Brian London signalled his intention to capture the National Calypso Monarch and the $2 million at stake shortly after retaining the San Fernando Calypso Monarch title for the seventh time on Wednesday night.
London said should he win on Sunday, he would invest in a new tent for the development of young calypso singers. In the event, titled San Fernando Pre-Dimanche Gras Show, at Skinner Park, London was dethroned in the extempo segment by newcomer Hezekiah Joseph. A new South King and Queen of Carnival also were crowned on Wednesday.
Convenor of the San Fernando Carnival Committee Alderman Kenny Phillips could not say what prizes the winners would receive. Owen C Hinds, who portrayed Battle of the Marabuntas from Owen Hinds Carnival Production, was named king from a field of nine contestants. He dedicated his victory to his late father Owen Hinds, veteran masman and trade unionist who died last November. "We have been working hard this season and I wish that my father was here to enjoy the victory," Hinds said. Marlon Rampersad, placed second with his costume Bedazzled. Kenroy Wilkinson, from the band Wakantanka the Sun Dancer, placed third with his depiction of Red Folklore.
In the queen segment, Peola Marchan, also recorded her seventh win in this competition, with a spectacular costume called D Jewelled Chandelier. Her costume, from We People International 2011 presentation, Snow White Ball, had crystallised reflections of vintage chandeliers that illuminated as she moved. From the band Colours of Light, Gloria Dalsingh's portrayal of Splendour of Light finished 27 points behind Marchan for second place. Gayle Marcano amassed 404 points with her portrayal of D Ruby Broach to place third. Last year's winner Rose Marie Kuru Jagessar failed to make it among the top three. But the night belonged to the seventh time calypso winner, singing in position seven, as he gave a commanding performance of We Fed Up, one of the selections he hopes will earn him his first National Calypso Monarch title on Sunday night at the Dimanche Gras.
Much to the delight of the audience, he injected some humour when he made reference to the "toilet paper reaction" of the Skinner Park crowd at Calypso Fiesta to De Fosto's performance. "Last week in Fiesta, De Fosto get paper, paper, paper...," he sang. Victoria Cooper, impersonating Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, in a yellow dress and flag, placed second with her selection, I Distance Myself. Third place went to Michael Legerton, aka Protector. His selection, Ah Rising, had some members of the audience blushing as he belted out the words with matching gestures, "put your hands around my waist and I will rise."