‘Winning is always my aim’ - King Paido
Calypso is defined as a style of Afro-Caribbean music that originated across the Leeward Islands and Windward Islands in the Caribbean during the early to mid-17th century. Its rhythms can be traced back to West African Kaiso and the arrival of French planters and their slaves from the French Antilles in the 18th century.
Calypso can be light-hearted but also used serious social and political commentary.
‘I feel like a winner’
Shortly after being presented with the Mighty Rocky Calypso Trophy, crowned, and giving his fans a second taste of his song ‘Bring Your Culture’, he told Virgin Islands News Online, "I feel like a winner.”
Bursting with excitement at his achievement, King Paido said he gave of his best and left the rest to the judges.
“Winning is always my aim. Put your best foot forward and then the end result, you leave it up to the judges and then this is what the outcome is: 2019 calypso King."
The judges scored 579 points for King paido, which was only one more than Sistah Joyce (578). Lady Liberty had 516 points.
King Paido, who is one of the most consistent Calypsonians in the VI, also won awards for Best Social Commentary, Best Stage Performance and Best Lyrics.
It was also a big payday for the musician as he pocketed $7,500.
No political songs this year- Sistah Joyce
Many fans of calypso and Joycelyn Searles aka ‘Sistah Joyce’ in particular may have been hoping for the usual political commentary but this was not to be as, according to the former Calypso Queen, she didn’t opt for any “political songs” this year because there was too much to be grateful for.
Her first round song, ‘Hold On’, was an encouragement to the Virgin Islands to stay the course despite the challenges.
Her patriotic songs resonated with the crowd and won her the First Runner Up spot, along with the prize for Best Arrangement.
Speaker wig
The song that had the crowd cracking up with laughter; however, was done by Lady Liberty and titled ‘Speaker Wig’.
Her catchy song made fun of the bob wig worn by Speaker of the House of Assembly Hon Julian Willock, saying the people is not sure if it is a wig on his head “or a cat lying dead” and that it was hard to take the Speaker seriously with that wig on his head.
“Take de wig off he head, the Speaker killing we dead,” was the catchy part of the lyrics.
The mundane crowd that had suddenly burst to life with interest showed their appreciation for the performance with a loud round of cheers and applause.
The wearing of the ‘bob wig’ is a British tradition going back at least three centuries and, according to research, was worn simply for style beginning in the 1680s before it became a tradition. The bob wig was viewed as more casual than a full ceremonial getup, but staid and serious enough to command attention as it lent an air of dignity and solemnity to proceedings and put an emphasis on institutions instead of individuals.
‘Cost of Living’ was the other song by Lady Liberty, who was named Second Runner Up and also received a prize for Best Humour.
The other contestants were Falco and Mighty Lay Lay.
Eustace C. Freeman opted not to defend crown
The annual festivities did not have a calypso competition in 2018 consequent of the celebrations being significantly scaled back to accommodate the continuation of the recovery process following the devastating hurricanes of 2017.
However, the 2017 Calypso Monarch, Eustace C. Freeman aka ‘Boss, opted not to defend his title. Mr Freeman instead focused his energies on helping to organise and execute this year's competition.
And this year, Mr Freeman and his committee members saw it fit to honour one of the territory's longest serving calypsonians, Mr Titus Crabbe aka ‘The Mighty Rocky’, by naming the winning trophy after him.
The Mighty Rocky is said to have been singing calypso for over 50 years but told us while he has never been crowned champion at any of the competitions he was happy to have been honoured. The Mighty Rocky had come in among the top three positions in previous competitions over the years.
He did not compete in this year’s competition but graced the stage with two of his original pieces and promised to keep singing.
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