Dice takes on DFC for allegedly not recognizing his achievement

King Dice

Ten-time calypso crown winner, Dice, has taken the Dominica Festival Committee (DFC) to task for what appears to be its lack of recognition of his achievement. At the end of brief remarks he gave at a DFC press conference on Wednesday, he described the entire matter as “a big shame.”

“I also want to say before I leave, I don’t have too much to say”, the calypsonian, birth name Dennison Joseph, said. “If I came here as the ten-time calypso king to press conference DFC is doing – which is the Dominica Festival Committee, which deals with culture and they came here with their hands swinging without nothing to give King Dice for the ten times. This is a big shame. Thank you very much. Dice again.”

It may not have been what the DFC expected to hear when it called the press conference which took place at the Old Mill Cultural Center. Via statement, the organization said the press conference was called “to honor the winners of various national pageants and competitions, providing them with a platform to recount their captivating journeys and the profound impact of their victories. Their stories are a testament to the talent, hard work, and dedication that underpin the success of ‘The Real Mas’.”

Social media users quickly jumped on the matter with many supporting Dice.

“Even is a fruit basket they could give him as appreciation…is the big 10…if dice fans Kno him well..he would make noise for money…matter of principle…,” one person wrote on Facebook.

“The man is an ambassador to his country we should respect the man. Everything in that country is politics and dictatorship. That’s [why] we are back to front,” another wrote.

However, some believe that the DFC has no obligation to Dice.

“My 2 cents they are not obligated to give him anything even if he won 10 times [DFC] tho have money …” one person wrote on Facebook.

Dice is arguably one of the most decorated calypsonians in Dominica. According to the Dominica Calypso Association website, he is presently following in the footsteps of calypso greats like The Idol in the 60s, Solo in the 70s, and De Ency in the 80s. He won his first calypso competition in 1999 when he captured the crown in the Junior Monarch Calypso competition.

In 2002, he placed third in the national calypso competition with his song “Tarzan.” He first won the crown in 2004 with his hit “Animal Farm.” He successfully defended his crown in 2005 and 2006, which made him the third youngest calypsonian in 30 years to win three calypso crowns in three consecutive years.

He created history when he won the crown for the tenth time in 2024 after he defeated the 2023 monarch, Trilla-G.

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35 Comments

  1. Lin clown
    March 1, 2024

    As 10 times Calypso king,Dice should keep a show on his own with the help of ERC,instead of being a UWP puppet and begging for jumbee money.Let’s see how many people are going to attend Dice show.I went to a Calypso show in New York.I saw Dice on stage singing,dressed in white.That guy is a f++++++ disgrace,high on some kind of bush of something.An American friend had to ask me what the F+++ this guy was saying.I still have the CD where the man is singing pure coshonie.All you UWP people think the man can go overseas sing crap about government and make money?

  2. Me
    March 1, 2024

    he must boycot the competition one year..lets see how much money calypso will make…bye

  3. Man bite dogs
    March 1, 2024

    In my opinion Dice, is not worth a penny and shouldn’t have won on the night this is what I called calypso corruption and shouldn’t happen again.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 2 Thumb down 7
  4. mine
    March 1, 2024

    YOU asking for recognition from DFC from jumbie money. The ERC recognized the song writer and congratulate you. You got you recognition on Sunday singing with Lenox.

  5. Righteous
    February 29, 2024

    “I also want to say before I leave, I don’t have too much to say”. “If I came here as the ten-time calypso king to press conference DFC is doing – which is the Dominica Festival Committee, which deals with culture and they came here with their hands swinging without nothing to give King Dice for the ten times. This is a big shame. Thank you very much. Dice again.” Maybe Pat can fix that into a calypso for next year.
    “The man is an ambassador to his country we should respect the man. Everything in that country is politics and dictatorship”. Ambassador of which country? An ambassador of calypso that stays in Roseau at the forecourts. Once carnival is done is “Dice Again, see you next year.”
    #OLD

  6. Carlly
    February 29, 2024

    congratulations me Dice
    the DFC not obligated to give you any monetary gift. however the Dominica Calypso Association is obligated to pay you the Twenty thousand dollars.

  7. Tall is her body
    February 29, 2024

    History will be on Dice side. Giving someone their flowers while alive is not begging. Slaves fought for the freedoms we have today. Should they have asked nicely enough for it. They revolt. Calypso is about society in our case what is happening in our country.

  8. Tall is her body
    February 29, 2024

    History will be on Dice side. Slaves fought for our freedom today.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 7 Thumb down 5
  9. Gary
    February 29, 2024

    It is time we look at the calypso art form in Dominica in regard to
    regional and international prominence. Capturing the calypso title10 times
    locally does not necessarily mean you are an awesome Calypsonian, it is relative in comparison to the other competitors in the field at our local level, singing the same monotonous songs is not the treat of a talented Calypsonian. Can someone, tell me what Dice has done to elevate the art
    form to the regional level, representing Dominica, look at skinny fabulous out of St. Vincent who has taken the art form to the regional and international level, why has DIce not done that, is it the Government to blame.

