‘Words of Wisdom’ tops schools calypso

Joseph, 12, of Cedar Hill Road, Claxton Bay, copped first place with his rendition of “Words of Wisdom” composed by Codrington Winchester who is the father of soca artiste Shurwayne Winchester. The Standard Five pupil of the Claxton Bay Anglican Senior Primary School beat competitors from other schools including St Margaret’s Government Primary School and Union Presbyterian Government Primary School.

The competition was held recently at the Macaulay Community Centre. Pupils eight to 12 years old were judged on lyrical content, melody, stage performance. This was the first year the competition was hosted.

TCL said the event is one of the many ways in which the company continues to play a role in the empowerment of communities.

In an interview Joseph’s mother Nicole Joseph said she was elated that her son copped the first place title. She said Kwam has always had a passion about singing calypso. The third-born of four children, he entered past competitions in his school but jumped at the opportunity to compete outside that arena.

“He was very nervous but he did not give up and would be heard practising sometimes 15 times a day just to get it right,” said the joyful mother who sees a great calypso future ahead for Kwam.

“Words of Wisdom”, encourages people to pursue their passion and not give up. The chorus says, “What is for you is for you until you die don’t give up at all.”.

Joseph said many times people have dreams but fail to pursue their dreams which was the story line in the calypso.

Kwam’s elder brother Stephan is also a calypsonian and a source of inspiration to him. Kwam is currently the reigning Mr Claxton Bay.

School principal Monica Gopaul said that Kwam’s win was expected as he is a talented student. Gopaul said that she expects great things from Kwam in the future.

The show also featured an extempo competition hosted by TCL employee and veteran ex- tempo champion, Hezekiah Joseph. Pupils also participated in a “sing along” segment.

Also present at the event was TCL’s Ag General Manager Jinda Maharaj, Claxton Bay/Point-a-Pierre Councillor Shazeeda Nadia Mohammed, and president of the Macaulay/Hermitage Village Council Wayne Bharath.