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Calypsonians not getting themselves ready for festival events – Dirk L. Walters

King Paido performing 'Bring your culture on' at the 2019 Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival Calypso Competition at the Prime Time Festiville in Road Town on August 1, 2019. There will be no Calypso Competition for Emancipation Festival this year. Photo: VINO
From left: Damion C. Grange and Elvin Grant, co-hosts of Talking Points; and Chairman of the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee (VIF&FC), Dirk L. Walters. Photo: Facebook
From left: Damion C. Grange and Elvin Grant, co-hosts of Talking Points; and Chairman of the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee (VIF&FC), Dirk L. Walters. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI– Chairman of the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee (VIF&FC) Mr Dirk L. Walters has pointed out that a majority of local calypsonians are not producing materials in time for local festivals and shows.

Mr Walters was at the time speaking on the absence of the calypso show at this year’s 2023 Emancipation festivities, while a guest of Talking Points aired on ZBVI 780 AM on Monday, July 31, 2023.

He said while nothing can be done at this stage to have the calypso show, the VIF&FC will be making every effort to have the show held next year. This will include a Junior Calypso Competition.

Calypso is a whole different monster!- Dirk L. Walters

Mr Walters added, “The issue with Calypso, it’s a whole different monster of its own, and part of the issue is there has been no specific person to spearhead the show.”

He added that the show is also one of the most expensive as it involves band rehearsals and the use of bands, which cost money in both instances.

“It’s one of the biggest and hardest shows to work with, and you have the live band, the budget alone for calypso show is enormous because the bands that rehearse and practice, you have to pay them for rehearsals,” he added.

Mr Walters said even with the challenges, people have reached out to local calypsonians and were told they are not ready for the festival events of 2023.

“It would be nice if we have a better understanding and relationship with the calypsonians to put themselves forward… there are a very few really great ones that show initiative and know the onus is on them to put themselves together and they are always ready,” he added.

Mr Walters complained that some calypsonians even expect the Committee to pay for their sheet music, "What’s next, are we supposed to pay for your recording at that studio?" he questioned.

13 Responses to “Calypsonians not getting themselves ready for festival events – Dirk L. Walters”

  • Rubber Duck (01/08/2023, 17:36) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    so is he helping them to get ready?
  • stop making excuses (01/08/2023, 18:09) Like (21) Dislike (1) Reply
    You know it’s costly since last year and the year before. Why not hold some kind of Fish Fry or something to raise money.
    • Dirk. Pls. Stop. (02/08/2023, 07:06) Like (6) Dislike (10) Reply
      Seems like when you on the end to receive benefits you pish for it. U have gained from Calypso show over the years, now its too expensive. You are a guy Dirk when you want something or want something to happen you push for it...Power have changed u. Or lets say you are now a true politician...
  • Rick (01/08/2023, 22:00) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    In the USVi you don't hear any complaints of performers not getting paid and they does have great acts in their carnival/festival villages and don't charge a dime. It's too expensive here to go festival village. Coming from USVI 1person $100 round trip ferry cost, Entry to the village $25, A plate of wheels $40, drinks $40 plus, 5 rides $25 wowee
  • Bull (01/08/2023, 22:58) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    You Chatting Nonsense. You all just don't want Calypso. I could call a lot of names who is always ready. I helped on the Comittees before and you just have to say the word and some of them get their materials once they know that they are having a show. Soo where all this crap you talking bout. I wish you would say the same for all the foreign Artist yall bringing sooo that is not costly. keep on keeping down yo own Culture. The Calypsonians Songs does be playing on ZBVI, old and new and only them does do it. Why should you worry about if they have song, Just put the Registration out there and you will see even new comers if the price is right. For Years now They are not Compensated properly for their Talents. but most of them still singing. Aryo get all yo acts together and srtop playing the blame game. Yall killing the Culture.
  • hmm (02/08/2023, 04:24) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    You know what is costly? A $250k nonstop concert to celebrate nothing new and that didn’t boost tourism.

    Yea that money could have gone to post for studio time for all of our registered artists! So then they would be ready for Festival.
  • Rhythm up.. (02/08/2023, 05:20) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is a two way street. Its unfair to blame Calypsonians only. You talk to most Calypsonians they will tell you no one from the call them...I think both parties took a stubborn approach , " They ain calling me, I ain calling them". Thats not the way, someone has to be bigger and put the culture first. The solutions 1/ . The Festival committee should have a Calypso show sub committee, they should reach out to get the art going. 2/ Calypsonians need to organizer and have a body with leadership who will negotiate with the committee. Time to stop the blame game. Put the culture first..
  • Hmm (02/08/2023, 07:57) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Why Shareen not ready, she have time now.
  • island man (02/08/2023, 09:43) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let's face it we need a workshop or Calypso tent for calypsonians. These guys need to sharpen their craft and attract new blood. The craft has really been falling off lately.
  • herbs power (02/08/2023, 09:50) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Y'all getting exactly what y'all voted for.
  • the way it is (02/08/2023, 13:43) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Pure nonsense from Dirk. If he wanted to have the calypso show on the festival agenda it would have happened. It it obvious that he has the whole festival plan already strategized and his decision was NOT to have the annual calypso show. Now, instead of saying it the way it is, his way out is to blame the calypsonians. Everything is only for a time so let him enjoy the journey.
  • smh (03/08/2023, 02:28) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Honestly I’m disappointed in this dude with his catchphrase “ Love Alone” Too darn selfish and one sided. Me ever interested in going Village any night because I already see it’s a money making opportunity for he and his club mates.
  • VI Gyal (04/08/2023, 11:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    if the soca competitors ready so are calypsonians.


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