The Queen is Gone; Long Live the King!
Nadine Riviere - Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 at 10:28 AM
Here, the King, and until recently, with the explosion of women’s liberation, the monarch, is an appointed position, not an elected one. Rome convened senators, Britain parliamentarians, ancient Indians, elders to select their chief. Sometimes it was hereditary. In Dominica, a panel of judges sit back and request open auditions in order to determine our nation’s monarch. Open auditions mean that we would all be invited to royal court to view the one Knight who would be chosen our King Arthur of the Round Table. We already had a Queen–a talented one at that. Her reign was perhaps a rich one, echoing feminism, and maternal concerns. She seemed to be enjoying her reign tremendously, to the point that she boldly declared to her subjects that she had no intention of leaving. Some feared that another year would offer more of the same while others believed that her generic principled approach was not severe enough for a leader. So, her throne was being threatened by a contrasting, disparate lot, whose sole commonality was their hunger for her crown.
The court jesters, Alex and Bull, did their best to entertain and engage us. Although not jugglers or cart- wheelers, they were still armed with a bag of banter, as well as a bag of clothes, to provide levity between moments of angst and tension. We would indeed need their facetiousness for the competition to come.
Explosion stepped forward. Quite a select group of genteel ladies and gentlemen felt that his quick wit and somber musings were appropriate qualities for a king. Unfortunately, in matters of state, a sturdy memory is equally important, and when in addressing us he struggled to find all his words, the choice among Win, Lose or Draw became perilous. Given a second chance his practiced recitation though flawless, seemed dull, and in an era of grand theatrical productions, his support on stage, basic. His manifesto of Pasta Wine, was considered, but sadly, not approved.
This is a country which feels that youth is one of the better pre-requisites of leadership. Vigilante then could be a good choice. While energy and vitality are key to good governance, it’s always a risk to start with exuberance rather than calm. Some may even describe this approach as back to front. Still, if the strategy is to grab and thrill, then mellow and inspire, why not–as long as nothing is repeated and no one forgotten.
As we stared at the retreating steps of the first two candidates, things looked bleak for the auditions and the kingdom. Then, confident Bobb appeared with the saving hands of Jesus–literally! It was clear that morality and values would be of tantamount importance to his rule if given the throne. He formidably expressed his concern for the plight of children, and exhorted, albeit with distracting demonstrations, that lest we change, the walls would come crumbling around us. Possible, we thought to ourselves. We would store him in mind for future vetting.
When your majority is the humble, grassroots may be the way to go. Soul Puss stirred our souls, appealed to our consciousness, then reaffirmed our pride. In reminding us in both self and stage dressing that we must go back to the soil, and in resolutely asserting that in this Black History month, we will never be a slave again, many were convinced that he just could be the one. But would the elders concur?
The next prospect was one already beloved by the people. Four times before he had reigned over hearts and land, and perhaps as many times he had been defeated in battle. As this warrior faced his audience, he was undeterred in his purpose and unerring–almost–in his delivery. As a student, he tugged at our emotions when he proclaimed the nobility of the teaching profession, and as a militant, he commandeered our consciences in his exposition of true confessions. Choreographed, coordinated, and appropriately combative, Dice informed the judges that he intended to wear the crown. But with a false start to a second verse of a second song, murmurs in the crowd whispered uncertainty.
The “Knight in Shining Armor” often refers to the charismatic hero who saves, charms and dazzles. That said, Webb saved his best performance for last, displayed his delightfully charming voice, while dazzling those willing to separate an unassuming personality from an austere performer. With an arsenal of cohesive lyrics, charming melodies, infectious harmonies, would the judges be swayed to give him any flowers on this night or would the obvious Sisserrou Singers folksong influence overshadow the hard hitting thrust that is calypso? Perhaps, the victory would just lie in the delivery. The judges would decide.
Showmanship is the tactical method of Caressah. To get lost in the theatrics is to get lost in the song. Not this time! On both counts, the stage seemed to feel strangely empty by Caressah’s standards, with few props and even less actors. Nonetheless, the plight of the poor and underprivileged as well as reversed domestic abuse would be the sounding call of his administration if appointed King. His proposals were deserving of further thought.
