Chalkdust makes it six

CHALKDUST (Dr Hollis Liverpool) won his sixth National Calypso Monarch title and $250,000 at the final of the contest staged during the Dimanche Gras show at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain on Carnival Sunday night.

Singing in last position among the 12 finalists in the contest, Chalkdust offered “Trinidad In The Cemetery” and “Fishmongering” to beat off a strong challenge from crowd favourite and reigning Young King Brian London for the top spot. London, who already won three titles for 2004 with his two melodic selections, “Win Back We Nation” and “We Free,” was a clear favourite after the first round until Chalkdust showcased a new song in the second round titled “Fishmongering.”

The work was a metaphorical reference to Cro Cro’s controversial 2004 contribution titled “Face Reality.” He  even had Cro Cro “appear” suddenly during his presentation of the song.
Third place went to Pan Kaiso champion The Original De Fosto Himself (Winston Scarborough) for his two popular selections, “Ah Paid Mih Dues” and “War 2004”, while defending Monarch Singing Sandra (Sandra Des Vignes-Millington) could only muster fourth place offering “A Cry For Peace” and “One Day Of Prayer.”
Fifth position was secured by Skatie (Carlos James) who sang “My Vision For 2020” and “The Song.” Other placings were as follows:
Shadow (Winston Bailey) — “Sing Boy Sing” and “Whoap Cocoyea”
Sugar Aloes (Michael Osuna) — “My Observation” and “Never Again”
Heather Mac Intosh — “Weapons” and “From Heather To Hazel”
Ras Kommanda (Steve Pascall) — “Trinbago Rise” and “Sando Alive”
Kizzy Ruiz — “Collateral Damage” and “Free Trade”
Luta (Morel Peters) — “Perfect Vision” and “Decide What Side Yuh On”
Protector (Michael Legerton) — “Weapons of Mass Destruction” and “Monday Morning.”

The majority of contestants opted to support their songs with presentations that made elaborate use of props, inclusive of dancers, actors, placards and even vehicles in some instances. Even guest performer and honoree The Mighty Sparrow (Dr Slinger Francisco) came on stage in a vehicle. He, along with Calypso Rose (McArthur Lewis) were paid special tribute by producers of the programme titled “Rivers of Rhythm.” The event, however, was not without controversy, as Newsday learned that Shadow has objected to the dimming of the stage lights during his performance, claiming it was done without his consent. Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO), we were told, is planning to file an objection with producer of the show, the National Carnival Commission (NCC).