Simon wins North Karokee

The second edition of Kaisoca Karokee is part of Calypso History Month which is aiming to highlight the value of calypso.

Singing in position 11, Simon had the crowd captivated from her very first note. She gave a fantastic performance of Singing Sandra’s (Sandra des Vignes-Millington) “Dignity”. Her vocal pitch and timing as well as her clarity, were all on point.

From wining this preliminary on September 28, she got an automatic berth to the finals of the competition.

She also won the People’s Choice as well, which also goes straight to the finals.

However, since it is the same person who won both categories, second-placed Stefan Walker who scored just three points less than Simon may well find an automatic place in the final after the organisers make a decision on the situation.

Walker too was most accurate and entertaining while delivering Nelson’s (Robert Nelson) “King Liar”. Another contestant Vernell Wilson who also opted to sing “Dignity” placed third while Anna Felician Mander and Mark Eastman tied for fourth position.

They rendered “Heavy T Bumper” and “Mae May” respectively.

Earlier, one of the principals behind the competition, 2012 National Calypso Monarch, Duane O’Connor welcomed competitors, guests and patrons while overseeing the smooth running of the competition once it started.

Greetings came from Stedman Hazell, president/director of WESCU, main sponsor of the competition, as well as Tuco (Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation) president Lutalo Masimba.

The next preliminary will be held in the southland at Wilkie’s Recreational Lounge on the Naparima Mayaro Road, Cocoyea Village in San Fernando on October 23, from 9 pm.