New to the coronation process, a rather restrained Checko took the stage to speak on behalf of citizen Marcella who feared that prominent people were bugging her. Weak in mask, but explosive in controversy. He continued on with the randomly laced but immensely enjoyable am-pm concept. But the fire and drive which had propelled him to the Round Table was doused and tempered. Could it be the overwhelming reality of finals or the discomforts of daring lyrics inhibiting him?
Closing the auditions was the dogged, persistent and often overlooked Sye–tenacious in his hope for recognition and approval. As he belted out his belief that he would overcome one day, his mountain prop stood tauntingly in the background with an elusive crown on top. Was the fact that he never reached the crown by the song’s end foreshadowing of the night’s end? Consistent in his quest for justice and order in society, the long arm of the law man bemoaned the unsettling consequences of unsolved crimes. Yet, he too seemed defeated. Neither the honor of being the final competitor nor the knowledge that his contribution was a crowd favorite moved Sye beyond the mere expected, into the resonating challenger he has been before. Burn Burn Burn, already desperate in lyrics, became shy in delivery.
The coronation ceremony was announced and we assembled to find that Dice, again, would be king. The announcement was made to thunderous, fanatical applause. He would be flanked by Caressah, Webb and Bobb. A Queen is Gone, Long Live the King! The exclusion of Soul Puss left the judges unloved by many people. But the discontent will be short. As calypso patrons move on to the streets, and calypsonians regroup for next season, this latest excerpt in our country’s history and tradition is sealed into a time capsule. We will wait patiently, expectantly for the next installment, the next coronation. And just as it has always been, we will gather again in large numbers next year for what can easily be considered Dominica’s Super bowl, her Grammy’s, her Vocal Olympics. The disappointments, the amusements, the arguments, the controversies, the new comers, the stalwarts, the band and the fans, all combine to make the magic, the theater, that is calypso. So, we will keep coming back!!!
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80 Comments
i love dis article! well put together….one of the better pieces onDNO
Congratulations to all the calypsonians who made their contributions to calypso, from eleminations, tents, unto finals you all did your best to entertain us and address some real issues. It is with a sad heart that I read such comments on here, Denison Joseph, better known as KING DICE, is no different from our everyday youths, because I can surely inform you that all the wrongs happening among our youths is not because of him, but rather because SOME PARENTS and COMMUNITY MEMBERS are no role models themselves,(take this moment to reflect on your life style).So before we seat here remembering his past or looking for all sorts of negative things to say about him, let us work with him to make him a better person, a better calypsonian, a better Dominican youth.
I GLAD WI!
A little crown tashaP get she want to be singin about haters and scene…where the haterz???
a crown u get pple gonna hate on u??
mamzel hav too much varry and she like to think she better than people. Go an learn to dress like ur age! shite!
Talkin bout i aint leavin! well he draggg u out wi!!!
Are you a hater?????
NEVER!
Ms.Riviere you have done it again! there wasn’t one time i stopped reading, because you had me from start to end…bravo to u! and to the 2nd year Lit majors @ DSC, we larrrrge!
I am always amazed at the direction that people’s minds take at the slightest thing! How did the article become about Dice? The article wasn’t discouraging, it wasn’t disparaging or negative. It was an exact summing up of events as it took place. We are sometimes to shallow and narrow minded in our approaches. We need to take a step back sometimes and act intelligently.
Beautiful piece of writing. This piece excellently captures the calypsos and calypsonians to a” T”. Love it.
The queen said she eh leaving her man but her man left her. DICEEEEE AGAINNNNNNN
No matther who wins it’s an issue. Dice Again and stop reminding him of his past, try to help him to be a better individual in the future. The same thing was done to Tasha P last year, when she won EVERYTHING she may have done in the past was brought out on DNO. Let us praise our people and NOT bring them down.
it wasn’t meant for dice
alas from queen to nothing lol
Are you a hatter????????????
