For the first time in the event’s history, a father will be in the finals, competing against his own child, with every intention of giving him a good whipping; and so too the son to the father.
The only strange thing about this bacchanal is that they both will be helping each other prepare for the grand event.
The saying goes, ‘like father , like son’, and in the case of Lincoln Maynard (Contenda) and his son, Konris Maynard( King Konris), this saying is in the context of the art-form of calypso.
Contenda, an experience calypso and Soca artiste, has produced many hits, including some impressive social commentaries, as well as some controversial and hard hitting songs.
Though he has placed First Runner Up a few times, he has never been crowned king in the National Carnival Calypso Competition.
He has had his own accomplishments in the calypso arena, but has never been able to wear the title of Senior Calypso Monarch, despite him competing for many years.
Konris on the other hand, has enjoyed immense success in the Senior Calypso Competition, boasting an unbeaten four-peat run in the competition. With four crowns under his belt King Konris took a sabbatical for the past two years, but has now re-entered the arena and led the other calypsonians in the recently completed elimination process, held last week, with the song 20/20.
One thing Contenda and Konris have in common, is that they both are Road March winners; with Contenda wining in 1986, with the then popular tune, ‘Living in de Band, ‘ and Konris securing the title of Road March Champion, after his hit ‘ Unstoppable Force’ captured the crown in 2010.
As the two calypsonians prepare for the finals of the Beaumont Park Soca Monarch Contest, they will be among a number of top soca artistes in St. Kitts and Nevis, who will be seeking to carry the 40:40 soca title.
One attractive feature will surely be in the Power Segment, where Contenda will compete against his son Konris, who happens to be the reigning champion. This match up will indeed interest the fans of both performers.
Another interesting battle we are keeping our eyes on and will soon report on, is the match- up between father and daughter, King Socrates and Queen Anastasia, giving us a repeat of last year’s Senior Monarch Finals.