the guards.
Politics is Dominica just how calypso is carnival. Next time you want media attention and you know your peepwi sink in the lamb batam, just say you were not prepared. It is the right thing to do as a big man. Good luck my friend and do enjoy your retirement. The art form has revolutionized and we are sorry you could not keep up the pace. Apparently calypso is young man ting!!
Let me give you some free advice; the quadrille seem to fit you like a glove. You are at the right age. Your vocalizations are perfect for this art. The calypso boat has sailed but the quadrille boat just docked. Hop on my friend and smooth sailing!!
what scrunter said might be true or it might not be true, but i think the calypso show should be an event for people to enjoy their self and forget about the politics for a while.
you will NEVER get that because calypso was born out of the very thing you are asking us to forget. Boy d world really turning upside down. How d hell we go leave politics outta kaiso? Is one and d same!! It nice tohear a writer put down some lyrics, and a musiccian fix dat and a creative signer perform d hell outta d song all about politics. LONG LIVE KAISO
How short is the memory of scrunter? He is now displaying the psychological defense mechanism of projection. For a long time, one wondered whether scrunter was himself a politician or given a special assignment to sing for the political party that made him happy and jolly. But here comes mighty scrunter in 2011 with a repentant heart echoing the sentiment that the songs thing year are too politically motivated- or might one say – are inspired by the fertile soil of political bachannal that exist in the world today. Or perhaps, their is a wave of conversion taking place and the mighty scrunter has become a change person. Hurray Mighty Scrunter. One is hoping that mighty scrunter never be heard or seen singing for any political party in Dominica again. If not it might be a sign that his competitors are much to mighty for him and indeed calypso is really Big Big Big man thing! if mighty scrunter is really a calypso maestro as he purports himself to be- let him come out and sing at anytime irrespective of the calypso themes or times – win the crown or take his licks like a big big big big big man! Come and win the crown and change the landscape of calypso forever in Dominica.
Perhaps scunter pweeeeee
SO TRUE. How quickly they forget.
Scrunter, you know that you can’t stand the heat so you are staying away from the kitchen. Who feels it knows it all. Farewell to thee oh king! Don’t blame it on politics.
Scrunter and Hunter trying their best to avoid singing about the political corruption and anarchy in Dominica. Just when I expect to hear another “ Sucking The Country dry” song from Hunter . Right now he has concrete on his tongue and cannot sing. .
Scrunti I urge you to sit and listen to recordings of your contribution over the years. Take your top ten hits, scrutinize them, listen carefully and tell me how many that were not political. By the way, I have been one of your fans and I truly loved your ability to bring out the political mess in calypso like “I will look into it” and so on. Come better than that Scrunti!
I agree with you Scrunter. There should be more calypsoes about fostering unity among Dominicans towards building up your country. We will miss you in the competition
What do you think this is? An Independence season calypso show?
Anonymous……………you does give it to me eh? big lol
se sa meme. Calypso is about maypwee and beth, otherwise is gosple music. people like me is juicy lyrics i want in my calypso.
A lah scruntie….. Dat u do your boi Clyde . Boi u are somtin else.take out the shame now thAt’s a very brave start. Doh waste time n money.
scrunter knows that he cannot make it anywhere, now that king dice is back…this year will be great…scrunter start practicing for next year…hope that will be enough time.
tell scrunter go an sleep ehh. so much politics he talk about!! he cant come in dicey and karessah foot now. scrunter should all be in prison for the money he steal.that he want them calypsoians to sing about??
scunter u lie if skiret had given u a big money to make a song for him u would do it . now u seeing calypso have to much politics from the time u enter in it it was politics when u sing about piero it was politics .i as a calypso lover knew u would not have made it this year with this song u have .
Who sang the song “Blue Vex”?… Scrunter, why didn’t you put that in song? that the calypsos are becoming too political? That would have been a good message.
I cyah believe it! I just cyah believe! Scrunter what happen you are a born again calypsonian? so much political calypso you done sing all of a sudden it too political….. LMAO
But that’s what is happening now? The air is filled with politics Scrunter so come better than that. Your song not in it this year say that!!! Pshhh!!! And even if you don’t have to make your song political. it’s up to you to make it different..Best you said that you have to undergo surgery than come with that political excuse wi pal..
i agree with you disclaimer 500% lmao
shut up!! you were one of the most political calypsonians ….SO Paix Bouche ou!!
MY dear Scrunter everthing in modern life is political. Scrunter has always been political. Apparently
this year he is unable or not willing to defend his political masters.He is also afraid of the fierce
competition this year. So he has no choice but to stand down. You won’t be missed with you Sorry A*& songs…Bye BYE.!!!!!
What is Scrunter talking about, didn;t he say he retired. because they exposing the corruption, you trying to get a scapegoat….
scrunter just say u dont have a song this year to battle wats out their
Step-aside old boy, make way for new talent!!
Somebody please explain to me in credible, sensisible terms why TWENTY (20) SEMIFINALISTS from LAST YEAR, LAST YEAR, should skip the first round of competition and enter at the quarterfinal stage? And imagine there are only TWELVE (12) selected from the first round, commonly called eliminations.
And how is it that eliminations are held LONG BEFORE any tent is opened?
The association is just doing a bunch of sh*& that nobody is looking at because they just enjoying their calypso. Things will never change if the big boys running it continue to dominate and run things?
That is why no Dominican calypsonian is marketable outside of Dominica, except for Hunter and Daddy Chess in recent years.
After all the long story Lady B still make it thru. Hope she takes this opportunity to practice her song and deliver it on the night and not get carried away with the crowd response which many calypsonians do and don’t realize especially people like SOS.
Well done scunti. Politics killing the country too much. I support your decision. I just hole that calypsonians start using their influence to spread live and show people how to elevate themselves rather than join in pointless bickering
So I see you supporting vomit and turn round and eat too. But d man singing on politics all d time, so for him to use that as an excuse is silly! He needs a BETTER excuse. Dats y he go get blows ofr clothes on DNO
Scrunter say he fed up with that cause that is incompetence…lol…
canawe ca de shordea bondye nwea, truth be told scrunter you see no way where you can make it even from eliminations among these new comers. If calypsonians are suppose to be social commentators why make an big thing about calypso is too political
SCRUNTER KA MATEE. HIS TIME IS LONG GONE. WHEN HE HEARD THE COMPETITION HE REALIZE THAT THIS WAS THE END OF HIM. SO TO AVOID BEING KICKED OUT HE GRACEFULLY WALKED OUT. BUT HE SHOULD TELL THE TRUTH. HE LEFT BECAUSE HE JUST CAN’T MAKE THE CUT ANYMORE.
I like it political, politics makes good social commentary.