Not since Lady Tempest stormed into the calypso finals and won the crown a few years ago has a female calypsonian looked as good as Calypso Stella.
All things being equal, she is likely to pick up her first win tonight after nearly a decade of campaigning.
But calypso can be unpredictable and based on reports out of Bartica last weekend Calypso Stella needs to deliver strong to grab the title. The semi-final leg of the Mash Adult Calypso competition was held in Bartica and Calypso Stella and her piece, “Agri is de key” reportedly energized the community.
Running strong behind Calypso Stella were The Professor with his song, “Save de land” and D’ Ivan with “Agriculture gon mek it fuh me”.
There has been little said as to the kind of defence reigning monarch Young Bill Rogers is putting up this year yet he seemed confident that a consecutive win is within reach.
Lester Charles who sings under the name, The Professor, was edged out by a one-point margin last year and lost to Rogers. Charles had vowed then that he would be back strong and “more prepared” and based on the reports out of Bartica, he has made good on that promise.
This year the social commentary is heavy on agricultural issues as calypsonians drive home the pains of the world food crisis and the possible impacts on the local ec
onomy. However, many have strategized what the country can do to thrive in the face of the crisis.
Mashramani Coordinator Lennox Canterbury told The Scene that the calypso competition should be a close one this year. He briefly stated that the competition has run off well so far, noting that people came out in full support at Bartica.
Canterbury added that the final of the competition which is tonight at Thirst Park is open to the public free of cost. He said the organizers decided to make admission free, and they are expecting the public to support the artform. The calypso final is back in the city after two years.
Sniper who has been on the scene for a long time is also holding strong with a piece called, “Grow More Food”. He is in a good position based on reports, but observers have noted that Sniper needs to bring more energy to the piece and deliver it more convincingly if he hopes to win.
Others in the final include The Mighty Voter, Mighty Roraima, Lady Karen, Bright Colours, Mighty Believer, Lord Canary and Dawn Edwards.
Twenty participated in the semi-finals but some faded away including the controversial but well loved Ras Marcus with “My People”.