I take full and total responsibility – Karessa

Karessah speaking to the media after winning one of his four titles

2017 calypso monarch, Karessah, has apologized for aborting his performance during the first round of the 2018 calypso competition on Saturday.

At the beginning of the 3rd verse of his song “De Encounter”, Karessa suddenly stopped singing, uttered the words “That’s it for the Karessah” and walked off stage. He was not allowed to sing again in that round and did not perform in the second round. There was no clear explanation then, either from Karessah or the Dominica Calypso Association, as to what had happened.

In a statement released on Monday morning, the four-time calypso monarch apologized for what he described as his “very unusual behaviour on the night of the finals.”

“I want to take full responsibility and total responsibility for my very unusual behaviour on the night of the finals irrespective of what may have contributed to it. I sincerely apologize to the Dominican public, the Dominica Calypso Association, the honourable judges, calypso lovers, my team, my sponsor and my many fans who continue to reach out to me day after day. I am very, very sorry for the hurt and the pain that you experienced during this encounter.”

Expressing the hope that the issue would soon be put to rest, Karessah gave the assurance that he would continue to support calypso.

“Be assured that I will continue to support the calypso art form and my fellow calypsonians. Calypso is bigger than anyone of us. No matter how controversial it may be, it is one of the many glues that keep our people together,” the former calypso monarch stated.

He congratulated the 2018 monarch, Bobb, whom he described as a very hard worker and “a true calypso champion.” He also had words of praise for the nine finalists who he said worked very hard to put on a “spectacular event under challenging circumstances” and the Dominica Calypso Association for their “tremendous work” in keeping calypso and by extension, the 2018 carnival season, alive.

Calypso lovers will no doubt welcome this statement from Karessah; they will also be hoping that at some stage, this well-respected and admired calypso veteran will give a full explanation of what happened to him at the finals and whether he will continue to participate in future calypso competitions.

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48 Comments

  1. CONSCIOUS
    February 15, 2018

    Man I still love you and calypso. You are better than a doctor precription because it is not drugs. A lot of people waited for their medicine, stood in line, scrape for the money to grt that medicine and also lose sleep. Some people travel to Dominica just for that dosage of your calypso.
    You are better than a psychiatrist. We are all human and have personal issues. Man we need you especially after Maria. Hold on strong and come back better I am waiting. Two more years if you need that. Love you Man.

  2. newsmen
    February 15, 2018

    King tongue tie..i want to know how it was tie….was it side to side or tip to tip…caisoooo

  3. newsmen
    February 15, 2018

    you owe me Kareesah

    • Food
      February 15, 2018

      Eight dollars? Lol :lol:

  4. Fair is Fair
    February 14, 2018

    That’s not the Karessah! I’m a fan and it’s not in his DNA to behave like that. Something must have gone wrong and REALLY WRONG. I’m not in agreement with this unusual behavior but let’s look at the bigger picture. What went wrong? The Band? The MC? The Stage Manager? This only leaves space for the association on a whole to look back and see what improvements need to be done. For crying out loud We need an all star band! Interchange the MCs and give everyone a fair chance at getting the crown. Stop the prejudice.

  5. Cow bite man
    February 14, 2018

    unacceptable!! suspend him for two years.

  6. L power
    February 13, 2018

    Best you finish with that, you will never be king again!

  7. Maria
    February 13, 2018

    The DCA does not have a penalty clause in its contract with the calypsonians to deal with situations like these? Or do they have a contract at all? It means that every calypsonian who was not satisfied with his performance on the night could walk away mid-song and leave the audience kra-na-na! That’s madness! Whatever the situation is that affected Karessa’s performance, there is no justification of walking out on patrons the way he did and for that he has to be disciplined to prevent such occurrence in the future with our copycat mentality. If he was hired by a promoter to perform and behaved in that manner, he would be facing a serious suit.
    I feel for Karessa but your behavior is unacceptable brother and just as children have to face the music for bad behavior you too must accept some level of punishment for what you too will agree to be unacceptable. The West Indies players and others in international sports pay penalties all the time, for just slow over rates.

  8. Dominican Passports
    February 13, 2018

    Dno I hope y’all report how bad the carnival was this year, this is the worst it’s ever been… We can’t do worse than that…

    • mine
      February 14, 2018

      Why can’t you give credit for courage and strength for having a carnival for what they went through.

      • indira Ghandi
        February 14, 2018

        Dominicans should be praying and not forming the fool in the streets.

  9. Vanessa
    February 13, 2018

    Everyone kept saying how disappointed they were and how they pay 80 dollars etc, but no one has pondered on how he felt, what went wrong and how painful it was , maybe still is and how depressed he must be feeling right now. How bad he must be feeling, how agonizing it maybe knowing he let down himself and his fans. We don’t know the number of emotions his going through. I empathise with u, Karessa. Be strong in the Lord. Love u. A True Fan.

    • Weekenz
      February 15, 2018

      Typical Dominicans, don’t trust them

  10. sylvester Cadette
    February 13, 2018

    KARESSA, I was so, so disappointed to hear of this unusual behavior, especially as one of my past students and one of my favorite calypsonians. I was disappointed especially on what it did to the fans.

