Youth and experience battle for Aloes’ title

A battle between youth and experience will be fought for the title of National Calypso Monarch 2003 at tonight’s Dimanche Gras Show at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain.

Four young, hungry and eager hopefuls in the persons of Heather Mac Intosh, Roger George, Devon Seale and Skatie (Carlos James) will pit their undoubted talents against the likes of five crafty, battle-experienced veterans in Bomber (Clifton Ryan), Chalkdust (Dr Hollis Liverpool), Shadow (Winston Bailey), Mystic Prowler (Roy Lewis) and Singing Sandra (Sandra Des Vignes-Millington) in a bid to wrest the title from the grasp of popular people’s calypsonian Sugar Aloes (Michael Osuna). The young brood are not without considerable experience at this level of competition. Except for George, each has qualified for the final before. In addition, they have all at some time won a title during their young calypso careers.

Mac Intosh has been a Junior Calypso Queen, Seale at one time was crowned Star of Tomorrow, Skatie has won several community Calypso Monarch titles and George was once a Junior Calypso Monarch. In addition, both Skatie and George are joint winners of this year’s Young King Calypso Monarch title. The contributions that won them places in the final have been hailed as quality work by those best qualified to make such statements. Skatie’s “One Man Alone” and George’s “These Are The Days” are said to be equal to Seale’s “Category My Donkey” and Mac Intosh’s prize-winning offering. So the quartet is not expected to be outclassed by the five veterans who are all previous National Calypso Monarchs. Chalkdust has taken that title on five occasions, while Bomber, Shadow, Prowler and Sandra each sat on the throne and ruled once.

Bomber, who won his title way back in 1964 singing “Five Little Popos” and  Tribute to Spoiler,” is much respected as a calypsonian and now referred to as the Godfather of Calypso. This accolade is given him not only for his longevity in the business, but also for the unstinting assistance he has always given to young, aspiring calypsonians during his long career. Now into his 70s and still going strong, the Godfather says he’ll be giving all competitors “Thunder at 75.” Shadow, “the bassman from hell,” waited a long time for his title and the recognition that came with it. Always a favourite with calypso fans for his unique style of penning lyrics and creating melodies, one can expect a typical Shadow performance tonight when he takes the stage to give Directions.”

Prowler, the gentleman calypsonian, is a throwback to the consumate, crowd-pleasing calypsonian in the days of the late Spoiler, Kitchener, Roaring Lion and Melody. A natty dresser with a strong stage presence and almost flawless diction, this 1998 monarch will explain later all about “Mr Indian.” Sandra is a charming blend of simplicity and confidence. Powerful in voice and stature, she uses her experience as an actress and dancer in the Best Village Competition to great advantage when presenting her work. She puts these gifts to the ultimate test tonight when she sings and dances to Ancient Rhythms.” The craftiest of the lot, Chalkdust must be considered the major threat to Aloes’ continued reign.

The five-time monarch is at his best when competing in a final, and is known to stun his opponents by coming to the contest with a new song. But having regard to the reception he has been receiving in the tents, he is not expected to go to the Savannah and drop surprises. Aloes, the defending monarch will have his work cut out later, but says he is confidently up to the challenge. The grapevine has it that he is the one with the surprise up his sleeve, so his opponents should tread cautiously. All season long he has been asking the question “Where Is Dorothy?”