Try and try as we may, it really just always come down to the performance, and the night. I am starting to think that calypso is a celestial lesson about the dangers of predicting. For the most part though, give and take minor disagreements about one or two, most of the judges’ verdict seemed plausible to the impressive audience gathered at the Newtown Savannah last night. When it was over, after the band had topped itself yet again, after the welcomed visit from Franklyn Moses, after the trying efforts of the MC-Duo Val and Alex, after the exercise of umbrella opening and closing, the ladies were sent home, the PHD dissertations were sent home, and veterans were sent home.
Lady Star’s Bail and Rachel’s Disappearing Men failed to receive the judges’ nod and the audience’s appeal. Elektra’s Woman’s Worth dismissal was more of a surprise, but on a night when all–including the drunks– came with a game face on, she proved weaker than her previous showing. Sye and Beno’s epistles, Legacy and On the Same Boat respectively, were possibilities but again, in such a competitive arena, they were elbowed out. Explosion’s Unity lacked the punch and satire he has spoiled us with while Scrunter gambled on a new composition. He delivered as only Scrunter can, armed with an ex-tempo quickness but Difffe Follow didn’t prove as strong a composition. It didn’t help that he bravely followed Deros’ Ba Yo Blanc Balen, and when asked to choose between the two arguments, the patrons made their choice clear with resounding rounds of boos. Jama B’s On me Back, sweet in melody but traveling the globe with lyrics went as far as it could go, while as admirable and competent as Soul Puss and Checker were with Not a Dictator and When I Die, there simply wasn’t enough space for them in the finals—according to the judges.
Caressah started the night off, and set a standard for others to follow. Gentle Rest remains one of the best penned double-entendres of the season and like so many of those who will join him at the finals, the delivery was calm, professionally simple and effective. Ghetto Prince won the night with passion. He was not merely singing a song but living through an experience in Stockfarm Blues. It is that authenticity which seemed to have resonated with those gathered at the semis. Black Diamond put aside the power of calypso to ask if We Want Black Diamond as King. He must have been relieved to hear both the crowd and judges answer yes. More bouncy than what we have heard from him thus far, it was a confident performance. His wiser than-his-calypso-years observations on the vicious cycle that is calypso were practical ones and just enough to push him through. Many had counted him out, but he stayed in.
Hunter’s cries for Another Young Man Gone did not fall on deaf ears. He was solid. He may have been more impactful in his previous foray, but there was no doubting the completeness of the calypso, as well as the delivery. But the award for amazing, stunning performance of the night has to go to Deros. Where the lyrics fell short, he compensated with energy, rendition and desire. Deros wanted a spot in the finals as much as his song wants justice for Mano. With a sea of candles, the vestments of a priest, and a searing image of former Magistrate Emmanuel, the judges had little excuse to bypass him. The theme of social awareness continued on with Ras Kelly’s Papa It‘s You. Recognizing that a verbal masterpiece is only half the battle, Ras Kelly moved. Although his interactions with the drug-dealer replica who formed part of his presentation may have made him dangerously excited, just seeing him move from a planted spot was refreshing. His willingness to work the stage coupled with a formidable song cemented his position in the chosen ten.
Daddy Chess’ contribution Madness is a trickster. It’s up-tempo nature tempts you into revelry and enjoyment distracting you from realizing the lyrical powerhouse that this calypso is. Add the fact that he is a seasoned stage-man, there is no querying why he found the judges’ favor. And then of course, there are the voices. Webb and Bobb are so naturally gifted that they could sing ABC and charm you. Webb’s Legacy and Bob’s Find a Way received mixed responses, but are of the ilk that forces you to stand at attention.
As if by the gods’ design, Shadow Flow, his bar, and his rum boys ended the show. Make no mistake, Shadow Flow came to compete, and so confident was he, that he proudly declared see you at the finals. Prophetic words but not quite what he may have had in mind. We look forward to seeing you too Shadow Flow, but as a guest artist, not a competitor. And from the look and sound of things, the guest artists are the true Kings of Calypso-illegal kings anyway, as Chris B and Daddy Miller are testament to crowd favorites.
So yes, the round table is complete. Nine songs have met the seal of approval to challenge the reigning monarch Dice. We await the releases of second songs so we can do what we calypso lovers love–prepare to judge, even though the judges have humbled us many a times as they remind us to leave the judging to them!