    But I was also very proud of you to have accepted full responsibility and to go further to apologies profusely and sincerely.
    Now that you have done that it may be wise to explain to the public what happened: not necessarily to open wounds or to justify your actions, as indeed your actions were not justified in the circumstance and I think you said it.

    Your apology shows humility. You may have to show recompense so if the Calypso Association fine you, accept it in full stride; if they don’t then be happy all the more.

    I pray success to you in all further endeavors.

    HEBREWS 12:11 says
    “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby”.

  11. CALYPSO LOVER
    February 13, 2018

    Karressah cheated me and tried to cheat calypso. He made a mistake, tried to blame the band, then asked the judges to wipe out his score so he can come sing again. This is total and complete and utter rubbish coming from Karressah, a king of calypso and one who also speaks of character of a king.

    On top of it all he did not perform in the second round. Your apology is not accepted and will not be accepted. Other, much younger Calypsonians has made the same mistakes as you did in the past and they stayed on the stage, gave their full performance and still performed in the second round to the best of their ability.

    KARRESSAH YOUR APOLOGY IS NOT ACCEPTED …………..

    THANKS.

  12. Graneau
    February 13, 2018

    Karessah you falter know one to be blem but at the end of the day i do hope you come with a good come back next year. Word of advice you have the perfect title you forgot your song sing on that note and i belive when i say you owe us a YouTube vedio on your songs after all we paid for show which you was part of i want the rest of my show. Thank you

  13. Just Sayin
    February 13, 2018

    Karessah that right there is a pathetic apology. Your behavior was unprofessional, you were an embarrassment to the Calypso Association, and all Dominicans. The event was being streamed live worldwide, and you could be heard on ComeSee TV ……….. acting like a petulant child. You ought to be ashamed, and banned from competition for at least two years. You were the reigning King and with that title comes the expectation of professionalism. Whatever the case may have been, you should have defended your crown like a professional then launch your complaints with the association as opposed to throwing a tantrum. I seriously hope that the Calypso Association suspends, fines or levee some sought of reprimand against you.

  14. jay
    February 13, 2018

    While an apology is welcomed because that’s the appropriate thing to do I think the Calypso Association should take this matter very serious..I think that he should be disciplined and be banned from competiing for the next two years.It’s time we as a country take things seriously and act professional.. There should also be a contractual agreement between the calypsonians and the Association I hope; and once that is bridged disciplinary measures should be executed.

  15. February 13, 2018

    No matter how good the apology sounds it is too little too late. If the apology had come on the night of the show it could be acceptable, he had all during the intermission to consider his apology but he thought otherwise. Karessa showed that for an educated person he is deficient in manners and very unprofessional.

  16. True fan NYC
    February 12, 2018

    I was so disappointed, Karessah. I stayed up just to watch your performance. You know, you can really put on a show like no other. It would have been great if you performed in round two, not to win but to satisfy your true fans. I’m still so disappointed but hey, only you know what you were feeling. I forgive you.

  17. Mac
    February 12, 2018

    Don’t worry you will come back stronger

  18. King Bobb? Sounds Strange.
    February 12, 2018

    When you coming and give us the 2 king tie performance na? we waiting. You can just do a music video on youtube.

  19. Fr. Franklyn Cuffy,
    February 12, 2018

    King Karessah, let me be one of the first to accept your apology. It may seems a long time ago, but you touched many lives by your commitment and dedication, especially during and after “Camp Rescue Londonderry”. Again I want to thank you on behalf of TEAM RESCUE.
    “It’s impossible to feel sad or have any negative feeling when you’re grateful. if you’re in the midst of a difficult situation, look for something to be grateful for”. (Rhonda Byrne)

  20. We Not Real
    February 12, 2018

    My brother your apology makes no sense whatsoever. You were the defending king and I paid my $80.00 to come see you and give my support. Mic was alright, musicians were on top of their game. You blundered and if you didn’t stop no one would have noticed that. Up to this time I am yet to figure what went wrong. You just had to keep singing and up your performance in the second round, like you did last year. I felt cheated by you and as an example to others, you should be suspended

    • CARTREATS
      February 12, 2018

      suspension may be too strong a punishment

    • HUSH
      February 13, 2018

      @ we not real you are a fool….the man apologize let it go….you don’t know what went wrong, you don’t know how the man was feeling….you can imagine the disappointment he felt by making that blunder??? don’t be so heartless…I understand you were disappointed I was too…but at the end of the day the crowd boo the man a little after they announced him for the second round….Dominicans too bad and that was of poor poor taste I felt sorry for the man when I heard that and had it been YOU I am certain you too would not have come back to a crowd so negative.

  21. Roy Williams
    February 12, 2018

    That was not unusual, Karessah, you did the same thing years ago and blamed Swin in Stars. In the heat of all the excitement you forgot the song, and all you had to do was to come back in the second round and apologize. Right now, to little, to late. You did not even have the courtesy to appear with the rest of the other calypsonians in order to get the results. Your behavior was unbecoming of a king. The Roseau river with all its flow is not enough to clean the embarrassment you have brought about on yourself.

