Though not yet 30, Amrika Mutroo can be regarded as a veteran in the calypso business. Mutroo is a 27-year-old Theatre Arts teacher who has been performing for the past 22 years in the field of calypso. On Monday, January 18, Mutroo was crowned the 2016 National Calypso Queen, at Queen's Hall St Ann's, defeating 19 rivals. Mutroo, who sang All Lives Matter, was interviewed by T&T Guardian Entertainment Editor Peter Ray Blood after her win.
Q: Where did you attend school?
A: Little Lamb Pre School, Melville Memorial primary school, Belmont Junior Sec for two terms, Woodbrook Sec for four years and then South East POS for 6th Form.
Where did you grow up? Where do you live at present?
I was born at Mount Hope, St Joseph, stayed in Arima, St Joseph and Sangre Grande for short periods before moving to Belmont for about 17 years of my life. I currently reside in Aranguez, San Juan.
Can you share a little about your family?
I have one little big brother and a very loving, supportive mom.
When did you start singing/performing?
I started performing at pre-school at Little Lamb at around the age of four. I was always getting lead roles at Christmas time and graduation when older children had to leave the school. After pre-school I then moved on to primary school where I heard Michelle Henry rehearsing her calypso with Mrs Michelle Hazell and from there my mom took the initiative after realising I was singing down Michelle's song from start to finish. This was 22 years ago.
How did you get started in calypso? Why calypso? Do you sing other genres of music?
I don't think I chose calypso; I think it chose me. After being around so many other genres, my mom would play cassettes in the house with music from Kenny Rogers, Celine Dion, David Rudder, Gloria Estefan, and then, being exposed to music in the streets of my neighborhood, from rap to dancehall and hip hop.
In school Mrs Hazell ran a choir which also included a diverse range of music from folk to parang. And then, while she was training Michelle for calypso, I just at that time got involved. The nature of competing–the preparation and the anxiety–added up to much support, and took me down the road to never giving up in calypso. I realised that the love for the stage and the feeling I had inside when I delivered my music is what kept me going at it year after year.
How long have you been singing calypso?
22 years.
What are some of your achievements?
I've sung calypso for 22 years. I've won titles and performed at events including the NYAC Pioneers competition, Pathfinders, Young Composers, Arima, Tunapuna and Laventille Junior Monarch.
When I moved on to the seniors category, I held titles such as Arima, Arouca, Manzanilla, Laventille, Sangre Grande, Valencia and San Juan Calypso Monarch. One of my greatest achievements in calypso was bringing home the title of Ms Talent Princess of the World after competing against 42 different countries in Prague, Czech Republic. I won with my own composition titled Just Me. I believe not only in progressing and in working hard to achieve, but also in paying forward and giving back. Talent is God-given; be humble, wise, worthy and powerful.
How was this year's Queens final?
It was an honour, again, to make it for the second time in the finals. The show was fantastic; the queens were prepared to perform their best and we were all very supportive of each other as we maintained an open group on Whats App where we would share motivational quotes and wish each other good morning and good night; have sweet conversations which included some serious topics as well as sharing jokes and remedies for the flu.
How confident were you?
I was very confident in my performance this year and from the start I believed in my song, so my purpose was to deliver what my heart and soul were feeling.
What did you sing? Composed by who?
I sang a calypso entitled All Lives Matter composed by Christophe Grant, who wrote based on all the issues I brought to his attention that were of a grave concern to me in the world today.
How does it feel to be a Calypso Queen, alongside the likes of Calypso Rose and Singing Diane?
It is very humbling. I've been in this industry for 22 years and only some know
the journey that I've been through and what I've faced–the many disappointments, the tears, the hugs, the feeling of giving up and then fighting that feeling, believing that God placed me here for a purpose. It is indeed a great accomplishment as I've also seen and felt growth within myself as an artiste as well as a woman in the art form.
I feel loved also and I'm not speaking about the countless support I've received thus far from all, but truly loved. The warmth from some who were there from start, devoted and supportive who, no matter what, were just right there in my time of need. Two for sure are my mom and my brother. Their support was unbelievable.
What's your plans for Carnival 2016?
Apart from winning Stars Monarch and Queens Monarch, I intend to work hard to at least reach the Big Yard this year.
What is in the future for Amrika Mutroo musically?
Plans are already in place for travelling and recording, not only calypso but soca, as well as some other genres of music. In order to grow we must not limit ourselves to what is common but go beyond–especially if passion pushes us to achieve more and become better at our craft .
Do you plan to get married, and have children?
Definitely! And, just like my mom who dedicated her love and time for her children, I would do the same. Right now, focusing on my music and craft is important. Later on, when that time for family comes, I hope to have already achieved and accomplished all that I wanted to, so as to focus on my gems, my children.