Over 16 popular local Calypsonians are set to perform in the 12th Annual King of Kings Calypso Extravaganza in New York City on August 22.
The event is one which the Diaspora looks forward to every year and will be held at the Tropical Paradise Ballroom in Brooklyn.
It will be held in memory of the legendary, Hayden “Lord Tokyo” Desiree.
There will be performances by reigning Calypso King of Dominica, King Karessah, Hunter, Dice, Daddy Chess, Rabbit, Shakey, Tronada, The Bobb, Sye, 2015 Port King Mighty Pig Tail, 2015 Road March King, Lugaz and Young Bull, Queen Tasha P, King Scrunter, King Ency and Sheldon “De Professor” Alfred.
“The King of Kings show is the most biggest and organized Dominican event occurring outside of Dominica,” Executive Secretary of the Dominica Calypso Association, Daryl Bobb said at press conference held at the Calypso House in Bath Estate on Tuesday.
He said the King of Kings show provides a perfect platform for the promotion of Dominica’s calypso music.
“There is no other event that is well-organized and we felt the lapse and the many things that are controversial issues that arose when other people tried a similar show in New York City,” he stated. “It means that the King of Kings cannot be compared with anything else, it has set a standard for itself and I say that with no fear.”
He indicated that Dominicans should all play their part in promoting the event and standing by it.
“I would really like us to embrace this event…this is a tourism product and we all need to play our part,” he noted. “The Trinidadians are standing by their Diaspora events, so are the Bajans and St Lucians and we need to take that step forward and embrace the King of Kings because it is the best so far. We Dominicans need to take a more meaningful part in the event.”
He continued, “Let us take this to the next level as we embrace a Jazz Festival, we embrace a World Creole Music Festival, we need to embrace this calypso event because calypso has really been the impetus for cadence…”
Meanwhile, Director of Tourism Colin Piper said the event has showcased Dominica’s calypso talent and bring Dominicans living abroad together and, “to introduce Dominica to prospective visitors.”
“The performers at the King of Kings show are in fact ambassadors to Dominica’s music and culture and positively showcase who we are to those learning about us for the first time,” he stated. “We embrace the potential this event has to increase visitor arrivals, because it is a unique opportunity to get a visual of the Nature Island and our culture through our music.”
Piper encourages all Dominicans living in the North America to attend the show and urged them to bring a friend.
“We want all Dominican living abroad to introduce all things Dominican to their Caribbean and non-Caribbean friends in their respective places of residents…,” he urged.
He gave his word that the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) and the Dominica Festivals Committee (DFC) will do their best in terms of assisting with promotions so that people are aware of this event.
The event will be hosted by Leroy “Wadix” Charles. Bouyon King Asa Bantan will make and appearance backed by the Swinging Stars.
Sponsors of the King of Kings Calypso Extravaganza include Dominica News Online, QFM, DBS Radio, Neo Expressions, Calypso Association, Secret Bay, JX Rental, Attorney-at-Law Duncan Stowe, Dr. Christian-Urgent Care, Bull’s Eye Pharmacy, Dominica Cargo, USVI, Tes Auto, NY, Cholo Bakery NY and Garraway Enterprises.
Again I was disappointing by the organization or lark thereof. The show started almost on time. Swinging Stars did a great job and the show appeared to be going on without any hiccups, but then all of the sudden the NYPD appeared on stage and declared the show was over. The sole reason being that the place was filled to capacity. How is that possible?
How can you rent a place that holds comfortably 470 people and you sell 1500 or more tickets. Do the math. The place was hot, and it was indeed a safety issue, if anything horrible had happened these organizers would have gone to jail. These greedy people knew that they over sold tickets and they were still charging at the door.
Once again we as Dominicans who want to support our culture were robbed. When will we stop patronizing these bogus Dominican events. We are so desperate to keep our culture alive that we fall for that same nonsense every time, while these money snatching organizers align their pockets. Shame on Annmarie and…
pat that do that
The Original King of Kings is Back and that’s a fact.
No make-shift “Calypso Royalties aka King of Kings” disorganized coolwash from a burned piece of ham.
Del not Gel.
Boom.
When will we really stop being so petty about everything . Can we all just support each other rather than try to bring each other down. Common people WE should be bigger than that . PLEASE COME AND SUPPORT YOUR VERY OWN . Cause guess? no one will do it for you.
We would appreciate if the show:
1. START on time
2. ALL calypsonians are given fair play – equal performance time and number of songs
3. AC is pumping – We can’t spend money on an event – entrance fee, look out best(you feel good you party hard and spend money at the bar), gas, toll and sweat out of control
4. Treat the performers well and pay them well
5. Invite press – if it’s a tourism event as you proudly say where is the press? and I am not talking about a photographer taking photos for FB. Get some professionals who can write some good marketing materials to promote the music, artists and event.
This is tourism event? How many people who would not normally visit Dominica did so as a result of that event? That is not to say the show is not a good thing. I support it in every way and I think it gives the calypsonians an opportunity to earn a few extra dollars outside of carnival. But to characterize this as a tourism event is a bit of a stretch.
I surely hope the Calypsonians have already started penning their songs for next year.
More importantly, that they have their second songs ready to go in case they make it to the Finals.
Every year its S.O.S…
Prepare!
I agree it’s the Best show as Bob said. Certain persons pirated the show, and sure enough it was a mees, a big Kool wosh. Crab in a Barell. Typical. Looking forward to the real show.