To the people who say that dice doesn’t sing…I mean…come on. Really? He may not be the best character off stage but he was born to SING. I wish he would polish up his act off stage so that he could represent the complete package and be a talented young man who is al
so a role model. Dice happens to be naturally charisma. He naturally commands ur attention. I just hope he believes enough in himself to conduct himself in a decent manner and not as a side show. He clearly won even though swinging stars tried to sabotage. lol
Yep..yep…yep
Congratulations to King Dice, but is not just happy he won. Please Dice fans, tell him to be more of a roll model to the youth with his language on the road, the way he wears his pants on the road because on Saturday night on the stage I saw his pants can be proper on him and that he has a waist. Also when he goes out to other countries, to repersent Dominica, please do it properly not just in song but in atitude also.
Don’t be smoked up before performing anywhere. Dice Don’t make the term “getto man or the other name they gave to you” be used to do the wrong. You are a very educated man, you know right from wrong. Be a “ROLL MODEL” for our youths . Thanks
Listen to “Advice” from Scrunter and you will get an idea of a great calypso. I a fan of Sye and I like “Seiko Secko.” It is a great jumping song to complement Scrunters “Advice.” Scrunter’s writing is so muture and way above those nursry rhymes that some of the others are singing. Listen to “Advice” and then Dice songs and you will understand what I am talking about.
I calypso there must be poetry and that means good choice of words to rhyme and good rhythm. The use of figures of speech help enhance poetry and the melodic arrangement of the rhythm of the poem will cause music to come alive. If good musical orchestration eg. how the notes are arrange in every measure and how the insrtuments are put together to accompany the song the song is gonna be great.
I do not know Sye second song but if, he had a second song like “Advice” that would be great.
The king had a good messege but the was lack of good melodic flow in is song. He might was well go on the stage a talk the lyrics. that is not good melodic flow to win a crown. He just simply gave a speech.
Your writing is interesting. Your command and knowledge of the language is great but, your knowledge of music is limited. Because of the lack of musically knowledge of the judges the wrong person always ends up being king.
It is well known that the King talks his words and not sing. how can the judges not see that. He has been doing that for years and getting away with it.
Is this another Nadine masterpiece DNO?? If it is then give the young lady her flowers while she’s alive. I have really been enjoying her writings over the last weeks and this one is certainly truely well-written.
Hats of to the writer. You surely should consider writing calypsos!!!!!!
Can’t say much about the calypso show and the judging, but I can certainly commend the writer of this piece. Quite different, interesting, informative and inspirational. I hope that students studying literature inparticular would have read it and take something from it and teachers too, will acknowledge it as a piece that they could use to actually teach a class. DNO really need to use and invest in this writer. Good job. BRAVO!
Tasha P went out there and REPRESENTED Dominica. Wonder how many of us can say the same of our 5-time King who was in the national carnival parade with his pants under his butt yesterday….dispicable.
glad others saw his behaviour. and where was he parading with the Queen, 99% of the time walking like a gangsta. But i blame the parade officials for his attitude and coming to the official parade with his pants below his butt. Will he be allowed to attend the prize giving ceremony this way.
THAT’S A GOOD QUESTION
SHUT UP YOUR MOUTH!!!!! Is carnival! he can dress however he pleases! you too rude! i hope u were decently dressed tooo…smdh! allu too like to brin down allu own people ..Live DICE ALONE! DICE AGAIN!
That u hear wi! wappen he die nuh!!???
Leav my king get busy!!!
A nice read for an early Wednesday morning…I liked. Good job!
never will i go to calypso show again – very unfair judging – excellent piece – certainly brought out the point that dice made errors but was still crowned king – nonsense.
let it be known that I am not a Dice fan but a calypso lover and one must pay attention to the songs. The error Dice made was not major and worthy of huge point deduction – he did not repeat lines/verses. His melody, lyrics and renditions for both songs were magnificent in fact perfect.
The Queen did not answer the key question although she is articulate but won the crown because she EXCELLED in the other categories. Let’s be fair and understand the point distribution before attacking.
Think of taking a driving test. You can pass the test if you loose a certain number of points, however, if you fail to signal or touch the curb while parking it is automatic failure. Got it?
