Calypsonian, Julian ‘Superior Picky’ Lockhart, has said he may be asking for a lot, but if he had his way, dethroning the seven-time Calypso Monarch Dennison ‘Dice’ Joseph would be his next big achievement.
The popular calypsonian, who recently turned 61, hails from Harlem, Newtown and has been singing Calypso for the past 47 years.
He is described as the oldest and longest performing calypsonian in Dominica.
“The first song I sang on stage was ‘Newtown Square’ in 1968 at Windsor Park as a guest artiste,” he told Dominica News Online. “And the person who invited me to sing was Patrick Roland John, who was also one of my composers.”
Patrick Roland John would later became the first Prime Minister of Dominica and Superior Picky said he was instrumental in assisting him in mastering the craft of Calypso.
The Calypsonian said his love for the artform goes far beyond his first performance.
“At the tender age of nine I was involved in Calypso, I started singing at school,” he stated.
Picky professes his love for music, but his first love has always been Calypso.
“I love music but in all music in the world is Calypso I love,” he stated.
Picky’s song ‘World Cup,’ which he performance at the semi-final competition held at the Newtown Savannah on Saturday, successfully secured him a position among the eight other calypsonians to go up against King Dice.
He said the placement came as no surprise to him.
“It wasn’t a surprise to me, I am accustomed. I just had to sing well and perform well,” he stated. “When I am singing a song and competing, I know it is good because I know calypso and I know what the people and what they like to hear me sing.”
His songs ‘World Cup’ and ‘Allegation,’ which are now hitting the air waves, were written by Ezra Dalrymple and arranged by Peter Letang.
Despite performing for almost half a century, Picky said he has no intentions of slowing down.
“I have no intentions to stop singing Calypso,” he said. “The only way I would stop is if I don’t have voice. I can be creeping on stage, I will not stop. Singing is part of my livelihood and my income.”
The veteran calypsonian stated that he has been “robbed” several times in his career.
“I came three times first runner-up and whole three times was robbery,” he noted.
He called on young people to ‘create a talent’ for themselves.
“Get something to do because everyone is a star in his own way,” he noted.
Picky also called on his fans to turn out in large numbers and continue to support him and the rest of the calypsonians on the night of the final to be held on February 14.
He may have his flaws but picky is one of the best Caisonians in Da
Good luck to Picky. I think he has served Dominica well singing Calipso, we all should recognise him for his contribution. But in my opinion, the only way picky is going to D# throne King Dice. He will have to knock him out!! Go Picky Go U can Do IT.
D whole roseau south and people all over are with you
Picky is my King, I always love picky songs, My favorite was anything for a penny.
Go picky! You got my favorite calypso for the season….good lyrics…sweet melody….way to go
Well I know that Picky will be reading this, all I can say to him is,on the night of the finals, be focus and keep ur head strong and do not drink TOO MUCH from the bottle. Will some one please convey this to him?
I meant to say “will NOT be reading”
Thought there was a age limit of 18 to compete on the big stage. You cold not have been competing at 13. Clear that throat with honey. And not too many helloes and hold its’. Whilst you have your eyes on the crown, close your eyes to other things. Strive for perfection. On a different note; I hope the venezuelan A, open eyes to the dangers ahead.