Calypso lovers can expect exciting performances when 12 calypsonians compete for the Stardom Monarch of the Tent tonight at Krazy Kokonuts.
The contenders are Bassy, Checker, Observer, Mighty DBS, Intruder, Big Jeff, Man Himself, Son of de Saint, Leandra, Lady Star and De Energizer.
Other guest performers are Scrunter, Hunter, Delah as well as Judgment and Tasha P who are first-time calypsonians and were not included in the Stardom Tent competition.
Chairman of the Stardom Tent Norman Letang said in addition to the calypsonians, there will be exciting performances from Gutter La Peau Kabwit, Waitukubuli Dancers, Giselle Pierre and her band, Dominica Grammar School’s Teenage Pageant contestant Ladisha Murrain will perform her dance talent.
Letang blamed the commencement of the slow calypso season on the recently held general elections. He said the campaign period delayed production for a number of calypsonians.
“The season started slow. I suppose because of the election. The election affected Christmas and new years and it affected the Stardom Tent. People came out with their tunes late, people waited after election and I suppose that was the problem.
Even in the quarter finals when Leandra sang Leandra was clearly one of the best in quarter finals in two verses, but she had really got the third verse the day before and she forgot it. Even in the semi finals one or two people made errors because they had additional verses. So things were definitely late and I’m sure it’s because of the election and quite a few calypsonians suffered for that. My heart hurt me for Leandra, and Tarina, [who] would have been a host of a difference in the competition. But this isn’t the end of the world; they’ll be there next year,” he noted
Letang said the momentum has built up however, and anticipates a very big show tonight.
“Now the calypsos are really popular as you would realize, because I can’t remember hearing more calypsos on the radio than I’ve heard in the last weeks,” he added.
Mercury Band members, Roseau Cooperative Credit Union t-shirt band members and the Exotica Band will display their costumes on stage at tonight’s event.
The prize for the Stardom winner is $3,000 and various gifts.
NOTE TO READERS: DNO apologises for the error of including Karessah’s name as one of the competitors. We were told by organisers he would have been part of the lineup.
it’s the King KARESSAH and SOUL PUSS all the way ….go MARIGOT go..
Stardom should have furnished DNO with the judging criteria man; but, I feel Energizer taking dat eh. “Look at sexy girls, plenty sexy girls. If not Energizer then Kahressah it is for me eh. BTW what time does the show start nah?