The finals for the National Calypso Competition took place on the evening of 29th December at the Sugar Mill (Warner Park) before many kaiso lovers and featured performers from eight of the Federation’s best kaisonians.
The competition was intense and the quality of the calypsos was high as each brought their songs to life with the aid of props and their stage presentations.
The eight men and women appeared in two rounds in varying orders. Stitch in Time’s two renditions were “Sugar Mas’” and “I Am Still In Love With You”, I Soursop’s were “A Mother’s Pain” and “Crossroads”, King Kinta performed “Prince of Darkness” and “Sentenced to Die”, Astro sang “VAT Doctor” and “Crusade”, Singing Jackie performed “SKN’s Finest” and “Message From the Drum” while Socrates performed “Mortgage” and “Still Sorry”.
Queen Anastasia’s selections were “This I believe” and “Anastasia for PM” and Pungwah’s were “Hang dem High” and “Take the Old Clothes Off”.
After the first round, the whispers across the audience were that Pungwah could win the competition but that would be dependent on his delivery of his second song.
In his first song, “Hang Them High”, he spoke of what should be the fate of those persons who insist on senselessly killing others. In his song, he indicated that they should be hanged and hanged “high”. The impact of that song was increased when, among other things, a makeshift noose was brought onstage, with which a young man was executed.
His second rendition addressed the issue of hypocrisy in the church and how some persons profess Christianity and yet are not living the life about which they preach.
The threat of rain was not enough to stop the show from taking place and although signs of possible heavy rainfall were evident, a light drizzle was experienced nearing the end of the show. It was not until the time of coronation drew near however, that substantial rainfall began.
As the water fell from the heavens, Pungwah was crowned by Prime Minister of the Federation of St. Christopher and Nevis, Dr. Denzil Douglas.
The first runner-up position was snatched by Socrates while the second runner-up position was taken by his daughter, Queen Anastasia. Third runner-up was first –timer, Stitch in Time.
In an interview with MiyVue.com following his win, King Pungwah explained that the last time he won the National Calypso Monarch competition was in 2002. He said he was not fazed by that however, and his determination propelled him to the top.
“To be truthful, I am a man who does not give up, so I feel proud. I do not give up. I feel like a champion I am very proud of that. I am excited.”
Asked about what inspired him to write his 2010/2011 competition pieces, Pungwah explained that it is, “Because of what is happening today in the country that is what inspired me to write the first song. And then the hypocrisy that happens in the church today inspired me to write the second song.”
The way forward, Pungwah informed, will see him working with junior calypsonians as they “need some great help and I am committing myself to working with them”.
The 2010/2011 Calypso King expressed thanks to all who supported him during his journey to the crown.
The Master of Ceremony for the competition was Calypso Reggie and guest performances came from reigning Best of the Rest King, La La, reigning Junior Calypso Monarch, the Mighty Leo and Calypso Reggie himself.