Calypsonians who participated in the recent Diamond Jubilee Independence Calypso Monarch Competition finals have received their prizes from major corporate sponsor bmobile, as Calypso History Month continues to be observed in October.
The competition’s finals saw both veterans of the art form joining newcomers at the entertainment centre of the City of Port of Spain—the Queen’s Park Savannah\s Grand Stand—on Sunday 25 September 2022, for a night of music and friendly competition, to celebrate this country’s 60th Anniversary of Independence.
The finals were staged by the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians' Organisation (TUCO), with the support of corporate sponsors including bmobile. Featuring guest performances by the reigning Calypso Monarch, Terri Lyons, and veteran calypsonian Irwin ‘Scrunter' Johnson, ten finalists competed for the unique 2022 Independence Calypso Monarch crown.
General Manager Operations and Administration at TSTT, Gerard Cooper, welcomed the opportunity for the company to align with the competition. He observed that calypso music is intrinsic to Trinidad and Tobago’s history, culture, and national image.
"We have proudly stood behind and supported all facets of our culture in Trinidad and Tobago for several decades. Globally, calypso music is synonymous with T&T and has given rise to many memorable hits still enjoyed in parties, events and homes every week," Cooper noted.
“Competitions like the Diamond Jubilee Monarch offer more stimulus and inspiration for our calypsonians. We are proud to be the indigenous telecommunications provider that supports the work of TUCO and lights a fire of creativity for the talented musicians to share their work," he added.
According to TUCO’s Marketing Manager, Devon Seales, the last competition of this kind was for T&T's 50th Anniversary celebrations in 2012. He highlighted the importance of this year’s event, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The Diamond Jubilee Calypso Monarch competition aimed to promote nation-building and foster a sense of patriotism, unity, and love for the country through song and our cultural art form. Coming out of a pandemic, we recognised a desire amongst Calypsonians to create and perform their music and this idea took form."
Ten competitors enjoyed a night dedicated to this country’s 60 years of Independence with calypso fans and well-wishers. Three emerged supreme eventually. They won one-year free service courtesy bmobile, in addition to attractive cash prizes:
■ Heaven ‘Snakey' Charles' energetic rendition of 'What You Want Again Trinbago?' captured the crown and the top prize of $200,000.
■ Aaron Duncan's 'Luv Meh Country Bad' took second place, with a prize of $100,000.
■ Karene Asche’s 'Diamond Forever' got third place, with a prize of $60,000.
The remaining top ten finalists received a cash prize of $20,000 each:
4th – Bethany ‘Trinity’ Lightbourne
5th – Donald ‘Duane’ O’Connor
6th – Morel ‘King Luta’ Peters
7th – Tameika Darius
8th – Victoria ‘Queen Victoria’ Cooper-Rahim
9th – Eunice Peters
10th – Brian London