“Speaking with the calypsonians, some of them expressed more than excitement. They have welcomed the competition as an avenue beyond the semi-finals of the calypso monarch competition as well as having an audience to perform in front of and a competition of their own. I think that throughout the years they have not had an opportunity to perform outside of the tents.
“It is also an avenue to make some extra money and they have not had any opportunity to compete and to be crowned king of anything, so they are looking forward to the competition with great expectation,” Henry said.
With any event, preparation is a major factor and according to Henry, “it’s going to be a hectic 24 hours before show time.”
“From an organizational stand point, the next 24 hours are going to be very busy trying to fine tune all the arrangements, including the production aspects of it. We are in the process of preparing the stage but preparations are progressing steadily,” he explained.
On the afternoon of Wednesday 22nd December, the calypsonians are expected to select their order in which they will perform on the night of the event, live on Chico’s Jump off show on ZIZ radio.
The ten calypsonians competing for the King Ah De Tents crown are; Pau-u-la, Unexpected, Rock-ah-fella, Felix, Little Willy, Aba Lively, Hot Rod, De Provoker, La La and Neglecter.
The public can log on to www.miyvue.com to vote online or to name their choice for winner, by texting 9696, as follows:
1. Lala, text Lal to 9696
2. Aba Lively, text Aba to 9696
3. Provoker, text Pro to 9696
4. Unexpected, text Unx to 9696
5. Rock-a-Fellow, text Roc to 9696
6. Felix, text Fel to 9696
7. Pau-u-la, text Pau to 9696
8. Hot Rod, text Hot to 9696
9. Little Willie, text Wil to 9696
10. Neglector, text Neg to 9696
Some very attractive prizes are also up for grabs. The winner will be presented with a trophy and a cash prize of EC$2,000, Second Place winner will receive a trophy and EC$1,500 and Third Place winner will receive a trophy and EC$1,000.00. All other finalists will receive participation trophies.
Presentation of trophies will be made on the night of the National Carnival Senior Monarch Competition on 29th December, prior to the announcement of winners of that contest.
