In the end, after 3 hours of calypso bacchanal, it was the veteran Singing Angie who emerged as winner from a field of 11 competitors that included 9 men and two females.
Performing in the number five position, and delivering a tune titled, “One Song”, Singing Angie drew on her many years of experience, to gain the approval of the four man panel of judges by the time she completed her rendition that related to the decision of the organizers this year, to limit the artistes to just one song in the competition.
Angie argued in her selection, that with so many different topics to cover, it is almost impossible for the contestants to do justice to the myriad of issues that are affecting Kittitians in various spheres of life.
Dressed in the green colours of the festival and Cayon, Angie pranced across the stage pelting out her lyrics, with such clarity and confidence that obviously convinced the judges that she was the best on show for this year.
The man having to settle for First Runner, was the controversial and hard hitting Brer Bread, with a popular tune called, “You Got to Go”, recounting his disappointing experience during the 2010 competition, when he was penalized for singing a political song, even though organizers of the event claimed, that calypsonians have always been advised that such topics are prohibited in the contest.
Brer Bread, who performed just after Angie in Number six position, was masterful in his presentation, and it was not surprising to hear many fans express shock that he was not given the nod as the winner.
Other credible performances came from Godfrey, who placed Second Runner with his tune, “Who is in Control?” He was followed by Jungle Lion in the Third Runner Up slot.
The remaining line up of senior calypsonians this year included De Priest, Copper Head, Tal Lal, Sha Angel, Florser and Jungle Lion.
Meanwhile, in the junior category of Saturday night’s contest, the Mighty Midget, who was number four on stage, edged out the other five youthful contenders, to win the Junior Monarch title.
His closest contenders were Ricky, who placed First Runner Up and Scribble, in Second Runner –Up; who delivered an outstanding performance that could have also been the judge’s selection for the crown. It was obvious that he too felt that way and after the coronation, he broke down and cried, expressing disbelief that he had not won.
The other Junior Calypso Finalists were Lord Cally, King Copper, Mighty Survivor, and Mighty Ricky.
Speaking after the show, Queen Angie said she was overjoyed about having made history as the first person in the 15 years of the festival, to win the crown on three consecutive occasions. She said this was a great feeling and she is excited that she has succeeded in doing what no other Green Valley calypsonian has ever done before.
Angie also said that the Committee’s decision to have a one song competition may have made it more difficult for some calypsonians, who would have preferred the regular two rounds, to touch on burning issues that may be affecting the community of Cayon and the country generally.
The criteria used for the competitions were Lyrics 40 points, Music 30 and Performance 30.
Musical accompaniment was provided by the Grand Masters and special guest appearances were made by former National Calypso Monarch, the King Phonsie, as well as reigning Calypso King, Pungwa and the entertaining King Unexpected, who last December was crowned in the inaugural MiyVue.com King ah de Tents Calypso Competition. Approximately 500 fans were in attendance to support the artistes.
The show ended at approximately 1:30pm with the MC reminding patrons that the festival continues on Sunday night with a live soca concert also at Maynard’s Park, followed by j’ouvert and the costume parade on Whit Monday, a public holiday in St. Kitts and Nevis.