A true “cultural explosion; expression of self” took place for Carnival’s Opening night on Friday July 27th at the Landsome Bowl Cultural Center. Fireworks lit up the night sky and eleven talented calypsonians gave vibrant performances with heartfelt lyrics. The much anticipated Junior Calypso and Female Monarch Competitions made the kick off for the 2012 Carnival festivities nothing short of excellence!
The first of the two shows was the Junior Calypso Monarch Competition where the reigning Monarch, “Mighty Viglef” (Viglef Gumbs), was dethroned by “Lady Upsetter” (Erissa Cozier) who sang a song entitled “We need prayer”. With a total of 390 points, Lady Upsetter took home the first place prizes: a recording contract, EC$1,500.00 (Government of Anguilla), EC$500.00 (National Bank ofAnguilla) and a laptop (Hungry’s Restaurant). The Mighty Viglef followed her with a total of 342 points winning first runner up, and taking home: a Kindle Fire (Highway Tire Services), EC$1,000.00 (Government of Anguilla) and EC$400.00 (National Bank of Anguilla). Second runner up was “Kaiso Nicky” (Nakia Webster) who won a digital camera (A&E Apartment Services), EC$800.00 (Government of Anguilla) and EC$300.00 (National Bank ofAnguilla). Laudicia Laud (“Lady Laud”) came in as third runner up. She received a portable DVD player and EC$600.00 (Government of Anguilla).
The other contestants for the Junior Calypso Competition were Aron Gumbs (“Mighty Unstoppable”), Zarquan Carter (“Singing Zacky”), Tyrique Gumbs (“Super Mario”) and Patrique Liburd (“Mighty Triki”). Each of them won EC$500.00 (Government of Anguilla) and participation prizes.
Later that night, in the Female Calypso Monarch Competition, “Singing Shea Shea” (Fedalia Richardson) arose victorious for the third consecutive year. With her song “Is it right?” she racked up a total of 427 points putting her in first place by 30 points. Along with retaining her title, Ms. Richardson won a cash prize of EC$5,000. In second place was Lady Messenger with 397 points. She won EC$3,500 by singing her song entitled “Why?”. Singing Arlee took third place with her song “Lesson Number One”. She received a cash prize of EC$2,500.
These exceptional events were just the tip of the iceberg for Carnival 2012! If you are interested in finding out more about the Summer Festival, the schedule of events along with much more information are located online at www.anguillasummerfestival.com.
Article By: Jemila Morson
