Using the stage name “Ace”, Soil Scientist, Dr. Al-Mario Casimir is the only newcomer who will advance to the semi-final round of the first-ever virtual calypso monarch competition.
Dr. Casimir has, in the past, contributed to the calypso artform as a writer. Now, as part of the 30 semi-finalists, he will get to pit his prowess as a calypsonian against an impressive line-up of calypso royalty including reigning monarch, Jay Dee, 9-time monarch Dice, 4-time king and now government minister Karessah, Hunter, Observer, Tasha P and The Bobb, for a spot in the finals of the competition.
The other semi-finalists are Mighty D, Triumph, Mighty Omi, Nachelle, Abiyah, Lady S, Trinity, Inciter, Sour Sour, Haxey, Shadow Flow, Checko, Son of the Saint, Checker, Danyan, Luggarz, Jenius and Bingo.
Also, making their return and advancing to the semi-final round are The Great White, Alisha and De Oracle while Pick Lock has for the first time, gone past an elimination round.
The three reserves are Intruder, Mystery and Lulu.
This year, Dominicans will witness the first-ever virtual calypso competition which, according to the DCA, will not affect the reign of the 2020 monarch, Jude “Jay Dee” Delauney who will serve as King till 2022 when it is expected that the national competition will again be staged.
COVID-19 has forced the Dominica Calypso Association (DNO) to downscale and change the selection process fr the show. From a highly anticipated four show competition, patrons will now be treated to only two shows and the majority of them will do so in a virtual setting.
“We asked the calypsonians to submit their songs via CD by the 15th of January, and we received 43 entries and from that, the judges selected the 30 and three reserves who will move on to the semi-final round,” President of the DCA, Davidson “Observer” Victor stated.
The 30 calypsonians who were selected will move on to the semi-final show which is carded for January 30, and from there, 15 calypsonians will be chosen to participate in the final round which will be held on February 13, in a one- round calypso competition.
The shows will be held at the Old Mill Cultural Center and will only accommodate 250 people in line with the Ministry of Health COVID-19 protocols.
According to Victor, from this figure, only 100 patrons will be allowed to enter the venue at a VIP price which he said is yet to be determined.
Meantime, one of Dominica’s premier calypso tents, Stardom, has confirmed that it will stage four tents which is expected to commence on January 23, 2021, at the Old Mill Cultural Center.
Stardom had previously announced that it would host five tents however, manager of Stardom Tent, Norman Letang, has since stated that the first show which was carded for January 16, was postponed because, “ we wanted to give the calypsonians more time to practice but things are definitely in place for the 23rd of January,” Letang informed.
At the same time, the Executive of Showdown Mas Camp has said that their way forward is still to be decided and the committee will inform the public this week of their decision.
Below are photos of some of the calypso monarchs in this year’s competition.
Good luck Ace! Respect! I am rooting for you!