It was a quarters that felt like a finals. It was a battle that hinged a lot on performance as so many songs could rival each other for dominance. The band played impressively, while the mc kept the show moving at a brisk pace, only stopping for a few one liners, to keep the patrons smiling in between acts. It was a tough night, deciding who would be in and who would be out.
Most of the show happened in the first half. Despite some micro-phone infractions that could have thrown off opening act Triumph, who was followed by a similar dispassioned but equally witty Man Himself, when Leona took that mic, there was no doubt that the show was off and running. Voice- check, lyrics-check, melody-check, performance-check. Checks would continue on for Chris B who was as smooth as a glass of water and Webb who was as majestic as Alexander the Great must have been when he stood tall to survey his battle conquests along the Meditteranean. Beetle J proved an enchanting addition to the list of the ‘in-crowd’ displacing habitual favorites such as Soul Puss and Ghetto Prince, who had rather forgettable performances this go around. But Soul Puss has had the luck of the draw in the past, inching his way in even when he has been booted out, so you just never know with him.
The scoreboard would continue to place ticks next to veterans who never fail to impress. Hunter, Daddy Chess, Checker, Observer and Boople easily found favor, but the true giants of this competition were Bobb, who could even be described as flawless, Black Diamond, an oxymoron, who while young, seems to have such a mastery of old-style caiso, and the come-back story of the night, Superior Picky, the Superior title being well deserved. Although perhaps he may have gotten a bit too excited on stage, he was truly deserving of his tick.
It could have gone either way for Explosion and Young Bull. Despite difficulties with Explosion’s articulation, and Young Bull’s key, or even a full grasp of the different branches of their message, they managed to edge their way in. But, a different fate awaited Trendsetter, who regardless of this year being one of his better attempts at being ‘accepted’ into the group, it was not enough. Similarly, Lady Star, who also performed admirably, was left out to reorient her tongue for next year. Speaking of ladies, Sugar S learnt that no amount of money money money coud sway the judges in her favor. Struggling with her key, as well as a song that had to match up against the likes of the songs of the ‘it-guys’ which came before, was a near impossible challenge. Deros too, failed to resonate as did Checko who continues to be all over the place with his material. Ras Kelly made it easy on the judges and himself by bowing out after his first verse. It was an honest admission when he sang “I am Sorry” as it was obvious he was struggling from the start. Shadow Flow was also honest when he sang “I doh come for crown.” He simply couldn’t have!
New comer Alisha, did succumb to the Pressure of wanting to ‘fit in” unlike the Wave or Jay Dee. However, regardless of having well composed songs in I Must Speak and China Man respectively, regarding their performance, they will quickly need to find a confident footing on stage–Wave needing to come out more, and Jay Dee needing to come out less.
Rounding off the survivors were Beno, blessed with a beautiful voice and calm presence that brought forth a hopeful albeit hackneyed message of peace; Sye, though not as formidable as past years, but stuck to his winning formula of the law; and Logas who struck a chord with his echoes of Nurse. Yes, it was a good night for calypso. And with this group moving forward, the semis are already promising to be quite a battle royale.
What a great read! This was a well written. You kept my attention all through. Just wanted to commend the writer for this expressive piece.
We’ll done judges.
Leona i wish you focus on youself,you are, an assured performer;you doe have to let people try and disturb your meditation with their pre conceived notion about your writer.You are a sure finalist if you continue to do what you been doing,stay away from talk,keep working on your art,you will get a good song from your writer,you just have to work it proper,Stay away from the other calypsonian and their talks,because it is a vicious atmosphere;this calypso competition;trust your instinct and go out there and do your thing.If you do your thing like you do it in the QTS final,you going to give every body worries;my boy Dice and all,you have all what THEY wanted Sandy to have,THEY just did not prepare her properly;Road match and Crown is yours for the taking,it’s up to you my girl.GOOD LUCK.
This piece was well written. it held my interest.
Very good performance and song by Leona — hope she has a good second song to win the crown
Picky I wish you luck.
The show was well done and as I have expressed before Kelly The Ghost had been the destabilizer. There was an article on another web site with Alex Bruno expressing his disgust about the political influence in the calypso. Well peeps Kelly The Ghost is the real culprit and he obviously leads Hunter. Guys like Pat Aaron, Jacko, Tim are writers and whether or not their songs are politically charged or not that is their right but when guys like Hunter and Ghost are manipulating the calypso association to favor politicians and their political parties.
Now I wonder if Alex was simply venting his disappointment with Sandy controversial departure from the competition or he was truly hinting that Kelly The Ghost and hunter should be expelled from the calypso executive.
I love Hunter but it is only in our Dominica today where people are rewarded for corruption and dishonesty that Hunter can within months of his cheating scandal become president of the Calypso association. If the integrity of the art form of calypso is of paramount importance to the calypsonians and the association then Hunter should not have been allowed to sit on the executive.
So someone should write a calypso that promotes dishonesty as the way to go in order to be recognized in Dominica.
By the way Nadine this a very well written article. This is the second piece from you that I’ve read and thus far there is consistency. great job
Wow lovely read. I look forward to the battle of the Titans at the semis!
Excellent commentary
lots of love over here in Afghanistan brother.
I just making children and I cannot get a job a job a job so ah turning chiney tonightso gimme my chapopie I doh come for crown.
Impressive piece Miss Riviere. Great review of the best Quarter Finals i have witnessed. Keep writing
Nadine, You really write well. I am so proud of you. Your writing is picturesque and vivid. I feel I was at the show. Congratulations. Please continue.
Congrats to all who made it thru.. First quarterfinals that was of high standard. i know the judges had a tough time picking at least who the last 3 would have been but great job indeed.
But why do Calypsonians (these days) always dress like dey in a burial nuh??? White gloves like the queen and funny looking suits.