There is a pot of social commentary brewing in the Mashramani Calypso Competition this year which is expected to kick off in early February and some of the usual suspects are lined up and ready to take on a string of newcomers.

After a brief hiatus, a few performers, including the popular Winfield James, are among those competing and this year at least one promotional company has thrown itself into the fray. Cinderella Promotions, which as been active in entertainment locally, is fielding a team in the competition which includes singer, Cyd Hooper of “We Linkin” fame.

Performers such as Lord Canary, Rebel, Young Bill Rogers and Ras Marcus are leading the pack of veterans and newcomers this year in what is being hyped in some circles as a much needed revival of the art form. The competition is also boasting a strong line-up of female performers for the first time in several years. Calypso here has been on the decline with showings at the 2009 competition being dismal save for a few performances.

Controversy has already marred the competition though the lyrics approved are yet to be made public. Calypsonian Aubrey Simon who sings under the name ‘Simple Simon’ has accused the Mashramani Secretariat of cutting him from the competition because of a song he entered this year which “had two lines hitting the government”.  Simon, in his song, said the time has come for Guyanese to see the back of the PPP and he also made a reference to Minister of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy.

The Scene contacted Coordinator of the Mash Secretariat Lennox Canterbury who rejected the claims made by Simon. He said briefly that many persons auditioned for the competition this year, but that some were eliminated because the quarter-finals only accommodate 25 performers. “He did not make the cut,” Canterbury added.

Simon maintains that he was cut because of his lyrics. The calypsonian, who was away from the stage for 17 years, said he was hoping to make a “good comeback” this year. He said the blow of being eliminated was heavy, but vowed that his song would still reach an audience.

The calypso competition this year is shaping up to be good, a source said, citing a string of fiery songs that are likely to heat up the stage.

“The veterans are there, but watch for the new faces,” the source said.

Reigning calypso monarch Lester ‘De Professor’ Charles is reportedly bringing a strong piece this year to defend his title. The calysponian who has been climbing to the top over the past two years remains the one to beat, but many are hoping to do just that.

The performers selected for the quarter-finals include Voter; Perai; Lady Karen; Bright Colours; Kenroy Fraser; Professor Clem; Garfield Campbell; De Mentor; Lady Mel; Blue Flame; Precious Pearl; Sniper; Mighty Duke; Wicked Pertab; Lady D; and Kaiso Kid. (ianaseales@yahoo.com)