1. Duane O’Connor: The Hunt is On, Long Live Calypso
2. Kurt Allen: Long Live Calypso, When Will It End
3. Karene Asche: Against All Odds, You Will Win The Battle But
4. Devon Seale: One Is One, Snapshots
5. Heather Mac Intosh: The Adjective, One Gone
6. Dr. Hollis “Chalkdust” Liverpool: Shame Mr Shak, How’s Dat
7. Michael “Sugar Aloes” Osouna: Doh Force Meh Hand, Chinese Kidnapping
8. Dexter “Stinger” Parsons: My Reason For Being Here, Advice In Song
9. Brian London: Not Brian, Doh Complain – Come Plain
10. Sandra “Singing Sandra” Des Vignes-Millington: On Turning 50, Why I Sing
11. Lesley:Ann Ellis: Street Justice, Mothers and Others
12. Weston “Cro Cro” Rawlins: Say Something, Release Them

The following is the list of winners in the Queen of Carnival competition:

1. Chariss Bovell: Mother of Humanity-The Weeping Madonna
2. Roxanne Omalo: Last Dance of the Enchanted Witches
3. Rose Marie Kuru Jagessar: Wachiw-I Dream of a Bustle Dancer
4. Shari Derek: D’Woman and D’Butterflies
5. Kay Mason: Amethyst Rising
6. Lanie Lezama: Harmony
7. Cherry-Ann Patrice Valere: The Limbo Dancer
8. Laura Rampersad: Princess of the Mardi Gras
9. Patricia Bailey: Exotic Sunset on the Horizon
10. Avernell Johnson: Princess Odette, Queen of the Swans

The following is the list of winners in the King of Carnival competition:

1. Roland St George: Ralliez-Vous A Mon Panache Blanc
2. Gerard Weekes: Malak Yahweh, The Praying Mantis
3. Curtis Eustace: The Midnight Messenger, The Mask Of
4. Adrian Young: The Crow
5. Earl Thompson: Icarus ascending
6. Brian Chin: Prince Siegfried, the story of Swan Lake, tribute to Wayne Berkeley
7. Zainool Mohammed: Kwak Waka Wakin, the Sacred Totem
8. Wade Madray: Flight of Conscience
9. Jhawhan Thomas: Alpha
10. Shane Philip: Tree of Life

Truely an elder in the Calypso artform, Percival Oblington ‘The Mighty Striker’, died on Saturday 5th, 2011, after being ill for some time. Born in 1930, Striker would be remembered for his long service together with capturing the Calypso King Competition in 1958 and 1959.

Developing…

Percy ‘Striker’ Oblington

‘Mighty Striker’ dies at 81
By Joan Rampersad and Seeta Persad
PERCY OBLINGTON, known in the Calypso arena as “The Mighty Striker”, died on Saturday at the age of 81, after reportedly suffering with prostate cancer. He was at the time singing with the Kaiso Karavan tent.

Calypso icon Striker dies
By Wayne Bowman
The Mighty Striker, one of the longest surviving calypsonians, died on Saturday after being ill for some time. An active, longstanding member of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO) East Zone, Striker won the Calypso King Competition, now the National Calypso Monarch competition, back to back in 1958 and 1959.

Leroy ‘Mighty Conqueror’ Paul was struck by a car on the night of Thursday 27th January, 2011, while crossing Wrightson Road near the Kalypso Revue Tent at SWWTU Hall. He succumbed to his injuries in hospital. ‘Mighty Conqueror’ was on his way to rehearsals for the 2011 Calypso tent season. His hits included “Trinidad Dictionary”, “Woman And Money” and “Fresh Water Yankee”. He was 71.

The Calypsonian had just concluded what would be his last interview on Power 102’s “With Men in Mind” hosted by Norma Clarke.

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Conqueror dies in road accident
Eyewitnesses said the calypsonian was still conscious but in great pain as several of his fellow bards surrounded him and tried to render assistance. Among them was Sugar Aloes, who held the critically wounded calypsonian as he lay on the ground, and Arts and Multiculturalism Minister Winston “Gypsy” Peters. Conquie was still alive when an EMS ambulance arrive on the scene to transport him to hospital but died sometime later.

Conqueror killed on way to rehearsals
The calypso world was plunged into mourning on hearing the news that calypsonian Conqueror (Leroy Paul), 75, was killed on Thursday night after being struck by a car while he was attempting to cross Wrightson Road in Port of Spain.