    • Rep
      February 13, 2018

      Well said. We let guys off the hook too easily. He apologized yes…but that was days later…he also did not give an explanation. Guys screw up on stage all the time but they don’t disrespect their piers by abandoning the competition. This is unacceptable. Apology accepted but that won’t be forgotten.

    • mine
      February 13, 2018

      He was man enough to apologized. Those of no first cast the first stone.

  22. NUWP
    February 12, 2018

    That’s a statesman.

    You sounded like you from vile case.

    That is how real men opperates when they do something which is not of their kind or nature.

    I can’t believe you from Marigot brother. Sooooooooo much difference as compeared to that one……………..

    Carnival just pass not calling name. ?????

    But I wish you well and better got for next year brother

    • Dictionary
      February 13, 2018

      Operates NOT Opperates
      Compared NOT Compeared.

    • mine
      February 13, 2018

      Don’t put Vieille Case in you nonsense he is from Marigot. What V/Case has to do with what happened. Remember Bassi sang few years ago and also with Karresa missing shoe.

    • February 14, 2018

      Yes he is from the village of Marigot do you have a problem with that NUWP. I would like to know what has the village people done to the rest of Dominica you a so ridiculous.

    • wanna be passport seller
      February 15, 2018

      vile case……where is that ?

  23. February 12, 2018

    I’m one of his fans and I was very disappointed with his behavior so it’s comforting to know that he has taken full responsibility of his actions, but he should have taken to the stage to complete the second song but he didn’t, any way, it’s up to the Calypso Association to discipline him. I hope that behavior will never show it’s face again because we love our Carnival and Calypso .

    Today we have a new Calypso King BOB and that’s wonderful

  24. KID ON THE BLOCK
    February 12, 2018

    Bassi said it some years aback…. VOODOOO IN THE CALYPSO!

  25. Justice
    February 12, 2018

    It seems that he can’t last one round now. Lol

    • Sochin
      February 14, 2018

      Hahaha I see what you did there *wink wink* lol

  26. Listener
    February 12, 2018

    He was told to take a nose dive so they won’t have another 2 king tie ???

  27. ??
    February 12, 2018

    .. and that’s it??? Karessa is my king but when people pay lots of money to see a good show it is unacceptable to behave in such a manner without any consequences. It’s ok to mess up but to just walk of the stage and decide you are finished for the night is a huge disappoint to the fans and those whose place he took in the finals. I call for a full investigation by the calypso association and demand that a fine be imposed on him. I think there should be a greater responsibility among the artists once they have made it to the finals. Had it been Dice or any other artist, i think there should be consequences.

    • Stressed
      February 13, 2018

      Your king …and money u worry about….lol.sound more like a hater…if it was somebody else they maybe would die …he took full responsibility..cut the man some slacks he is not a machine and sounds sincere..are u always perfect..Do we not forgive for worse…one mistake and crucify him..omg the man has done a lot to keep the authenticity of the art forms alive in Da….one set alone to mess up lol…Karessah let calypso association discipline you….

    • DJ WASY B
      February 13, 2018

      RESPECT BRO LIVE LOVE LEARN LEAD IN UNITY 8)

    • Dominican Passports
      February 13, 2018

      Does the other contestants matter? :lol: :lol: Is always Dice, Karessa, Tasha p, Daddy chess, Hunter, Bobb, and all the other known calypsonians who making it in the top 4… Everybody else just there to make de show longer. :roll: :roll: :roll: :evil:

  28. February 12, 2018

    Excellent. I appreciate your acceptance of responsibility for the unfortunate incident last Saturday evening. I was surprised at your conduct and heavily criticized it. You have proven yourself to be the man I always thought you were with this statement. All the best .

  29. Shaka Zulu
    February 12, 2018

    Sound like a sincere apology. I wa :lol: s dissapointed that he did not perform second song. He is one of my favorite. Well we all have to be humbled at times apology accepted.
    Anyway last time you sang about secound round and how is in second round you strong. Them girls like to boast bow you even better in the second round. I see a good one on your head next year. Seems like the calypso viagra aint work, or you forget to take. you aint even last one round. Is like you get a real whipping and a lashing from Maria without viagra. You stop shut and run no one cannot find you for the second round LOL… :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

  30. mine
    February 12, 2018

    I was very disappointed for what happened but in life things happened you are not the first and wont’ be the last. Karresah, life must goes on its not the end of the world.

  31. LifeandDeath
    February 12, 2018

    King Karessah, this is a Welcome statement. Very unusual behavior indeed but this speaks to the pressure all our performers undergo to put on a show for patrons.
    Karessa, though we fall from time to time, there’s hope in getting up again..next time please come out to perform your second song. That was the biggest blunder of all..

  32. jihan
    February 12, 2018

    Thanks for the apology,but you need to explain the reason for your debacle.

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