    Dice behavior is just another script given to him to stir up controversy
    it’s not the first time, https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/general/breaking-news-dfc-terminates-agreement-with-dice/ it is just Dice again doing the work of sinister political operatives.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 5 Thumb down 7
    • Putin
      March 1, 2024

      Gary: “Can someone, tell me what Dice has done to elevate the art
      form to the regional level, representing Dominica, look at skinny fabulous out of St. Vincent who has taken the art form to the regional and international level, why has DIce not done that, is it the Government to blame.”

      DNO, the applause button, please!!!

  10. Putin
    February 29, 2024

    “If I came here as the ten-time calypso king to press conference DFC is doing – which is the Dominica Festival Committee, which deals with culture and they came here with their hands swinging without nothing to give King Dice for the ten times. This is a big shame.”

    What a ting, King Dice is begging for something 8-O . Aint dat a b*%#ch?! A man whose calypso career is driven by the same theme of no jumbie money and no begging is now begging the same folks with the jumbie money for something.

    Dice, a real man NEVER begs for recognition. Respect and recognition are earned.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 7 Thumb down 8
    • Input
      March 1, 2024

      “man whose calypso career is driven by the same theme of no jumbie money and no begging is now begging the same folks with the jumbie money for something.” I do agree with you there…..At least you are admitting that folks do have “Jumbie Money.” Thanks for not denying that truth. You’re truly Putin; not by choice, nor by mistake or coincidence. You are that man. The only single difference is that; the other Putin doesn’t sing for his supper like you do. Disgraceful HB.

  11. JAH KAL
    February 29, 2024

    Dicey i support you a 100% ,these people have no respect for you all i mean the calypsonian. For years you all making carnival what it is, after winning the crown your expenses for the season takes almost all of it, and thats it for calypso till next year .
    Then you have the festival and the sad part about it they are not even inviting you all to perform or give you all a time slot in the festival, but they have all kind of artiste paying lots of money to perform and the funny thing they have to pay them inUS dollars but the local artiste have to be paid in ECdollars. Observe boycott calypso for carnival 2025 and let see whats going to happen.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 8 Thumb down 8
  12. Jo
    February 29, 2024

    big up Dice and yes he does deserve so much more but also… so DNO tell me ..no news outlet is going to address the passport situation. It has been month I have filed for my passport and cannot receive. I know it wouldn’t be DBS but try to find out something..don’t know how else to get my message across

    ADMIN: This is an off topic comment.

    However, we wanted to let you know that if you have any helpful information that can support a news article you can email us at [email protected].

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 2 Thumb down 9
  13. Tenderly Calling
    February 29, 2024

    I’m so very glad that I’ve crossed over from death onto life. No more entangled with the affairs of this world. All my help comes from the Lord. Many “friends and foes” have tried to stop the flow of my blessings but my supply keeps coming and coming to the overflow. My defense is of the Lord. “The arms of flesh will fail you” don’t put your trust in man, don’t rely on man, don’t trust no man. Put all your trust in the faithful God for He will never fail you; He cannot fail; He alone is Faithful. Every disappointment is a blessing; so they say. So if you are disappointed today by someone just look to the Lord. He may have allowed this situation in your life so you could turn to Him who will not fall you. What God gives will endure; what man gives is simply Vanity. God is waiting for you to turn to Him. So do yourself a favor and go to God while you still have time.

  14. Lin clown
    February 29, 2024

    How you expect Dice to get $100,000 when all of all you,UWP say everybody broke?Dice is a UWP supporters and singing songs for UWP,the same way the media whore can raise millions for Lennox Linton,do the same for Dice.You cannot compare Dice with Trinidad calypsoians.After carnival Dice songs are dead,they make no sense to educated people in and out of Dominica.A 10 time Calypso king begging.That is what happens to aholes.After carnival not even the media whore playing Dice songs on q95.When Dice will stop lying in Calypso he will be taken seriously.
    .

  15. L C Matthew
    February 29, 2024

    Their stories are a testament to the talent, hard work, and dedication that underpin the success of ‘The Real Mas’.
    THEN REWARD THEM TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS!!!!

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 6
  16. Keep it real
    February 29, 2024

    People that on positions that can push the artist or help people in Dominica they don’t they don’t support they own criticize. And we all dice is on the left so they will never support him. SMH

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 7 Thumb down 9
    • Putin
      March 1, 2024

      Dice has access to the same free jumbie money and government-financed loans at the AID Bank as the next Dominican. If he wished to expand his bakery business, he could go to the Small Business Unit, NDFD, AID Bank, Red Clinic, his Parl Rep (all Parl Reps, Jesma included, are to receive $50,000 each month to conduct own Red Clinic) or even the NCCU.

      Then again, remember he told you that Government money is “jumbie money” that only “beggars” should accept. So, how are you asking for support from the Government for Dice?

  17. Ibo France
    February 29, 2024

    Everything in Dominica is contaminated by the dirty hands and filthy thoughts of the man who is presently seated at the apex of government.

    The electoral commission, the official armed forces, the judicial system, the parliament, the civil & public service, even the DCA and Carnival have not escaped Roosevelt’s unsanitary tentacles.

