London is new Young King

BRIAN LONDON is the new National Young King of Trinidad and Tobago.  London copped the title last Monday evening at Pier 1 in Chaguaramas. London, who rendered two of his own compositions, “Win Back We Nation” and “We Free,” was a runaway winner.  Both his selections got patrons on their feet, but it was his latter that had some patrons waving rags and dancing all the way to stage front in support of his chorus “We free, yes we free indeed.”

Benjai came in second with “Start Over” and “Jah.”  He too moved the crowd to their feet. Placing third was Abbi Blackman with two highly spirited renditions “Calling Shorty I” and “Wey Sah.”  Blackman recently placed fourth at National Queen finals. The fourth spot went to Impulse with “Rolling” and “I Am Kaiso,” while Tobagonian Wendy Thomas came in fifth with “The Lie” and “Land — Our Legacy.” Thomas gave two noteworthy performances and she also placed fourth at the recently concluded Stars of Tomorrow competition. Honourees for the evening were Jonah Regis and Gaston Nunes (Smiley) who were honoured for their contribution to the development of calypso and the arts.  Replicas were also awarded to Cro Cro, Chris “Tambu” Herbert and Protector.  Representatives collected on their behalf. The show ran quite smoothly and ended just before midnight.  Patrons voiced their satisfaction with both the time factor and the general standard of calypso on offer that evening.