The accolades were heaped on those deemed deserving, as three former calypso kings, a prolific writer, and Dominica’s lone and leading Orchestra were inducted into the Dominica Calypso “Kaiso” Hall of Fame at a function at the Fort Young Hotel on Thursday night.
On hand for that presentation was overseas-based academic Vaughn “King Shakey” James, honoured for among other things being the youngest ever calypso king of Dominica. His “Debar Pou Debar” and “Hurricane David” renditions were remembered fondly at the event.
Former king Clive “Hurriance” Jean Jacque’s award was accepted on his behalf by his daughter(he is based overseas), writer Pat Aaron was represented by his brother Randy, while Daddy Chess – Swinging Star’s lead vocalist, did the honours for the band which continues to be an integral part of Dominica calypso, backing up the country’s calypsonians in the various national shows on an annual basis for about half a century now.
The fifth inductee, UK-based Gregg “Breaker” Bannis, is expected to have his award presented to him at a later date.
Hall of Fame recognition awards were also presented to current calypso monarch Tasha P, former calypso king Bernard “De Rabbit” Alexander, and deceased calypso show MC Urban Harrigan whose wife and son were on hand at the ceremony.
And June “Sandy” Norde, who performed at the event, was among five women promoting the art form given honorary mention.
Another performer there was teenager Black Diamond, who delighted the audience with his hit song “Pit Toilet” which had been expected to take him straight to the finals.
He had many fans in tears at the semi-finals when he forgot his lines and failed to make it to the finals.
This year’s function was the second such event – the first four years ago saw six calypsonians, among them Idol, Spark, Solo, the Ency, and Tokyo inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Organiser Alex “Pawol” Bruno has promised that the third Hall of Fame event will be held in 2016.
That’s a beautiful dress the queen is wearing; but this tall crown needs to go; to the pageant organizers – please get a more fashionable and smaller crown for the ladies.
Congratulations to the Hall of Fame inductees. Congratulations to the organizers, particularly to Alex Bruno for his ongoing work toward the promotion of the calypso art form.
Good to see King Shakey after so many years. He certainly has not forgotten the calypso world in spite of his many other accomplishments. Roseau was on fire with Daybay pour Daybay that Carnival.
I had not seen the Rabbit in many years. We remember tunes like “Charlie” and “Solomon”.
Keep up the good work.
Well my girl the crown for Miss USA and Miss Universe is made of Pearl it is a crown with value, behind it, so it must be smaller. Whenever the young women go out to the regional pageants, the crown is much higher than that, 12″ and up so we must learn to get all our information before we comment.
The crown should be smaller not taller
i love that dress Miss Dominica. and Tasha P its ggod to see you in a full dress….not tube
Eh Eh so what happen to King Dice who has won more titles than any other Calypsonian? And if Hurricane can get inducted then what about Hunter and Scrunter?
It is not how many crowns you have won. The criteria is based on a number of various points. Persons nominated are checked on their contribution to Calypso at different levels eg. writers, helping other calypsonians, developing the art form. Let us look at Pat Aaron for example, he has participated in competitions and also written many songs for many Calypsonians who have gone on to win the crown or pace in the top three. King Shakey has won the crown, road march titles, wrote songs for others who have also won and he was also president of the Association, all that done at a tender age of 17 years. Secondly, every person that deserves nomination cannot be nominated at the same time. This event happens every 4 years. Other persons will get their opportunity when it is due.
STUPES. THEN WHAT WOULD YOU SAY OF TASHA P? YOUR COMMENT IS BIAS.
I CONCUR. DICE IS NOW KNOWN AS THE BEST, NOT ONLY IN DOMINICA BUT TO THE CARIBBEAN BY EXTENSION. BESIDES WINNING CROWNS UPON CROWNS, HE IS THE ONLY MAN THAT THE ART TO DELIVER ANYTHING ON PAPER INTO SONG. HIS ARTISTIS DELIVERY CALLS FOR SOMETHING. THEY TOO BIAS AND NON APPRECIATIVE.ADDED TO THAT HE IS THE FIRST MAN TO WIN 5 ROAD MARCH CROWNS. HE HAS ALSO WON FOUR CROWNS. ONE OF THE AWARDIES GOOD HAVE WAITED FOR THE NEXT 4 YEARS. ‘CALYPSO LOVER’ COMMENT IS UNREASONABLE.
I CONCUR. DICE IS NOW KNOWN AS THE BEST, NOT ONLY IN DOMINICA BUT TO THE CARIBBEAN BY EXTENSION. BESIDES WINNING CROWNS UPON CROWNS, HE IS THE ONLY MAN WITH THE ART TO DELIVER ANYTHING ON PAPER INTO SONG. HIS ARTISTISTIC DELIVERY CALLS FOR SOMETHING. THEY TOO BIAS AND NON APPRECIATIVE.ADDED TO THAT HE IS THE FIRST MAN TO WIN 5 ROAD MARCH CROWNS. HE HAS ALSO WON FOUR CROWNS. ONE OF THE AWARDIES GOOD HAVE WAITED FOR THE NEXT 4 YEARS. ‘CALYPSO LOVER’ COMMENT IS UNREASONABLE.
** DICE WILL TAKE THE CROWN AGAIN! HOPE HE DOES NOT OVER DO AT THE FINALS. SPACE HERE: TO GIVE HIM A THUMBS UP.
‘FREE UP THE CALYPSO’, YOU ARE SOOOOOOOOOOO CORRECT. I BELEIVE THE COMMENT MADE BY ‘ANALYST’ WAS IN RESPONSE TO YOUR SMART COMMENT.
Im pretty sure that Scunter and Hunter will eventuallly get inducted.
I almost asked who is Miss Dominica 2011.
A question to the organizers of this Kaiso Hall of Fame Inductees Vibes. Why Mico from Portsmouth was not Inducted? I suppose this Roseau, Portsmouth rivalry is at all levels, if this is the case, then when will this brought to an end.
Portsmouth is in Dominica.
Just a little suggestion to the queen show organizers.its high time y’all change that crown man. That big thing those ladies have to carry on their heads so ugly.have a little more class.look @ the miss USA, universe show don’t u c the size of the crowns they wear.get smaller crowns. Man for the ladies.ladies r beautiful bit crowns r very ugly.
So the Queen’s smile is an issue for allu now. Some ppl just have to be critical. Find better things to do. Shate man!!!!
Was just saying I did not even know the name of the carnival queen cause they just don’t get much exposure in DA after carnival anymore, but she looks lovely.
Shakey never change eh. I am not surprised to see him in his tux. Very classy man; he always been that way.
Thats a beautiful dress Ms. Dominica is wearing!!!! That was the first thing that caught my eye.
that carnival queen 2011 have a huge smile eh,she froze that smile man lol
Thats a comment to make nah.stupessss
and apparently it’s a comment to like too. Just to be critical. Amazing!