Dice fan or not, you will agree, that is if you listen to the presentations properly, that he talks alot of his words, where then is his melody and flowing lyrics
Dice Didn’t have a false start. The video is avaliable for the next 5 days on DNO look at it listen to it and then reply. In the recorded version of the song he wispers “King Dice” between verses when he puts the mic to his mouth he wispers “Dice” listen carefully he puts the mic to his mouth again but says nothing. The reason being the music was a littler slower than the recorded version and he waits, the next time he puts the mic to his mouth he begins “Lots of signs” while we on the topic of highlighting mistakes, Tasha p second song “I Eh leaving” third verse ends with the line saying “Bring It Bring It” as she is ready for anything. In the competion on saturday the third verse she instead says “They can come with fouchette and rod go back to de drawing board” this is the closing line for the second verse and she repeated it now we being caught up in the song might miss it but the judges didnt so quit hating on the judging. Dice has been consistent whole season topping both quaters and semies, so why is it a suprise that he could beat them again. The only calysponian he didnt beat before was the mornach and with the her little blunder she didn’t find favor with the judges.
Come on since when judges have to Voler for Dice to win the man is a performer with good voice and solid material. while I love Karessah wit stage presence he goes all out at semies and king of the tent and on finals night I find His peformance some what lacking and i dont know if its because we have seen it already. But this is my opinion
dice didnt have a false start? modara!
i totally agree to the point rasta made whe he asked “since when judges have to voler for Dice to win?” Usually they voler for him NOT to win… Like Tarzan in the Jungle. I looked at the video several times and im still looking for the mistake. If anything they should have added extra points for the ability to RECOVER flawlessly. lol
you right; judges never voler for Dice to win. So one cam immagine how well he did. He has been short-changed many time over they years; if not he would have been king from beginning to end.
Nice piece of writing, but can admin tell us who wrote this.
Written by Nadine Riviere
Today in competition, it is now accepted that you can make mistakes and still win the crown.That is what you call preferential treatment. The judges have been very biased from the eliminations to the end.They knew from the beginning who they wanted.
So true. They come to the competition with their king in mind. Dice talked a lot in his song this time around. This was the worse judging ever in calypso. What about Soul Puss where does he feature in all this. Very unfair judging.
Great piece, well written and captivating. Love the way it was brought out.
*meant to write “tactfully”
Such magnificent writing! Tactful written and decorated with figures of speech! Superb!
ANY ONE ENTERING THE CALYPSO COMPETITION FROM A TO Z ARE THERE TO WIN THE CROWN. WHY NOT THE DICE AGAIN? BLACK PEOPLE AE RACIST AMONG THEIR OWN. IF VIGILANTE HAD WON THE COMPETITION, MANY DOMINICANS WOULD BE VERY NEGATIVE TOWARDS HIM. WHY TRY TO CRUSH PEOPLE AND NOT BUILD. THAT MUST STOP.
BOB MARLEY, BUJU BANTAN, WHITNEY HOUSTAN, STEVEN TYLER, LISA MANELLI, AND MANY OTHERS, DESPITE THEIR SHORT COMINGS, WERE ALL ACCEPTED AS MUCICAL ICONS IN THEIR COMMUNITIES AND THE WORLD BY EXTENSION. THEY HAVE ALL MADE THEIR NAME IN THE ART FORM.
SOME PEOPLE ACT AS THOUGH THE DICE IS NOT A MUSICAL CANDIDATE BUT A POLITICAL CANDIDATE. HE CAN BE, BUT NOT NOW. IN A COUPLE YEARS TIME HE WILL BE READY. HE WILL BE A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR LABOUR IN GRANDBAY. HE WILL MOST LIKEY GET 95% OF THE VOTES. THEN, HE WILL BE REPRESENING YOU IN THE PARLIAMENT. MINISTER FOR CULTURE.