Following Gross’ introduction was the award-winning Trinidad and Tobago musical-drama group, the Jeunes Agape Choir. With voices blending in unison they performed a medley of “Money is King” by Neville ‘Growling Tiger’ Marcano, “Shame and Scandal” by Fitzroy ‘Lord Melody’ Alexander and “Never Ever Worry” by Alric ‘Lord Pretender’ Farrell.

Many of the legends of Calypso who had great success during the 1939-1980 period have since passed. Others, such as Black Stalin are reveling in their success by presenting their musical talents with the rest of the world. Some of our young and upcoming Calypsonians as well as some veterans in the business had the honour of presenting some of these songs to the NAPA audience. These twentieth century Calypso Monarch songs and the artistes that lent their voices to them were: Spoiler’s “Pick Sense out of Nonsense” (1955) sung by Fede; Relator’s “Food Prices” (1980) sung by Peter Cipriani; Dougla’s “Split Meh in Two” (1931) sung by Tracey Donald; Spoiler’s “Bed Bud” (1953) sung by Erphaan Alves; Sniper’s “Portrait of Trinidad” (1965) sung by Kwesi Jeffers; Mighty Duke’s “Black is Beautiful” (1969) sung by Duane O’Connor (preceded by a theatrical presentation of the song by the Players from Creative Arts, U.W.I.); medley of “Joan and James” (1964), “Last Elections” (1967) and “Pan Jamboree” (1966) – tributes to The Mighty Bomber, The Mighty Cypher and The Mighty Terror respectively by the Maisha Zuri Choir; Black Stalin’s “Caribbean Unity” and “Play One” by Kurt Allen and Lord Kitchener’s “Tribute to Spree Simon” and “Fever” by Winston ‘De Original De Fosto Himself’ Scarborough.

Fortunate to be present to share their Calypso history were living legends Mighty Striker, Mighty Sparrow, Calypso Rose and Chalkdust. Percy ‘Mighty Striker’ Oblington was the first of the four Calypso legends to appear on stage. The D’Abadie-born ‘Striker’, born in 1930, started his Calypso career in the nineteen forties. ‘Striker’ was the first Calypsonian to win the Calypso Monarch Competition for two consecutive years, 1958 and 1959. Looking dapper, consistent with the look of the ‘old time’ Calypsonians, ‘Striker’ sang his winning 1959 renditions of “Ban the Hoola Hoop” and “Comparison.” Certainly, the audience was reminded of why he deserved his one thousand dollars and silver trophy first prizes that year.

Also gracing the stage was Hollis ‘Chalkdust’ Liverpool, Calypsonian, teacher, historian, writer and eight-time winner of the Calypso Monarch Competition. Born in 1941, around the time when the Steelpan was still taking root in the country, Chalkdust was destined to become one of the most successful Calypsonians in Trinidad and Tobago history. Some of his winning songs include “Three Blind Mice” and “Ah Put on Meh Guns Again” (1976), “Juba Dubai” and Shango Vision” (1977), “ Ah Can’t Make” and “My Kind of Worry” (1981), “Chauffeur Wanted” and “Carnival Is the Answer” (1989), “Kaiso Sick in de Hospital” and “Misconceptions” (1993), “Fish Monger” and “Trinidad in the Cemetery” (2004), “I in Town Too Long” and “Ah Doh Rhyme” (2005), and “Doh Touch My Heart” (2009). ‘Chalkdust’ proudly delivered some of his most popular songs with a touch of his infamous smooth, sideways slide dance on the NAPA stage.

When the Queen of Calypso, McCartha ‘Calypso Rose’ Lewis, made her entrance on stage she was greeted with thunderous applause. ‘Rose’, born on April 27th, 1940, in Bethel, Tobago was the first female to win the Road March title in 1977 with her rendition of “Tempo” which she delivered to the NAPA audience receiving much approval. She also rendered perennial favorites “Fire In Meh Wire” (1965), “Her Majesty” (1978) and “I Thank Thee” (1978). She proudly pointed out that she was not only the first female Calypso Monarch, but was the first Calypso Monarch ever – the name changing from Calypso King with the anticipation of her victory that year. Calypso Rose also won the Calypso Queen Competition for five consecutive years from 1974 to 1978 and has written over eight hundred songs altogether. Looking strong and physically fit, Rose delivered an outstanding performance commanding the attention of the audience with her usual dancing, chanting and catchy lyrics.

