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UPDATE – Reggae artiste Sista Joyce wins VG Calypso Monarch! [Photoslide Included]
The stunned and emotional mother of seven knew all eyes were on her since she was arrested and charged for alleged cannabis possession six days earlier, and the following day, April 4, 2012 she pleaded not guilty to being in possession of 503 grammes of cannabis with intent to supply before Senior Magistrate Valerie Stephens. The Calypsonian was granted $60,000 bail signed surety.
During the first round of competition, Sista Joyce gave a riveting performance with “Who To Blame I Ain’t Calling No Name”. She took a swipe at the politicians chiding them that “elections have come and gone and things are still the same”. She questioned the number of petty contracts that are being given out, pointing to the fact that the new Peebles Hospital is not yet completed.
The "long-suffering" labour issue was also on the mind of the 2012 Monarch and she bemoaned that the Labour Department on many occasions sided with the employers. And touching on her run in with the law, the Calypsonian acknowledged that she has taken responsibility for her actions, but wanted to know who will take responsibility for no Coney Island at the Leon ‘Kinny’ Creque Festiville this year. The crowd loved it!
Coming back strong in the second round of competition, the 41 year-old Calypsonian said she is aware that many may think she is “stupidee” to pay tribute to 9th district representative and Opposition leader Ralph T O’Neal, OBE in her song “Man Of Power”.
She commended him for all his contributions to the Territory and the 9th District, and emphasised that “no matter how they try, they can’t keep you under....I salute you.” Sista Joyce ended the powerful song by comparing the stalwart politician to the revered boxer Muhammad Ali.
For her ardent performances, the Calypsonian walked away with $4,000 and the winner’s trophy. She also captured the best lyrics, best social commentary and best musical arrangement trophies.
Swamped by journalists after her big win, the beaming Calypso Monarch said “too much words can’t explain [how I am feeling] I am really glad for my kids because my little one would have been very disappointed. I mean he thought he was a judge.”
Although she has carved her niche as a Reggae singer, Sista Joyce found no difficulty in preparing for the competition and revealed that she penned her own songs. As for singing about herself in “Who To Blame, I Ain’t Calling No Name”, the Calypsonian divulged that her “encounter” has now motivated her to be a youth advocate and she will speak to them that “jail house is no place for them to be.”
“So with what I went through, I am just going to cut and go through but be a better role model for the youths,” she added. Furthermore, Sista Joyce was not surprised with the support shown on her behalf because “I am a very down to earth person.”
So what’s next for the VG Calypso Monarch? Without any hesitation, she replied, “Going for Luther [B]”, the Road Town Calypso Monarch.
Competition was stiffDespite her win, Sista Joyce faced stiff competition especially from the 2011 winner King Henry; Queen Makisha and King Paido.
In the end, the judges gave Mighty Leh-Leh the 1st runner’s up spot for “Cry For Freedom and “Obeah Jumbie” which tackled his plight of not winning the monarchy. Armed with an obeah woman on stage, Mighty Leh-Leh lamented that it was his opinion that he has to wake up an obeah man to win the crown. “Cry For Freedom” spoke to the struggles residents face including the high cost of living.
Queen Makisha was adjudged 2nd runner up with “Give Them A Grade” and “I Love My Black Man”. She also took home the best humorous song trophy.
Dressed like a school teacher, the vibrant and sassy Calypsonian spoke about the projects that should be given Fs, and returned to encourage ladies not to despair because there are still some strong back men that remain.
King Henry came strong this year with “Time For You To Go” where he bashed the 9th District Representative for doing nothing in VG and appealed for him to go. In his musical satire, the 3rd runner up noted that Hon. O’Neal has his legacy adding, “we know you love your party but it’s sinking like quick sand...look how your name dragging through the mud, supporters are saying time for you to go.”
To hammer home his point, a “Raphie” impersonator was brought on stage. Meanwhile, King Henry’s second song “Desiny” spoke volumes about the dilemma face in today’s society. He was dressed as a shepherd.
The 4th runner up position went to King Paido for “Virgin Islands Dream´ and `The Rest You Deserved´. The other performers were Mighty Spice and the Mighty Rocky.
The Calypsonians were ably backed up by Frontline Band.
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