Young generation calypsonians Brian London and Myron B (Myron Bruce) gave patrons an insight into their considerable abilities to sing extemporaneously at the preliminaries of the 2012 Extempo Competition at Kaiso House, Queen's Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, on Monday night. As a result, the two are among seven qualifiers who have advanced to the final, scheduled to take place when "Kaisorama - Extempo and Categories Final" is staged at the Grand Stand on February 16, from 7.30 pm. London and Myron B outclassed competitors in the first round of the battle for places, leaving the large crowd of patrons in attendance in open glee at the quality of lyrics and commanding stage presence they brought to bear in singing on the topics Soca Monarch and Girls Wear Your Size, respectively. In the second round they were fortuitously paired and confidently came up with four outstanding, rhyming verses each on The PP Government.
Of the 22 registered entrants, 19 turned up to test their skills at being able to think on their feet and produce verses on a previously unknown topic that made sense and contained rhyming elements. Francis Ottley, appearing in the opening position, was able to accomplish that successfully and vaulted himself into the final by delivering four commanding verses on the topic A Mother's Love. Also making a noteworthy impression was Nesta Boxhill, son of the late calypsonian/composer Merchant (Dennis Franklyn Williams) who came up with sensible stanzas on the topic Two Songs For Calypso Monarch. Not named among the finalists was former champion and last year's runner-up Black Sage (Phillip Murray), despite showcasing his recognised lyrical agility in the genre. Also eliminated was Hezekiah Joseph who claimed fourth spot in last year's final. Contestants were accompanied by the musical aggregation Bonny's Kaiso Moodz, while show host duties were shared by Tommy Joseph and Eddie Yearwood. Guest appearances were made by veteran calypsonians Composer (Fred Mitchell) and Brigo (Samuel Abraham).
More info
The seven finalists to challenge reigning Extempo Monarch Sheldon John for the title and $100,000 first prize are:
• Brian London;
• Myron B (Myron Bruce);
• Lingo (Joseph Vautor-Laplacileer);
• Nesta Boxhill;
• Francis Ottley;
• Lady Africa (Leslie Ann Bristow);
• Abebele (Neil Baptiste).