Seasoned calypsonian Roger ‘Young Bill Rogers’ Hinds was among the finalists for last evening’s Calypso Monarch Competition and he was sure that his song, “We Ain’t Giving Up” is a winner and would have found favour with the judges.
He has also secured a spot in the final of the Chutney Monarch Competition slated for tomorrow. Young Bill Rogers is the only Guyanese to have been crowned both Calypso and Chutney monarch twice. A third time would be another record-breaking feat.
Young Bill Rogers shared he wrote “We Ain’t Giving Up” more than 20 years ago. “This song is all about the continuous Venezuelan aggression for Essequibo; it’s an educational, historical commentary of Calypso,” he said, adding that it remains relevant today. Aside from hoping the song cops the monarchy, the singer’s fervent dream is to see a resolution of the controversy.
Tomorrow he will compete in the Chutney Monarch Competition with his latest single “Mere Pyaree Dost (My Loving Best Friend)” which tells of a girl, who after failed relationships, resorted to having a best friend instead.
Both songs were recorded at the CB (Claude Bascomb) Studio in the US.
Young Bill Rogers has been singing Calypso for 30 years and Chutney for about 23 years.
All of this weekend is dedicated to the monarch competitions at the National Stadium with Calypso last evening, Soca tonight and Chutney tomorrow night. COVID-19 guidelines are still in effect and only a limited number of vaccinated persons will be allowed into the stadium.
Owing to stricter COVID-19 protocols last year, all of the competitions were hosted virtually.
Young Bill Rogers shared his excitement at being able to perform in a physical setting once again.
Last year, he finished second in the Calypso Competition and fourth in the Chutney Competition.
Last year’s winning lineup saw newcomers copping the top spots in the competitions with Samuel Medas finishing as Soca Monarch, Kevin Satrohan Singh winning the Chutney Monarch and Faith Corrica walking away as the Calypso queen.
