Six women are among the ten calypsonians chosen to compete in the final of the Lord Brynner National Independence Calypso Competition to be staged at the Grand Stand, Queen's Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain on August 25 from 8 pm. Singing Sandra (Sandra Des Vignes-Millington), Michelle Henry, Kizzy Ruiz, Karene Asche, Karen Eccles-Thomas and Heather McIntosh qualified from the semifinal round of competition staged at Palm's Club, San Fernando, on Saturday night.
The male qualifiers are Chucky (Roderick Gordon), King Luta (Morel Peters), Duane O'Connor and Brian London. Produced by the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians' Organisation (Tuco) in collaboration with the Ministry of The Arts and Multiculturalism, the event received solid public support, as a full house of patrons came out to listen to contributions from the 25 singers who had advanced from the two preliminary rounds of competition held at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port-of-Spain on July 14 and 15.
The fashionably-clad female finalists delivered outstanding performances of their work which, in general, contained strong lyrics married to beautiful melodies. Sandra sang about the Red White and Black, Michelle Henry took a look at Our National Watchwords, Kizzy Ruiz vowed T&T Forever, Karene Asche liked Cascadoo. Karen Eckles-Thomas promised I Will Reciprocate, and Heather McIntosh offered The Reason.
The men, also fashionably attired, were not to be outdone, however, as Chucky's Bear With Me was well received, as was Luta's Fifty Fifty. Reigning calypso monarch Duane O'Connor's contention was there Unity In Independence, and Brian London affirmed This Is My Land.
The good news emerging from the Olympics in London earlier in the day was capitalised on as several contestants updated verses in their songs to record the medal achievements of the Trinidad and Tobago athletes at the Games. In addition, many on the playbill made use of elaborate props in presenting their work.
Popular bards who did not make the cut were former national calypso monarchs Kurt Allen (50 Not Out) and Sugar Aloes (Michael Osouna) (Team T&T), as well as The Original DeFosto Himself (Winston Scarborough) (An Oath To Her), Devon Seale (Snap Shots) and Black Sage (Phillip Murray) (Red White And Black).
Winner of the competition will take home a cash prize of $500,000. Second place is worth $250,000 and third $150,000. Fourth to tenth placings will receive $50,000 each. Musical accompaniment was provided by Errol Ince and the Melody Makers, while Damien Melville performed the duties of show host. Making a guest appearance was Lady Adana (Marsha Charles).