Calypso royalty clash in historic Pic-O-De-Crop final

The stage is set for a groundbreaking Pic-O-De-Crop Final this Friday, as an unprecedented battle of lyrical prowess is set to unfold at the National Botanical Gardens. History and harmony will collide in spectacular fashion, as Barbados’ flagship calypso competition welcomes its first-ever visually impaired contestant in the 50-year history of Crop Over.

In a groundbreaking turn of events, Granville Mr Deejay Carter steps into the spotlight as the first of 17 aspirants in a diverse field of challengers vying to dethrone the reigning monarch, Ian iWeb Webster. Carter’s presence alone strikes a powerful chord in the annals of Barbadian cultural history.

The competition, sponsored by Courtesy Garage, promises to be a blend of historic firsts, fierce competition and a thrilling showcase of Barbadian musical talent, with the line-up reading like a who’s who of calypso royalty.

David Kid Site Piggott and Adrian AC Clarke, former monarchs, bring their battle-tested expertise. Rising stars Sir Ruel, Sammy G, Grateful Co, and Tae – all previous Junior Monarch victors – infuse the competition with youthful vigour.

The roster, selected after rigorous judging in calypso tents, continues with a mesmerising blend of seasoned performers and fresh faces: Samantha Sammy G Greaves, Chrystal Cummins-Beckles-Holder, Colin Spencer, Darin Holder, Eric Lewis, Sammy Sammy Dello Odle, John Yarde, Paul Billboard Murrell, Trinity Clarke, Shontae Tae Alleyne-Clarke, Shondell Imara Jahbari, and the indomitable Geoffrey Biggie Irie Cordle. Another former monarch, Dequon Quon Alleyne, is the reserve.

Adding to the regality of the evening, four legendary monarchs – Anthony Gabby Carter, Destroyer, Stetson RPB Wiltshire, and Edwin Yearwood – will transport the audience through a nostalgic journey of calypso’s greatest hits while results are tabulated.

National Cultural Foundation Chief Executive Officer Carol Roberts emphasised the competition’s cultural significance, stating that it made a significant contribution to the preservation of the intangible cultural aspects of Crop Over.

“Like no other competition or other event, it gives us a capsule of the issues and the personalities of the day creatively expressed by our musical griots – the calypsonians,” Roberts said, “and that is one aspect of the festival that the foundation continues to pledge to preserve for as long as we are producing this festival.”

She also praised the generosity of the sponsors — including Courtesy Garage, which returned as title sponsor, Cooperators General Insurance, and Sol Barbados Ltd., the newest addition She acknowledged that the Pic-O-De-Crop Finals and other festival events would not be possible without their support.

Regional Product Manager of Courtesy Garage, Samuel Gaston, affirmed his company’s commitment not only to the Pic-O-De-Crop Final but also to other aspects of the Festival. He explained that Courtesy’s support aims to enhance and enrich.

To the finalists, Gaston offered his congratulations for reaching the Big Yard. And emphasised that, although only one individual will be crowned the winner, each finalist is a winner in their own right due to their contributions to the festival, which should not be diminished by the final result.

The stakes are high, with the monarch facing a tantalising choice between a sleek 2024 Nissan E-Power X-Trail valued at $136,000 or $100,000 in cash. The vehicle comes with $5 000 in insurance and $1 000 in fuel vouchers. Even those who don’t clinch the top spot will be handsomely rewarded, with prizes ranging from $40,000 for second place and $20,000 for third place to $6,000 for positions 11 through 18. Each contestant will receive a $1,500 appearance fee, ensuring that every note sung resonates with purpose.

Admission for the Courtesy Garage Pic-O-De-Crop Final are $40 and $50 at the door.

Tickets are available online on TicketPal.com and at the National Cultural Foundation, Lucky Horseshoe Warrens and Worthing, Abbeville Rockley, NU Look and CS Pharmacy Bridgetown, Emerald City Six Roads, Carlton Supermarket Black Rock, A&B Music Supplies Wildey, SmartStore Limegrove and Welches and Ah Touch of Class Lanterns Mall.

(PR)