Wow!
Excellent review
Elektra should have made it. She has the best song for the season and she sings and performs very well. i also think Shadow flow should have made it. Ras Kelly and Derose have no place in finals
Nadine, Caressa, Ashton Riviere all brilliant writers, is it a Riviere thing? Not forgetting Parar Riviere
Such a great article. Exquisite, Wish I could read more of these more often.
In my humble opinion Caressah is the best Calypsonian in Dominica over the last decade. I know that the Dice fanatics will attempt to dispute but I am not here for an argument, just stating my opinion. “Gentle Rest” is truly a masterpiece and embodies true Calypso. It is a stinging social commentary that makes use of humor, inference and double-entendre to drive home an issue that is of great concern. CAressah’s delivery is exceptional. I honestly believe that he is under-appreciated.
I fully concur. I think he should be the favorite for the crown this year.
And I always wonder “When will he be recognized?” I hope sooner rather than later.
perfect writing!
great piece of commentary!
For years now Barbados has moved away from away from the defending monarch format and has had much success with it. The monarch is for that crop over say 2012 is 2012 and crop over 2013 everybody starts from stretch because it is a new year, your reign is over there is no defending of the crown you have to compete for the crown like everyone else. It levels the playing field for everyone. I personally would like to see Dice compete from the quarts like the other calypsonians; I believe it would enrich the quality of the show and make the monarch more of a unique achievement, just a thought.
Fabulously written article again from this lady.
Very well written indeed.
“Recognizing that a verbal masterpiece is only half the battle, Ras Kelly moved……just seeing him move from a planted spot was refreshing.” – Hilarious Nadine ! Trust you. Thanks for the review.
This is an excellent written review. Well thought of and put together. Great job Nadine Riviere!
“Try and try as we may, it really just always come down to the performance, and the night”-This line needs to be reviewed.
The quality of writing of the first few lines of any article either holds attention or dismisses it. Why “it really just always come down? Or the performance and the night? Are the two separate?
Excellent Review. Very descriptive yet easy to read.
whoever wrote this commentary must be gifted.very well put together
well written Riviere. I must say that the semi finals was well judged this was a very tight competition so let us not be negative and be honest well deserved positions. please wait for a good finals
Hats off to the judges job was difficult but well done Kudos to you judges
Well, Nadine, I will include this in my archive. I appreciate your skill and style of writing and the analysis you offered in this piece.
I believe Electra and even Shadow Flow should have been in the final nine. I would have left out Hunter. He did not impress me. Although Electra’s voice was not always perfect throughout her rendition, she did enough with a well put together song, which is easily one of the best this season. Calypso is not necessarily about serious topics. It is also about fun, being comical and succeeds in that style when the material is creatively produced. I find Shadow Flow’s piece funny, with good arrangement and a bounce that makes it worthy of road march status. He should have been a competitor at the final.
After Scrunter, Rachel was my biggest disappointment of the night. What happened to her voice? Her voice was not suitable for competition on the night. She also went way off key with some of the notes. That’s not the Rachel who won the Q95’S QTS competition and vied at the Cooperative Division’s calypson show and whom, rightly so, has been compared favourably with Singing Sandra of TnT.
Black Diamond’s We Want Black Diamond As King is not as lyrically streong as last year’s Pit Toilet, but he deserves to be in the final. The guy delivered with great confidence in a voice that is made for calypso. The guy is a natural. And it is because he is a genuine talent that people warm to him. I have no doubt he will actually and legitimately be crowned King soon with excellent songs.
This piece made you wanna read on, good Job
the judges did a great job,and we collectively thank them,I just felt bad for soul puss..his peformance was solid,and his song serves to remind us what power in one person hands can lead to.see you next yr my brodah..let the games begin !!
excellent piece once again miss riviere.
Fabulous Commentary. Great work DNO
GREAT WORK NADINE RIVIERE!!!
DNO can we have a review of the Junior Calypsonians please. That would be great!
Please put the fun back in Calypso. The commentary although very serious topics in society have to be flavored with humour and rythym and that is where Lady Star, Electra and the others are lacking
We need more Karessas
Nice overview Nadine.
This is so well written.