Calypsonians get ready to fight for kaiso crown

Eighteen finalists are set to transform the tranquil National Botanical Gardens into a calypso battlefield come Friday, August 4 when they come up against reigning king Quon in the Courtesy Garage Pic-o-de-Crop Finals.

The battle for the calypso monarch title and $100 000 in cash or a customised vehicle, is expected to be a big tussle in wit, rhyme and picong among the large field of contestants, increased by one after a tie for 17th place was announced by the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) at the end of Sunday night’s judging of the De Big Show. 

The tie means that there will now be no reserve in place on finals night. It is also the first time since the one-song competition format, which was introduced in 2019, will have 19 contestants on the Finals stage.

All Stars Calypso Tent grabbed the largest number of spots with six going through to the finals. There will be five each from De Big Show and House of Soca and two from Shining Stars. Among the contestants are four former calypso kings in Adrian Clarke, I-Web, Mr. Blood, Bumba and reigning monarch Quon who will be defending his crown. Also in the line-up are two former Scotiabank Junior Monarchs in Raanan and Teri. 

Finalists will draw for performance positions on Thursday when they also start rehearsals for the kaiso showdown. (BT)  

Eighteen finalists are set to transform the tranquil National Botanical Gardens into a calypso battlefield come Friday, August 4 when they come up against reigning king Quon in the Courtesy Garage Pic-o-de-Crop Finals.

The battle for the calypso monarch title and $100 000 in cash or a customised vehicle, is expected to be a big tussle in wit, rhyme and picong among the large field of contestants, increased by one after a tie for 17th place was announced by the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) at the end of Sunday night’s judging of the De Big Show. 

The tie means that there will now be no reserve in place on finals night. It is also the first time since the one-song competition format, which was introduced in 2019, will have 19 contestants on the Finals stage.

All Stars Calypso Tent grabbed the largest number of spots with six going through to the finals. There will be five each from De Big Show and House of Soca and two from Shining Stars. Among the contestants are four former calypso kings in Adrian Clarke, I-Web, Mr. Blood, Bumba and reigning monarch Quon who will be defending his crown. Also in the line-up are two former Scotiabank Junior Monarchs in Raanan and Teri. 

Finalists will draw for performance positions on Thursday when they also start rehearsals for the kaiso showdown. (BT) ]]>