Royal RPB

Nine-time king Gabby (left) congratulating ten-time king RPB after a heated battle at the Gym. (Picture by Insight Digital.)

By Ricky Jordan | Sat, August 04, 2012 - 12:09 AM

Red Plastic Bag is Barbados’ first ten-time king. After going into the archives to give thanks for all that calypso has done for him, and capping it with a visit by “royalty”, RPB earned his tenth calypso title along with a trophy, a Kia Cerato car and $10 500 in his 30th anniversary year last night.

When the dust had settled by 2:30 a.m. in the MQI Banks Lime Pic-O-De-Crop Finals at the Gymnasium of the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, the 51-year-old, who first appeared victoriously on the national kaiso stage in 1982, was able to bask in wonderful memories after rendering Thank You Calypso, which was introduced by video footage of his three decades of performances.

With solid lyrics and an interesting melody, Bag affirmed his commitment to bringing issues to the poor and described the calypso tent as his parliament, while donning a shimmery red and gold costume to climax his presentation.

In his Royal Visit, Bag used Parliament as a prop this time, interfacing it with Buckingham Palace, as he encouraged Queen Elizabeth II to come to Barbados and witness the true picture of squalor in what is essentially “common poverty” as opposed to “common wealth”.

Please read the full story in today’s SATURDAY SUN, or in the eNATION edition.