I will never upstage Sparrow in any way

“What I try to do with calypso is to use events and put life into those events,” said the 2004 Calypso Monarch, Chalkdust, as he was interviewed Monday  at his traditional liming spot at the corner of Park and Abercromby Streets in Port-of-Spain.

The calypso veteran agreed that it was his second rendition which made him a standout among the other finalists at the Dimanche Gras on Sunday night. Asked what prompted him to sing a tune which he had not sung at the semi-finals, Chalkdust reminded that Cro Cro’s  tune “Face Reality” was indeed an issue. “I like dealing with current issues and the one of Cro Cro and his song was just one of the more current issues. So I thought well, alright, that would be it. Chalkdust said it took him five days to compose the lyrics and write the music for “Fishmongering.”

The veteran singer who has now won the Calypso Monarch title on six occasions said he was a bit worried that he would have forgotten the song, but said he felt he had prepared so that such a thing would not happen. By having to sing last on Sunday gave him some time to memorise the lyrics well. “I told myself, if you perform last you have to make something in this competition,” declared Chalkdust. “Fishmongering” he said, was a satirical approach to dealing with Cro Cro’s “Face Reality.” It involved a fish vendor, who was unable to convince his customers to purchase the Cro Cro fish.

With the help of fellow calypsonian, All Rounder, who really is a fish vendor and Cro Cro the controversial singer at hand, Chalkdust whipped the patrons into a frenzy. Acknowledging that he had been attacked by calypsonian Cro Cro several times in song, the 2004 Calypso Monarch said, “Cro Cro and I have always remainded friends, and good friends at that.” Saying he was highly elated at his voctory, Chalkdust said he has dedicated his victory to the late Lord Pretender, and to fellow calypsonian Brother Valentino.

With already six titles under his belt Chalkdust said he is just going after one more title, after which, he will bow out of competition. “I will not try to outdo the Mighty Sparrow. I am not going to upstage Sparrow in any way. I am leaving him as the Great One.” Among his friends who agreed with his decision were Hugh Borde, leader of Tripoli Steelband, and saxophonist Danny Bittker of California, USA, who serenaded him at Monday’s lime.