The thirst of calypso lovers was certainly quenched on the evening of December 30, 2022, as over 50 calypsonians gave it their all in hopes of advancing to the next leg of the competition.
At the end of the over-six-hour-long elimination round, three newcomers were among 15 selected to compete in the quarterfinals come January 2023.
Following a two-year hiatus of two-round sound competition, the customary show made its return on Friday evening.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2021 the calypso competition took on a hybrid format style, and calypso fanatics witnessed the first-ever virtual calypso which was won by Darryl ‘The Bobb’ Bobb, followed by reigning virtual monarch Tasha ‘Tasha P’ Peltier in 2022.
However, this year brought old faces back to the stage as well as a few newbies who sought favor with the judges.
Making their calypso debut and moving on to the quarter-finals were, bouyon artist Gael Jno-Baptiste known in the entertainment scene as Trilla G with his rendition, “Dick-taylor-ship”, as well as popular singer, Joy Stoute, with a calypso entitled “Silence of My Friends” and four-time Cadence-lypso King Anton “White Fayrie” Joseph, with “Cross the Bridge”.
Among returning calypsonians was Royette, with her song “Help” which highlighted the plight of nurses in Dominica, and Daddy Chess with his witty rendition, “Heegas, No gas” which both scored favour with the judges allowing them to advance to the next round.
Father and son Jamaal ‘Black Diamond’ Lloyd and Joey ‘Explosion’ Lloyd are also among the competitors who made it to the quarter-finals.
Competing for the second year with yet another soulful rendition, “Hash Tag, Concerned”, Sixth Form Sisserou Singer Shanice ‘Shanice’ Langford also made it through to the quarter-finals.
Other successful calypsonians were, Comforter with “I not singing”, Third Eye “You”, Might D “Talking Dogs”, Danyan “It’s Over”, Vigilante “De Spider’s Web”, Chris B “Free up” and Mighty Omee with “Who’s to Blame”.
While the ever-popular calypsonians such as DBS, Wok Sop, Lady V, Lord Thunder, and Energizer gave it their best shot with their witty calypsos, they failed to move past the elimination round for yet another year.
Mystrie, a favourite from last year. tried her luck for the second year on the calypso scene however she was unsuccessful, along with fellow second-timer, Myka.
Judging from the songs which debuted at the elimination, no sector of society was left untouched. However, the December 6 snap general election and the year in politics were common themes for many.
Among those who took on this theme were, Gineus, AbiYah Yisrael, Lord Thunder, Deros, Intruder, and Daddy Maj, who failed in their quest to move past elimination.
While the 15 finalists were announced in random order, the five reserves who were selected in the order of their placement are, Luchious, Son of the Saint, Neziah, Oracle, and Triump.
The next leg of the competition will be the quarterfinals carded for January 21, 2023.
There the 15 calypsonians selected from the elimination will meet 17 of the 2020 semi-finalists when they will compete for a slot in the 2023 semi-finals.
The defending monarch is Jude “Jay Dee” Delauney, who captured the title in 2020.
Below are photos of the calypsonians captured at the calypso elimination.
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