Calypso judges dishing out hurtful disrespect

I am amazed that “children” singing nursery rhymes backed up by Best Village theatrics are making it to the Fiesta every year, and tried and tested performers of the art form are discarded like disposable diapers.

It is as if the judges are telling the veteran bards, “Haul your tail, you’re old, give the youths a chance.” This is unfair.

Calypso is not a raffle.

My view is that if a calypsonian is singing in a wheelchair, or with a walking stick, and is turning out good topical and lyrical calypsoes in this sea of calypso mediocrity, he is deserving of his or her place, and should be given his just due.

The treatment of Shadow, Bro Valentino, Explainer, Poser, Mudada and Singing Francine (and many other bards) over the years, has been disgusting and downright disrespectful.

Chalkdust, too, has been a victim of the disrespect I refer to. You cannot tell me these singers are always composing gobar.

I have often heard veteran bards lament “they (judges) don’t want us in the show.” The Trinbago Unified Calypsonian Organisation has a responsibility to correct this wrong. It has been going on for far too long. Bring judges who know their stuff. Shake it up.

Please note that these veteran calypsonians write their own stuff.

Children singing nursery rhymes buy their stuff from the calypso mill. Few write.

Because of the hurtful medicine of disrespect many veteran bards have given up.

I find it hard to believe that a calypsonian like Trinidad Rio has never made it to the Calypso Fiesta despite his many years of well-crafted humorous hit songs. I wonder how he feels seeing children singing nursery rhymes making it every year, and he is left out in the cold.

Calypso judges must strive to always select the best singers, and not be guided by the belief that some singers are too old and should be consigned to the calypso rocking chair. Don’t judge on Best Village antics and politics. Judge true, true calypso: lyrical content, craft, topicality and delivery.

While on the topic of calypso, isn’t it about time we honour the contribution of Singing Francine? Calypso Rose has been given her just due. A national award (ORTT ) will cap a stellar career. As well as Shadow whose music is now being stolen wholesale by soca singers every year. I hope they give him some money.

Congratulations to 80-year-old Nello for making it to the Soca Monarch semi-finals.

Go for it old man. Sorry, young man.

Keith Anderson via e-mail