BACK TO CALYPSO; I FIND THE JUDGES WERE BASICALLY FAIR, THE SYSTEM OF JUDGING IS GOOD. HOWEVER, IF A MAN SINGS A VERSE TWICE. I DONT THINK THE PENALTY SHOULD BE TOO HARSH. ANSD IF ONE FORGET THEIR WORDS; IF THEY CAN DO A MAKE DO ON THE SPOT, THAT SHOULD BE ACCEPTED; BECAUSE IT SHOWS TALENT.
CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE WHO MADE IT; AND LONG LIVE AND REIGN YOUR MAJESTY, THE KING DICE. IS HE ONE THING IN THE A.M AND ANOTHER IN THE P.M? WELL HE HAS COMPANY.
PLEZZZZZZZZZZZZ WID A TEFFING CROWN
The Queen went all over the Caribbean and Nwe York and won a few shows and got Dominica noticed, the Long live the King as you have said has not won a thing anywhere else but Dominica.
Was king Dice or even Karessah ever given an opportunity to represent Dominica in a competition anywhere???
Dice has had several opportunities to perform overseas and all he keeps doing is embarrassing Dominica in New York and London.
No. Dice or Caressa were never given the opportunity to compete overseas. It is just consistent bias.
If they were given the opportunity; they would have rocked the stage and could automatically be given citizenships in the said countries just as the case with some cricketers.
I was surprised that Sour-sour stole the hearts of the people and orginisers in NY that he was offered to perform at a bigger stage. Tasha P needs to go back to the drawing board or get some tips from Sour-sour.
i would like to know if is the calypso association who sent her to compete, or is it a case of she on he rown going and compete?
The real question is Why other Kings before her were not sent to participate in regional competitions? AND why they were not offered scholarships to study? Scrunter, Hunter, Observer, Dice, Rabbit, Ency, Wizard and others……….. It is obvious that the way is made for a selected few.
let’s be fair
Why don’t you get your facts right. Dice was given a scholarship when he won the last time. Tasha P payed her way to participate in regional competitions. Try not to grudge others for their success in life, Pleasssssssse
THIS IS AN INTERESTING MESSAGE WHICH I ENJOYED
READING.
Well written and reflects an objective synopsis of the finals.
This was a deliberate attempt by the judges to exclude Soul Puss. I mean, The Webb? Come on. Tasha P, The song was weak, it made no sense. For a woman who delivered such powerful message one year ago, to be given this song was simply, a punishment. Not sure why. The song contain some strong words such as kill, lead them to hell, and wont leave even she getting blows. Nonetheless, I hope Tasha continue what she started last year and become an ambassador for the children. Please don’t give up.
YOu realize she didnt sing the song with kill and lead them to hell at the finals, right?
Come on!! Did you go to the show? Did you hear what songs she sang? You are unbelieavable!!!!~
By the way the song is “lead them off the road to hell.” If the radio stations had played the song (or understood it) you would have got the full meaning of the song. It is powerful. She did not sing it unfortunately.
Writer you have some class. I hope you’re not only a Calypso writer. For the reading public it would be great if you could tackle some other subjects/topics as the year roles on. That article is marked A+++
Bravo!!! Well written piece. Read every word and found it totally enchanting. Thank you! I applaud the calypsonians too for their hard work.
Very interestingly put together…. must be a writer!
journalism at it’s best
I adopt the comments and observations of “Not a Herd Follower”. This piece is genius and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Commendations to the writer and also to DNO.
The Dominica Social Justice & Peace Committee Inc. would like to join its voice in congratulating the Dominica Calypso Association, and all the Calypsoians and Writers, and Composers for a fantantic Carnival Season 2012.
Once again, the Justice & Peace Committee Inc. is offering $1000:00 (if not more) for the best “RESPECT LIFE” Calypso for 2013. {Tim Durant penned “Cry of the Unborn”, which was sang by D Webb” will be our yard stick). Tel 275 2708, 4493651, cuffy.franklyn@yahoo.com
I thoroughly enjoy this piece. The writing is almost hypnotic. It certainly captivates
Thanks to all concerned about honesty and tranparency in the calypso art form you (writer of that article) is not a judge because your account on the night and why Dice deserve to be crowned King of 2012 Calypso is suspect. You try to make it seem that Dice was short on delivery and judges missed that fact. Clearly your dislike Dice dethroning of the as you stated talented Tasha P and that seem to have left a bad taste in your mouth rightfully so as punishment for your blatant contempt for the 5 time calypso King Dice of Dominica. Haters will never prevail once Dice remains focus!! Dice again and you and yours cannot stop it!!