Arguably the most touching moment was when Calypso King Dr. Slinger ‘Mighty Sparrow’ Francisco appeared on stage. Also known as the ‘Birdie’, the Grenadian-born seventy-five year old, although visibly ill, still had the vocal strength and the courage to grace the NAPA stage. Before this though, players from Creative Arts U.W.I. delivered a remarkable theatrical presentation of his 1960 winning Calypso “Ten To One Is Murder”. The song is said to be inspired by true a true event involving Vernon Ottley, his lady friend Miss Kent and The Mighty Sparrow. As Caldwell Taylor in “Sparrow and the Arithmetic of Self-Defense Ten To One Is Murder” tells us,

The trouble that inspired “Ten to One” got started when, according to Vernon Ottley, Sparrow threw a lecherous gaze on Miss Kent, Ottley’s “girl”, who hailed from (Paradise) Grenada. Naturally Vernon asserted his property rights and objected to the bard’s trespass. Heated words were hurled into the sweated air inside the Miramar and Sparrow and his buddy, Calypsonian Lord Creator, very wisely decided to cut out. Vernon and his crew gave chase; they were all wearing their garlic-smeared razors.

www.spiceislandertalkshop.com

Too weak to stand, Sparrow sat though his performances. This situation was distressing to many who were saddened to see the ‘Birdie’ in such an unusual position. However, his voice was still as one could have remembered, which mitigated the situation to some extent. On the second night, although still ill, the legend was joined by ‘Calypso Rose’, Erphaan Alves, Fede, Roderick ‘Chucky’ Gordon, Kurt Allen, Duane O’Connor, Kwesi Jeffers and players from Creative Arts U.W.I. Their presence helped a great deal to liven Sparrow’s spirits and their combined performance gave the audience a treat to forever remember. Songs included “Jean and Dinah” (1956) “Mae Mae” (1960) and “Congo Man” (1965) which the audience lustily sang along to. Although no longer as vibrant as he used to be the ‘Sparrow’ that we’ve all grown accustomed to and enjoyed over the years would always remain with us.

Contributing to making the event a memorable one were Earl Brooks, who played the Steelpan with dexterity and grace accompanying artistes Kurt Allen and Winston ‘De Fosto’ Scarborough; background vocalists, Adanna, Cindy, Louisa, Michell and Patricia; and Enrique Moore and the members of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Band.

Overall, this event was well-organized and well-presented. The storylines in the theatrical presentations and the performances of the Calypsonians both young and old clearly defined what was intended: a vision of Trinidad and Tobago though Calypso history. Certainly, all in attendance would be happy to remember part of the evolution of our country’s music and would hopefully continue to propagate this history for years to come.

NAPA Fest in pictures

Palaance, Palaance!
Masqueraders turned Port-of-Spain, San Fernando and venues across the country into a “palance party” as they gave Soca Monarchs JW and Blaze’s hit “Palance” a runaway victory in the Road March race.

No stopping Palance in Road March race

‘Palance’, MacFarlane take over Downtown
An early start to Downtown Carnival saw an explosion of colour and more time to palance on the streets of Port of Spain yesterday.

Mac Farlane ‘resurrects’
Large Band of the Year winner for 2009 Brian Mac Farlane’s Resurrection: The Mas was a smash hit with spectators in Port-of-Spain as many expressed pride to see the return of “long time mas.”

Ronnie and Caro aim for hat-trick
Husband and wife masmakers Ronnie and Caroline McIntosh were determined to score a hat-trick and capture the coveted Medium Band of the Year title.

Rainforests, chiefs dominate south mas

Sales slow, city vendors complain
Sales were slow this Carnival, a cadre of vendors in Port of Spain complained yesterday.

Bikinis, feathers for ‘India mas’
East Indian themes were a popular choice for large bands participating in the Parade of the Bands yesterday with two presentations based entirely on some aspect of East Indian culture and another two with sections in tribute to the Asian mystique.

‘Corbeaux’ draws stares on Ariapita
Ariapita Avenue in Woodbrook was transformed into a catwalk of culture yesterday, as masqueraders opted for costumes that reflected the diversity of the Eastern world as opposed to beads and bikinis.

Smaller crowds, less mas in Sando Carnival

Jack: Bigger mas for Chaguanas in 2011
A bigger and brand new Chaguanas Carnival is what Chaguanas West Member of Parliament is promising for residents of Central.

12,000 in Central mas
At about 7.30 pm on Monday an estimated crowd of 12,000 converged on the Carapichiama Junction in Waterloo for its popular night mas.

