Shouts of “We want we money back”, and “What is the matter?”, were heard continuously for almost two hours until the 72nd Annual Calypso Monarch semi-finals kicked off last weekend, much to the relief of the large crowd, which had lined the streets around Skinner Park, San Fernando, many of whom stood in the uncovered stands in the blistering heat.
The first contestant Snakey (Heaven Charles) subdued the crowd with his energetic performance of The Dhoti Song.
The eagerly awaited performance of Body Guard’s (Roger Mohammed’s) song False Papers went down well with the crowd, as they sang along to his controversial ditty about people in executive positions who have false resumes.
Body Guard made headline news earlier this month after he was allegedly criticised by Sugar Aloes (Michael Osouna) for his controversial song.
Osouna, a two-time national calypso monarch, who opted to stay out of the competition, was backstage during the performance.
Body Guard left a trail in his wake but other forceful performances saw Rondell Donawa’s Yes We Can, King Luta (Morel Peters) with No Guns No Weapons, Heather McIntosh with Nutten Eh Good, Amrika Mutroo with Doh Judge Meh, Bunny B (Neville Brown) with Milk and Mistah Shak (Selvon Noel) with Bois also mustering a ripple effect with the several posses in varying colours.
The 11 to face Calypso Monarch Pink Panther (Eric Taylor) at the Dimanche Gras on Carnival Sunday night for a chance to take home the first prize of TT$1 million are: Cro Cro, Queen Victoria, Mr Shak, Bodyguard, Chucky, Myron B, Kurt Allen, Chalkdust, Skatie, Brian London and Alana Sinette Khan. Reserve is Morell Peters.