Dear Admin,
I am not a usual listener to calypso, but this writer has thrilled my mind. He/she sure makes the reader feels right there in the show and captures every moment of the activity. At the end you gasps for more (want to read more). Well done DNO please keep this writer on, he/she is right on Q. Kudos to you writer, Kudos!!!
Great article, i must say i enjoyed reading every line of it! do continue with these commenataries, even outside of the calypso arena; maybe political satire?
Nicely written. It will be nice to give the author credit then again, maybe the author wants to remain anonymous for obvious reasons.
DNO/Nadine…
Can you be any more cold with your headline? What has Tasha P done to deserve such derisive words.
Interestingly, I notice that her performance was described only in passing at the start of the piece??!!
No matter how we feel about Tasha P or Dice it is not necessary to be so unkind in words.
Btw, a stronger review would have dwelt more on the fact that Soul Puss was unfairly overlooked.
Further, I notice how we all seem to be glossing over the other fact that Dice made an error in his delivery of song 2. We continue to sing Dice again and make excuses for said error.
Then the very same ones of us condemn the fanatical DLP supporters who chant ‘we love our p.m.” win, lose or draw. And then we wonder what has become of Dominica.
OMG…. my sentiments exactly.. I’ve been saying the same thing whole weekend.
Dominicansa have a blinded loyalty to whom ever they support. Some people ots politics and Skerrit can do no evil, for other is Dice and or Pat Aaron; and a even with our bands, we blindly support either CK or KKK without giving the other side a chance.
I went to the show not liking Bobb for a long time, i never liked his voice for calpso, however on that night, i fell in love with him. on the other hand i love the Webb and after that night i felt that Soul Puss should have had his place in the top 4.
How many of us went to the park with out king or queen and didnt actually listen to the lyrics, melody and presentation of the other 9 calypsonians. too many people went to the park with the attitude that Dice was going there to dethrone Tasha P and totally fogetting that it was 10 calypsonians in the competition.
I do not consider myself a calpyso fan … but i am definitely a fan of the writer of this commentary. Bravo! A job very well done as usual
. I am even learning to like the art just because you write so well about it. Well done! So rich!
How long will this continue to happen. Even if we’ve heard of Louis Ist to Louis 14th, they were all different people. I’m fed up of that nonesense, 5th crown? How boring!
Well-written. I really enjoyed. I hope Dominicans appreciate all the talent that we have. The fact that the competition is tight is a testament to that. People need to stop disparaging Dice. Judge the man on his talent. We idolize much worst characters like Vibes Cartel or Mavado or what his name is.
This is arguable the worst Calypso Finals that I ever attended. Both rounds were flat except for CARESSA, King Dice and SYE in the second round.
It was evident that the ONE VIDEO concept expoused by Benout was true in all form. DICE had two lyrically strong songs while the others were left with weak second songs.
Its DICE again for PAT
my centiments exactly we may not have liked Beno for dissing King Dicey but the words of that song “one video” were truly manifested on the night of the finals talk about a midiocre show come on man DFC and calypso committee.
@ Mistery I would like to know your definition of a weak song Second Song because I thought Bob “Crumbling Walls” was strong also “Back To the Soil” by Soul puss and Viglante’S “Second Chances” was so emotionally charged and strong I felt it was in the ranks of Dice “Help My Brothers For Me”
The Queen is gone.. but she is not dead! Though she should be in the regal circle, her fate was decided primarily due to the lack melodic fervor in her otherwise lyrically poignant renditions. She has made an indelible mark in the history of Calypso.
We honour the King in all his regal splendour but Tasha P will always be a Queen in the hearts of Calypso lovers.
I love Dominica Calypso!!
Awesome Writing! (y)
well done hats off to u. you did it again a marvelous piece. have a bless carnival.
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