It could have been scripted and rehearsed weeks in advance, because of how it unfolded. But what went down at the semi-final of the adult calypso competition at Bartica last Saturday was shocking and so rare, it had to have been seen to be believed.
Some of the big names were kicked out owing to lacklustre, and in a few instances, alcohol-filled performances. Death and hospitalisation entered the competition but even then, some were able to triumph while others simply threw away their chances.
Those advancing to tonight’s final are Young Bill Rogers, Mighty Believer, Mark Batson, Sweet Kendingo, Mighty Voter, The Professor, Wicked Pertab, Black Hat and Lady Karen. They will meet reigning monarch, Mighty Rebel tonight at the finals in Linden.
Lord Canary, the seasoned campaigner and 2006 Monarch stumbled out along with the controversial Ras Marcus and calypsonians the likes of Mighty Roots; Sniper and Mighty Duke. From all indications, the close to seven hours long boat trip from Parika to Bartica was unwisely used for “sporting” and a few hours after the boat docked, a few of the performers saw their dream ended right there.
But some had a good night. Young Bill Rogers who had long campaigned for the crown but keeps coming up short had Bartica behind him with his piece, “We’re Still a Paradise”. Rogers knocked many persons and things in the country in his song but still rejoiced in Guyana being a paradise. He is among the top contenders for the title in Linden tonight.
Out of nowhere, the two junior calypsonians who moved up to the big league this year stormed into the finals.
Batson who sings under the name, “The Adviser” had Bartica in stitches when he performed his song, “Mr Mechanic”, which narrates the story of a mechanic fixing an old bicycle as Batson plays around with puns.
Following him was fellow junior, Mighty Believer who is coming as a doctor with “My Injection”.
Reports out of Bartica said Marcus was knocked out because of his epistle for a song. The piece, “The Resurrection” turned out to be too long for the public and apparently, the judges. Marcus was coming as former President Burnham resurrected from the dead.
As for Canary, it appeared that the competition started hours before for him so when he took the stage the crowd was disappointed.
The others who did not make the cut include Mighty Roraima, Mighty Blue Flame, The Prophet, The Mighty Eagle, Pearl Lewis and Franklin Archer.
Mighty Roots who also bowed out was commended for performing after receiving word that his sister had died. When he took the stage, he was not himself and clearly was grieving.
Sweet Kendingo was hospitalised on reaching Bartica but was treated and released in time to perform and perform he did. The calypsonian danced into the final with “VAT Dance”.
Given what happened at Bartica it is left to be seen how Linden will turn out, but more importantly, who will be crowned. (ianaseales@yahoo.com)