    Here is a Calypso Monarch who has not only accomplished a near impossible feat (10 times crowned Calypso King) and has contributed to the local carnival for many consecutive years. He brings many patrons to Carnival. His ‘pulling’ power has brought in tens of thousands of dollars for Dominica premier festival over the years. Despite this, no real appreciation nor recognition for this patriot. SMDH!

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 12 Thumb down 10
    • February 29, 2024

      Dice should be proud of his achievements. In capturing ten titles he has earned respect even from among his detractors. So to stand on a stage and beg for material things simple because of his entitlement mentality is shameful and disrespected. The DFC owes Dice nothing.

      Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 9 Thumb down 17
      • Putin
        March 1, 2024

        “Shameful,” indeed. Sans honte! I would add “no face, bold face.”

  18. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    February 28, 2024

    So, watch this: Michael Montano the 2024 Trinidad calypso monarch, for his rendition of soul of calypso, earned him TT$500,000.00, a Suzuki Grand Vitara value at TT$350,00 dollars.
    Roderick “Chuck” Gordon in third place took home TT$350,000.00
    The guy taking second place got paid TT$500,000.00 dollars!
    Money talks in the entertainment business, bullsh.. walk: the days of thanks for your help are over.
    Someone mentioned a fruit basket?
    Why do you people in Dominica or wherever you are like to take liberty with people, insults their intelligence!
    Soon they will say he has talent he only deserves a basket fruits.
    Man, if you are staving, don’t sing nothing.
    Money talks BS walk!

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 7
    • February 29, 2024

      Mr. Telemaque, the calypso monarch gets a cash price of about $20,000EC, not as much as Trinidad with its multimillion population. Dice is just been greedy.

      Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 8 Thumb down 18
      • Calypso lover
        February 29, 2024

        While the Calypso Monarch gets a winning cash prize of about $20,000.00 from the Dominica Calypso Association, the Calypso Monarch does not get all to himself, I believe the song writer gets a percentage of the winning, what that percentage is I don’t know, so Dice does get the full $20,000.00 in his hand. I stand corrected on that

        • CALYPSO LOVER
          March 1, 2024

          Correction, I meant to say Dice does not get the full $20,000.00 in his hand.

        • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
          March 1, 2024

          That might be if someone else wrote or cowrote the song.
          If the song is recorded and released the author also gets credit, his/her name appearing on that label.
          If Joseph writes all his lyrics every dime earns from that song belongs to him.
          Each time they play his song on DBS, Q 95 or any Radio Stations in the Caribbean, he should collect “Royalties.” Question is how do a guy in Dominica know when his song was played on another island unless he has people listening for him every day.
          You all can ask Mark Marie about that!

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        February 29, 2024

        Well, that is reasonable in a place like Dominica with a small population.
        Nevertheless, compare that to how much they pay a Jamaican dance hall brawler when they bring them to Dominica.
        He got more than what they pay the Grenada Monarchs who receives EC$15,000.00; the first runner-up gets EC$12,000.00, and the third person gets EC$10, 000.00.
        Maybe somebody should throw-in a motor vehicle in addition to the twenty thousand dollars; then again it all depends on sponsorship; which is scarce due to a lack of industrial industries.
        In any event, if the king is paid twenty thousand dollars, perhaps the controlling power makes more than ten times that, so they could give a little more.

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        February 29, 2024

        And I forgot to comment on this: The man is not greedy; he need to be; and should be appropriately satisfied for his talent!
        Believe it or not; singing, music; is a science, most educated people playing music are usually good at physics. Most people are not endowed with that. I mean anybody can say they are singing, pumping air through their nose, without any harmony.

        But; people like Joseph seem to be endowed with an art; therefore he should be paid for his art!

      • Eagle-Eyed
        March 1, 2024

        And his lyrics are all too tiresome. The same old anti-Skerrit, anti-labor, anti-government year after year. His calypsos belong on opposition parties political rallies / platforms, not to be featured on world music festivals lineups where we should only promote and project the positive aspects of our country to the world.

      • Putin
        March 1, 2024

        You are spot on, Point; greedy and suffering from an exaggerated sense of entitlement.

      • CALYPSO LOVER
        March 1, 2024

        Is something wrong with my reply Mr. Editor

  19. Love I
    February 28, 2024

    Definitely agree 100% King Dice!
    A token..a plaque….my gosh you have accomplished alot and these people have no shame.
    it’s not just talk..hope they give the Carnival Queen and others gifts. Last year they got nothing. Shame on the Committee.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 6
  20. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    February 28, 2024

    So how much has he earned over the ten years he won? It would interesting to know how much money the calypso king is paid when win the competition.
    On some Caribbean islands the king is paid many thousands of dollars.
    I understand his demeanor: in Dominica it’s always “thank you very much” these days that crap doesn’t pay any bill!
    Sympathy without help is no help at all!

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 7
  21. Those in robes
    February 28, 2024

    Dice….if u was singing what them like…then them would bring a check for u….but to heaven with them.. and their jumble money…..even priest telling people not to go where uwp have gathering.. . this is how this life is now…..

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 8

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