Saturday 21 November was indeed a highpoint in the short existence of the Anguilla National Calypso Association. It was certainly a night of Moving Calypso Forward the motto of the one-year-old organization.
The first ever Calypso Awards Ceremony and Dinner Dance, at the Anguilla Great House, took place to rave reviews from the appreciative patrons in attendance. The event hosted by King Beau Beau of St Maarten had as its main guest former Calypso Monarch of Trinidad and Tobago Singing Sandra who thrilled the audience with her powerful renditions – she did not just sing, she entertained.
Ten active calypsonians were honoured for over thirty years contribution to the art form of calypso locally – King Repeater, Hot Shot, Ziggy, Hitman, Sunbeam, Springer, Dynamite, Pontiques, Controller and Dr Splinter.
Calypsonians were also awarded in five special categories judged by the local media houses, the categories being the Lord Surprise Em Award for Most Humorous Calypso won by Hitman for his calypso “Whopping Victory”; the Lord Anything Award for Best Social Commentary Calypso won by the Mighty Gossip for his calypso “Income Inequality”; the Mighty Thunder Award for Best Political Commentary won by Slinger for his calypso “Elections”; the Mighty Kinger Award for Best Spirit of Carnival won by De Messenger for his calypso “Love Mi Carnival”; and the Mighty Beaver Award for Best Double Entendre won by Anonymous for his calypso “Quote Me”.
Eleven junior calypsonians were also honoured with plaques.
The highlight in terms of awards was the Legendary Award for outstanding contribution to calypso awarded to Michael “Dumpa” Martin who expressed his deep appreciation to the Association for the honour.
Calypsonians also paid glowing tribute in song to their fallen comrades.
Music for the event was provided by Boss and the Horsepower Band while a small ensemble provided musical accompaniment for Singing Sandra.
The Association wishes to thank the following persons and entities; LIME, Anguilla Great House, Department of Youth And Culture, Altamer Resort, Ministry of Culture, Government of Anguilla, Hon. Cardigan Connor, Hon. Victor Banks, Hon. Evans McNeil Rogers, Hon. Cora Richardson-Hodge, Hon. Curtis Richardson, Hon. Evalie Bradley, Hon. Palmavon Webster, Benjamine Group Of Companies, Bennett’s Construction, Two Sons Funeral Home, A & A Trucking, Anguilla Hotel And Tourism Association, Paradigm Solutions, Wines Etc., Greig’s Trucking, Anacaona Hotel, Nagico Insurance, Titanium Sounds, Confetti Dust Studio, Anguilla Printers, Mr Rudy Webster (5 Star Corp), Millenium Sounds, Radio Anguilla, Anguilla Tourist Board, KlassFM, The Anguillian newspaper, Print Plus AXA, Hi Tek Signs and Designs, Chef George Reid, Calypso Charters, Mrs Norma Gumbs, Czars Gear, Mr Ivan Connor, Ms Sarah Richardson, Ms Ethlyn Gumbs and Ken’s Barbeque.
ANCA is already looking at the 2016 edition – just how they will be able to top this inaugural event remains to be seen.
– Contributed
