Although he has been singing Calypso for almost half a century, veteran Calypsonian Julian ‘Superior Picky’ Lockhart has said he will never quit the artform unless he loses his voice.
Lockhart, who has been singing Calypso for the past 47 years, told Dominica News Online (DNO) that he loves the artform and looks forward to performing at every Calypso season.
“Once I have voice I will continue to sing Calypso, whether I win the crown or not,” he said. “I don’t intend to resign now, Calypso has to leave me first before I resign because it’s a thing I like to do. I am involved in Calypso twenty-four hours of the day.”
Last week ‘Superior Picky’ released his first single entitled “Law Enforcement” for the 2016 Calypso season.
According to him, the song, composed by former Calypsonian Ezra Dalrymple, is sending a clear message on Dominica’s laws.
“The song is about the things that are happening in this country, the perpetrators, the way they behaving and the crimes that are committed, the rapist, the problems,” he explained.
Lockhart believes that stricter laws should be put in place in Dominica.
“I find the law should be tighter and more serious in Dominica,” he stated.
Lockhart indicated that as the most senior calypsonian in the business, it is his duty to present, in songs, the issues of the country.
“My granny would always say Dominica is a blessed country, but what is going on in the country it’s not a blessed country anymore,” he said.“I think it’s needed for Dominicans to be in peace.”
Lockhart is of the opinion that presently calypsonians don’t sing about valid issues.
“Before calypso had more humor, it was about what’s happening,” he noted. “When things happen, you sing about it so that the public could hear what’s going on, and you can educate the public. Whenever a calypsonian sing a Calypso somebody should learn after he listens to that Calypso.”
Meantime; Lockhart expressed his satisfaction with the number of young people who are showing interest in Calypso.
“I am glad to see a lot of young calypsonians interested in singing Calypso because when some of the older calypsonians retire from singing we should still have Calypso,” he stated. “They being a part of Calypso and loving the art form is a very good thing.”
He described Calypso as an artform that has the potential, to create opportunities for young artistes.
Last year, Lockhart was among the finalists for the Calypso Monarch competition with his songs, ‘World Cup’ and ‘Allegation’ both written by Ezra Dalrymple and arranged by Peter Letang.
Go Picky Go!
Give Jack his jacket and give Jacklin her lip stick, PICKY is a superb calypsonian.
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Picky is one of the best Calypsonians in the Dominica, and he never got the crown.
He is talented.