Queen of the bands

The spirit of a King

‘I began to pray’
“It was me versus the wind and the most I could have done at the point in time was say my prayers. It could have been worse.” This is how San Fernando King of Carnival Aaron Kalicharan, 25, felt when he collapsed under the weight of his costume “Danhyang Desa” during his appearance on stage at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain on Sunday night. He was a finalist in the national King of Carnival competition at Dimanche Gras.

Kurt rules

CNMG moves against Gayelle over Carnival rights
State-owned television station Caribbean New Media Group (CNMG) has sent a lawyer’s letter to Gayelle The Channel for what it says is its illegal broadcasting of the parade of the bands on Carnival Monday and Tuesday.

Warner lauds Silver Stars

Philbert: Police searches reduced violent crimes

Spectators feel safe for Carnival

Skin, the order of the day
Skin, skin and more skin was the order of the day yesterday, as masqueraders chose to wear next to nothing as they paraded the city streets.

Cops ready to pounce on illegal ‘cool downs’
Police officers will be taking a zero tolerance approach against persons engaging in or attempting to host any illegal leisure activity on Manzanilla Beach today.

Kurt Rules Calypso
KURT Allen convincingly won the 2010 Calypso Monarch competition on Sunday night with a lively song, “Too Bright” that hit profligate politicians.

King Kurt …too bright for Chalkie
Calypsonian/soca artiste, Kurt Allen, dethroned defending monarch Chalkdust on Sunday to become the 2010 National Calypso Monarch.

…Allen too bright for rivals

…Sweet victory for new Monarch
Daughter Choc’late: I know he is a passionate person. My dad loves music and there is nothing more that he likes than to go on stage and to sing and perform.

Chalkie congratulates Allen
Dr Hollis Liverpool, also known as Chalkdust, who placed sixth, said “Kurt Allen is a good boy and he had a good song.” “Calypso is an art to be judged. I always accept the judges’ decision. I did not get to see the performance, though.”

De Fosto: It was awesome
Calypsonian Winston Scarborough, fondly known as the Original De Fosto Himself, says reigning monarch Kurt Allen’s song Too Bright was “awesome.” But he was concerned whether second place contestant Brian London broke the rules by having fellow kaisonian Brother Valentino sing an entire verse and chorus before he came on stage.

Curtis wins ninth crown
CURTIS EUSTACE on Dimanche Gras night won a ninth King of Carnival title, breaking legendary mas man Peter Samuel’s twenty-one-year-old record for most wins in the competition.

King Curtis chalks up a record
Curtis Eustace is the new King of Carnival.

Queen Rose
FOR THE first time this decade, the Queen of Carnival title has been captured by the South Queen of Carnival, Rosemarie Kuru-Jagessar, after a final which saw competitors plagued with mishaps.

Victory after 28 years
Sando contender wins Queen of the Bands

…Queen: I think I am dreaming

Winds blow down two costumes

The Dragon can’t dance
A slew of technical difficulties tripped up Brian MacFarlane’s King at Sunday’s Dimanche Gras finals.

Political picong in J’ouvert
Political picong on the recent rumblings in the UNC took centre stage as one of the most popular topics in the downtown J’ouvert competition at South Quay yesterday.

Bas, Kamla star

Kamla-Jack take Downtown J’Ouvert title
The combination of Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Jack Warner walked away with the Downtown King of J’Ouvert title at South Quay, Port-of-Spain, yesterday.

UNC leaders popular in Couva Jouvert
The most popular characters portrayed at this year’s Jouvert celebrations in Couva yesterday were current and former UNC political leaders Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Basdeo Panday along with Chaguanas MP Jack Warner and Sport Minister Gary Hunt.

‘Licks’ for Panday in Jouvert celebrations

Plenty support for Kamla in South Jouvert

Palance in a frenzy downtown

Monday blues
Carnival Monday at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, was even more lacklustre than last year’s, which was a drab affair.

Masqueraders go for glory today

More police than mas

67 arrested in PoS Jouvert

Cops seize knives before J’Ouvert
Detectives of Port-of-Spain CID seized a large quantity of knives and arrested several suspects as they entered the city, before the start of J’Ouvert celebrations, during the early hours of yesterday morning.

Police wounded in St James attack
Carnival celebrations were marred by violence, as several people—including police—were robbed, shot and stabbed during separate incidents across northern Trinidad.

Wheelchair teen gunned down
A Carenage man who had been partially crippled by a bullet two years ago was killed on Sunday night as he sat liming with friends at his Seaview Road, Carenage home.

Man stabbed to death in Jouvert fight

Murder mars Tobago Carnival