KAISO COMES ALIVE!

The calypso finals and semi-finals were almost overtaken by controversy this year when a few tents threatened the Calypso Association with legal action over the composition of the backup band for the calypso semi-finals. The calypsonians claimed the Association breached the constitution by hiring a band comprising mainly expatriates to do the backup for the semi-finals. In the end, the matter was resolved amicably with the “Expatriate Band” playing the semis and the “All-Star Band” playing the finals.

BINGO FROM CHOISEUL

The controversy apparently did not affect the quality of the semi-final calypso product, for calypso patrons had a field day in entertainment at the National Cultural Centre on Barnard’s Hill when the Semis were held yesterday. When the curtains came down, 9 gladiators made it: 3 from Ambassadors, 3 from South, 2 from Soca Village and 1 from TOT (see table below). Judging from the quality of the show, the finals will not be a walk-over for anyone.

#	FINALISTS	TENT	NUMBER
1	BINGO	AMBASSADORS	3
2	MORGIE	AMBASSADORS
3	EDUCATOR	AMBASSADORS
4	ANIMATOR	SOUTH CALYPSO TENT	3
5	MINEL	SOUTH CALYPSO TENT
6	NINTUS	SOUTH CALYPSO TENT
7	NICKY D	SOCA VILLAGE	2
8	TC BROWN	SOCA VILLAGE
9	WALLY	TAKEOVER TENT	1
TOTAL			9

The event was of superb quality with perhaps Morgie, Nintus and our very own Bingo stealing the Show.  Perhaps, the most popular calypso for the season is Bingo’s “Is me Job I am protecting”; But the charismatic Morgie and the spiritual Nintus stole the hearts of patrons with their numbers “I rather be a Judas than a Rufus” and  . . . . There is no doubt that the art form is making great tracks.

Meanwhile, Choiseul has pushed back it carnival to October. Among other things, we have reconfigured our carnival into a sort of an EXPO to make it a better product; and hence we wanted a “standalone” event where all St. Lucia could participate.

However, Choiseulians will not be completely left out of national carnival, as some local event promoters are planning to bring calypso and Soca to our great Village hopefully a couple of weeks after the closure of season.

Keep tuned to the powerhouse for more details.

In the meantime, congratulations to all the finalists and we look forward to a world-class stage show at the finals.