Anguilla Summer Festival is approaching us and, like in disaster terms, we are urged to take precaution as we are placed on a “Watch”. But it is time to Participate, Time to Fete & Spree.
But I am listening to the calypsoes as they are released and I am still to see a hit. With all the events since 2012 Summer Festival, locally, regionally and on the international scene, I saw it as the perfect time for our calypso artist to sift through documents, get creative and produce some well constructed lyrics on paper.
After all, the calypsonian should be the “mouthpiece” of the people. They are considered to be the voice of the voiceless and the oppressed, whose eyes and ears should be working over time. I strongly believe that calypsonians should always stand on the cutting edge of the social strata in the community – with a keen sense of observation which they translate into masterful compositions and renditions.
Here they appear and come one by one.
Ranger seems to be pulling his braces and maintaining a standard that is remarkable, and his compositions and renditions for 2013, I consider notable. Gee We – We Money- a good appeal as we live in this “World of Turmoil.”
Dynomite an all-time crowd favourite is back after a brief sabbatical telling the reason why “He could not write”. But with that mentioned, I thought that was more than enough for him to write and sing and not just for carnival.
That is where I have a problem. Our calypso artists are seasonal. I would venture to say, if carnival was to be postponed we would not hear one calypso.
Controller did a great job with his tune “Stress”. Well rendered and timely.
Where is the next song, Controller? Finals require two!
The Mighty Gille, after undergoing much scrutiny in many circles, has endured and improved tremendously but, like with vengeance, he comes mashing and trampling on the toes of the judges. What a beating!
Adjudicator one of the females, with four good compositions to my mind, seems to have a crowd favourite. As you know the juicy gossip is attractive and people tend to grab that more than Hall’s bread: Serious Confession and Acknowledge a Mistake was Made.
Hot-Shot, with a powerful tune came and tell us he Can’t Ha Ha Ha. Good song and message. I love the theme for, as Morgan Heritage would also say, “Aint Nothing to Smile about.” Times are critical and until things turn around favourably for ALL, “we all can’t Ha Ha Ha.”
From what I am envisioning, there will be no eliminations again this year. This is sad. What could be the reason? Late planning and inadequate organisation? What is it? Someone please explain because it is evident there are issues. 40 years of carnival and it is like we are just getting off the ground.
Drak, as usually really suggestive and of great penmanship, but still a miss. A missed opportunity to what I would now reveal.
All of the calypsos as I mentioned are calypsos but I am yet to hear a HIT. They are all Misses.
With all the trials and challeneges we face on Anguilla, including the surge in unemployment and the economic situation I thought that in 2013 we would have had buckets of songs/calypsos with solutions. The problems are already identified and outlined. No need to mention them, but calypsonians, where are your solutions?
Calypsonians have a serious role to play within our communities and should take that role seriously. You are our cultural icons and ambassadors, and you need to step up and do something more. The country is calling on you now more than ever. You have a free sing show to use – that can reach further than “To de Point” or “In Your face”.
Eye-Spy, my school buddy, I am still choking on your “Shango” tune and the Hi-Cocks upsetter. What a blend of truth and creativity. Nice work. You are capable and could do it, so you need to go back to the drawing board. The Farrington folks and, by extension we the calypso art form true lovers, demand this of you.
In conclusion, I will stay tuned – ears to the ground – to hear a Hit. According to the score sheet, thus far no one has advanced to the SemiFinals because the releases are All misses. Get to the drawing board guys and stop writing with Crayola.
