Celebration of calypso at Skinner Park
Posted: Monday, January 31, 2005
Billed as a celebration of calypso, last Saturday's staging of Calypso Fiesta at Skinner Park, San Fernando once again proved to be the ultimate party as patrons were treated to an exciting blend of social commentaries and party tunes, generously intermixed with sizzling chutney and vintage calypso classics. And, in spite of the massive crowd, numbering in the thousands, the fiesta proved relatively incident-free as heavily-armed police officers maintained law and order both inside and outside the venue.
From as early as 12 noon, patrons began flocking to the South Mecca of calypso, which was soon transformed into a veritable sea of colour as whole sections wore colour-coded T-shirts and brand-name jerseys in colours of blazing red, brilliant blues and glorious yellows. The competition, which got underway at 1pm, showcased each contestant singing both their calypsos before the judges, and was opened by a number of up-and-coming calypsonians including Kenson "Ninja" Neptune, singing "Ah waiting too long" and "Trini does walk," and Roger "Bodyguard" Mohammed singing "The age of the specialist" and "This world doesn't like anything black."
Heather McIntosh gave a sterling performance with her solution to the increasing spate of crime, kidnappings and road fatalities by utilising Housing Minister, Dr Keith Rowley's, tried and true technique of "Throwing the teacup." But it was veteran performers, Sandra "Singing Sandra" Des Vignes-Millington, Weston "Cro Cro" Rawlins, Edwin "Crazy" Ayong, and Sugar Aloes, who strode onto the stage with regal authority, that wowed the massive audience, including Prime Minister Patrick Manning, and Community Development Minister, Joan Yuille-Williams, with their offerings for the 2005 competition. Patrons were also treated to a brilliant performence by the 2005 Chutney Soca Monarch, Heeralal "Hero" Rampartap, with his advice to persons caught with someone else's wife: "Ah had to run for mih life." The fiesta ended late on Saturday night.
http://www.newsday.co.tt/stories.php?article_id=24049
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