In a move some entertainers might regard as stirring up a hornet’s nest, the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) has announced it is considering proposed changes to the singing competitions in the annual Crop Over Festival.
Chief executive officer (CEO) Cranston Browne said yesterday that the proposals included barring junior calypsonians under 18 from the Pic-O-De-Crop, Sweet Soca and Party Monarch competitions; stopping a solo performer from also being part of a duet in the same competition; and making artistes present different and original songs for each competition.
Browne also said the NCF was thinking about keeping the Finals of the Pic-O-De-Crop and the start of the Foreday Morning Jam on separate days, while launching the “jam” at 10 p.m. rather than midnight to help the long list of bands reach Spring Garden at a proper time.
He also reported that there were proposals “to introduce a different system for the judging” of the shows, but made the point that while it could be at times controversial, all judging was “subjective”. (TY)
