Myron B (Myron Bruce) retained the title of National Humour Monarch in the final of the annual competition, presented by Trinbago Unified Calypsonians' Organisation (Tuco) at the Grand Stand, Queen's Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, on Saturday night.The defending champion, appearing in position five among the nine finalists, won the judges' nod and modest crowd approval for commendable renditions of his two compositions, Ladies Gentleman and Boy of Wood, to take home the $25,000 first prize.
In second place, and collecting a $15,000 prize, was front-runner from the semi-final round Kid Kalaloo (Julien Hunte) doing his witty composition She Tell Me and an entertaining presentation of Man Family from the song book of Zandolie (Sylvester Anthony).Mr Mack (Victor McDonald) placed third with his songs Side Effects and Press One to win $10,000, while Brother Ebony (Fitzroy Joseph) captured fourth spot and $7,000 for his offerings of Not Mine and Amigos.
Other placings, for prizes of $4,000 each, were: Black Sage (Phillip Murray)–Veteran Advice and Worse Than That; Combie (Jeremiah Combie)–Country Driver and Town Service; Brown Boy (Knolly Brown)–Airport Horrors and Exhibits In The Courts; Dr Rhythm (Shawn McIntyre)–Unisex and Tokalooks; and Brother Alpha (Alpha John)–Modern Society and Crying In The Wrong Funeral.
In competition it is accepted that the judges' decision is final. Nevertheless, several patrons of the well-attended event expressed their displeasure with shouts of disapproval when the final placings were being announced. A popular calypso enthusiast, on leaving the venue, was overheard making the comment: "The judges must have been listening to another competition, because that's the only explanation for those ridiculous results."
According to the judging criteria for the competition, points were awarded for lyrics (50), music (30), presentation (10) and crowd response (10). The judging of songs in the second round–which were not restricted to own compositions–was under the criteria of presentation (10) and crowd response (10). Crowd response referred to "the measure of applause and appreciation shown by the audience in response to the calypso."
Tuco President Lutalo Masimba (Brother Resistance), speaking to the T&T Guardian about the audience's response to the placings, said the organisation will be taking another look at the rules governing the competition to determine whether improvements to the existing structure could be implemented.
"We are mindful and appreciative of the support received from the public for this competition," he said. "It is our duty, therefore, to ensure that all stakeholders are satisfied with the way the exercise is conducted."The adjudication panel comprised Everald Snaggs (chief judge), Anthony Watkins, Errol Fabien, Deborah John, Eric Powder, Stephen Jones, Claire Mitchell, and Norma Clarke.
Musical accompaniment was provided by Kelly Green and Harmony. Guest appearances were made by Spicey (Tammico Moore), Brother Mudada (Alan Fortune), Allrounder (Anthony Hendrickson), and Wendell Etienne. Show hosts were Damion Melville and Tommy Joseph.