Registration for Independence calypso contest closes July 12

Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (Tuco) is reminding those interested that registration closes on July 12 for the Gift To The Nation, the Lord Brynner 50th Anniversary National Independence Calypso Competition, final of which is scheduled to take place on August 25 at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain.

The competition, produced by Tuco with the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism as executive producer and major sponsor, is open to citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, 18 years of age and over. All genres or styles of calypso with a theme of National Pride are acceptable for registration upon payment of a $50 fee.

“Keen interest in the competition is evident from the steady flow of registrations we have been seeing,” said Lutalo Masimba, president of Tuco. “Not only are the practising calypsonians registering, but quite a number of people who are not calypsonians have already booked their places for the preliminary round that would take place on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 July at the National Academy for the Performing Arts, Port-of-Spain, starting at 9 am on both days.”

On Monday, July 16, the preliminary round comes to an end in Tobago at a venue and time to be determined soon. Admission to the preliminaries is free of charge. Twenty-five singers will advance from the preliminaries to the semi-final round of competition to be staged at Palms Club, San Fernando, on August 11, starting at 8 pm for which admission will cost $50.

From the 25 contestants, ten will be selected to compete in the final on August 25 at which an admission fee of $50 will be charged. The winner 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. Registration takes place daily at Tuco’s office on Jerningham Avenue, Belmont, and all zonal offices of the organisation.