If the Mighty Rebel had defended his calypso crown this year the script would have read that a new rebel has taken over or that he has passed the torch to a younger performer with a firm grip on social issues.
With a hard-hitting calypso called, “Is them got it so” Lester Charles popularly known as, ‘The Professor’ shook up the adult calypso finals at Thirst Park early yesterday morning and by the time he was through with his lecture, the capacity crowd was on its feet.
The people, electrified by the message, threatened to disrupt the competition minutes after he exited the stage and chants of, “encore, encore” penetrated the riotous atmosphere. Calls for calm and repeated reminders of the fact that others were still to perform initially fell on deaf ears as the crowd unanimously crowned Professor the Calypso king.
There were signs that a riot was going to break out had the judges not sided with the crowd which eventually calmed down to allow the remaining two performers to take the stage. But the competition struggled to find its footing and or relevance after Professor performed.
Strange enough when Professor first took the stage people seemed interested but not fired up; a reaction which many of the performers before him received.
But one verse and the chorus later and the crowd was on its feet; even the rain was not enough to keep them from surging closer to the stage.
The Professor’s commentary focused on struggling sectors in the economy; the cost of living; tax burdens and the general state of affairs in the country; and he blamed the government for all that has gone wrong. But he also spoke of progress and what is needed to push Guyana forward. He sang:
`Them can’t like Stabroek and Kaieteur newspaper
them can’t like Freddie Kissoon neither
them can’t like calypsonians because what we sing and write about is the truth
them too damn thin skin, that’s what they are
them don’t want to face de facts and killing we with high taxes
kaiso like mine nah play on de radio
but I don’t care cause I done say so
that is the government got it so
dem got it so
public servants and joint services
they need better wages
is we government got it so
yes them got it so
first time the country without a first lady
is we government got it so
poor Guyana is not like Guyana long ago’
The calypso and the man delivering it struck a note with the audience and after the final performer left the stage chants of “We want rasta man” rang out, in reference to the dreadlocked Professor.
When Stabroek News spoke with him after his win, the Professor said he worked hard on the piece and had assistance putting the music together from Kil Kelley, a Bishop’s High School music teacher.
Professor said his writing is inspired by people and their struggles, adding that he also stays informed through the newspapers and conversations with his boss.
Professor is employed at the RUSAL bauxite company and he thanked them for supporting his music over the years.
And while the Professor was riding a wave of massive support, the fairytale story of reigning junior calypso monarch Diana Chapman was unfolding.
The young woman from Linden who won the junior title three weeks ago finished a strong second behind the Professor with her song, “Bring back Brer Nancy”.
Her stage performance outclassed many of the seniors and her voice thundered above them as she executed beautifully.
She was the first calypsonian to sing and after the first segment had ended she was the clear leader until the Professor was up. Incidentally, both are from Linden making it a top two finish for the mining town.
Rounding out the top four were the Mighty Believer in the third spot with his fiery piece, ‘Never Mind’ and Lord Canary with, ‘Sex Demons’.
They were not only the judges’ top four, the crowd had them lined up in exact fashion. “Fair judging this year, fair judging” many shouted when the results were announced.
Other performers who electrified the crowd were the Mighty Duke with, ‘It’s insanity’ and the Mighty Voter with, ‘Crown me king’.
The Mighty Rebel, who did not defend his title this year after he retired from competition, was honoured at the event by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony. Anthony said that the government wanted to show its appreciation for the veteran singer who was a pioneer in the art form and was known for entertaining with witty pieces; Rebel received a plaque.
Rebel was forced to perform after he was honoured due to loud chants of “sing for we Rebel” from the massive crowd.
