Fourteen finalists have been selected for the 3rd annual NCCU Cadence Lypso competition, scheduled for Saturday 18th October, where they will take on the challenge of dethroning reigning champion Cletus ‘Halibut’ Abraham.
The finalists were selected from the 31 entrants who took part in the elimination round, on Saturday, 30 August at the Harlem Plaza. Each performer sang two verses and two choruses and was judged on the lyrics and melody of their shortened compositions.
This is the first time in the competition’s history that there is an elimination round.
“We wanted the selection process to be more transparent,” says NCCU representative Marcel Harrigan. “Normally we have a panel that would listen to the audio submitted and then make a selection; but this year we wanted the Dominican public included so they could witness the process themselves.”
Returning performers include last year’s runner-up Shirley Charles, with her song “No More Division” and 2nd runner up Webster De Web Marie, who will sing “Sai Kai”.
New faces include Miriam Gerwig who impressed the ‘Harlem’ crowd with both her rendition of “Kochonni” and her guitar playing ability. Other new competitors include calypsonian Vigilante and Ian Jackson better-known for his talents behind the scene, namely as a journalist and calypso songwriter.
The NCCU Cadence Lypso show starts at 8:30 PM on October 18th. Tickets cost $50.00 in advance, $60 at the gate and VIP is $125.00. Tickets can be purchased at all Branches of the National Cooperative Credit Union Ltd.
See NCCU Cadence Lypso Finalists below:
Artist | Stage Name | Song |
John Mark | Mauzzers | Vengeance |
Cyril Henderson | De Elf | Plante Pou Wekolte |
Colette Ambo | Colette Ambo | Zanfan Se Pa Woch |
Steve Williams | Triumph | Mennen Vini, Pote Ale |
Emmanuel Salamat | Daddy Haxey | Kite Mwen An Pe |
Webster Marie | De Webb | Sai Kai |
Miriam Gerwig | Miriam | Kochonni |
Algernon Ducreay | Iration | Pawol Gwan Manman |
Ramadine Phillip | Kalfa P | Manman Soutiwe |
Ellis Serant | Ellis Serant | Wimesye Bondye |
Shirley Charles | Lady S | No More Division |
Ian Jackson | Jacko | Cry Africa |
Anton Joseph | White Fayrie | Pa Kite Mwen |
Raymond Vigilant | Vigilante | Wimed |
Cletus ‘Halibut’ Abraham Mahaut will be there in full force
Cletus ‘Halibut’ Abraham all the way
I thought that 15 finalists were to be chosen
Competition in order.