After three days of voting, the polls were closed on Saturday 25th December, to give the public the opportunity to cast their ballots for the winners of this unique carnival event.
According to fans who packed the venue, it was one of the most entertaining performances displayed by De Unexpected in the past three years.
Minutes after being announced by the MC, and as the band played the introduction to his hit song, “Rock N’ Dirt’, it almost seemed like De Unexpected was going to be a “no show”. Soon after however, fans were shocked but thrilled to see the energetic calypsonian jump from a 10 ft roof top, to make his grand entrance, on to the stage below.
Dressed in a black suit, the popular entertainer demonstrated why he is a leading contender in this style of calypso, delivering his song with clarity, energy and a touch of professionalism, not seen by him for a while.
His composition was another classical piece of satire, reflecting and providing commentary on some of the latest social, economic and political happenings in St. Kitts & Nevis.
Taking the First Runner Position, with his popular hit, “Puppy ah Tun Dog” was another legendary performer, King Lala, who this year won the crown in the Best of the Rest Competition, held at Carnival Village, on the opening night (18th December) of Sugar Mas 2010.
The Second Runner up position saw a tie between the ever controversial but entertaining Rock-ah-Fella, with his song entitled Pam Pa Lam and newcomer Felix, with a song titled, “Never Gonna Drink Again”.
Other calypsonians who competed in the contest were De Provoker, Little Willie, Pau-u-la and Aba Lively.
Musical accompaniment for the calypsonians was provided by the Grand Masters and the Legends Band, while the MCs were Calypso Reggie and Sandra B.
Though 10 calypsonians were previously announced to compete, both Hot Rod and Neglecter failed to show, reducing the field to just eight contenders.
There were also electrifying guest appearances from Pungwa, Bra Bread, Lord Black and defending Senior Calypso Monarch, Socrates.
The contest, which was organized by the new online news and entertainment website, MiyVue.com, was created to help give recognition to those calypsonians, who each year are the life and spirit of the calypso tents, but who also have very little chance of reaching the Finals of the Calypso Monarch Competition. The songs had to be witty, funny, not serious, but hilarious or outright funny and entertaining.
Calypsonians were expected to deliver energetic performances to create a positive crowd impact and participation. However, they were penalized if certain requirements were not met, including that of punctuality. Ten points and 20% of earnings were deducted for any calypsonian who failed to arrive by 8:00 p.m., for the contest scheduled for 9:00pm. Two calypsonians, Aba Lively and De Unexpected, were sanctioned for lateness.
The competition which was streamed live via the internet on www.MiyVue.com and via ZIZ Radio, has so far received rave reviews from fans who attended and those who were logged on overseas, in places such as England, New York, Florida, US Virgin Islands, Antigua, New Jersey and 20 other locations.
It is already the prediction of many that the MiyVue.com King ah de Tents Competition will become one of the big hits for Sugar Mas 2011.
Sponsors and supporters of the contest included LIME, ZIZ, The Cable, De House Nitery, Grand Masters, Legends Tent, Katuba Webster, Elvin Frazer, The Morton Family, VIBES FM Sheffield UK and the National Carnival Committee.
The king is scheduled to be crowned on the night of the Senior Monarch Competition, on Wednesday 29th December.