As the calypsonians get ready to compete in the ANGLEC Calypso show slated for August 3, some of them have taken the opportunity to participate in a calypso/judging seminar facilitated by Mr Dobrene E. O’Marde, a recognized cultural worker throughout the Caribbean region.
The workshop, organized by the Department of Youth and Culture, in collaboration with the Anguilla National Calypso Association (ANCA) was held for calypsonians, judges, aspiring calypsonians, prospective judges and calypso enthusiasts.
During the two day workshop on Monday and Tuesday, Mr. O’Marde outlined the history of calypso, the various genres of music and dealt with judging errors, assessment, originality, lyrics, music, rendition and presentation. The participants also joined in a mock judging exercise session.
“This is one of ANCA’s initiatives and we saw the need for having a workshop of this kind,” Rebecca “Queen B” Webster, President of the ANCA said. “We believe that workshops should be held annually. This will help increase the pool of qualified and potential judges. The workshops will also enhance the skills of our calypsonians and writers as we aim to move calypso and Anguilla forward.”
On Friday 22nd July, a calypso tent will be held just outside ANGLEC’s main building where the senior and junior calypsonians will perform their 2016 songs.
Thirteen calypsonians have registered for the ANGLEC Monarch Calypso show. They are: Messenger, Daddy Fresh Cold, De Gossip, Gilli, Hitman, Hot Shot, Lus, Mighty Sunbeam, Mr Decent, Queen B, Shea Shea, Ziggy and Roxxy who will be competing for the first time in the show.
For the first time also, the Anguilla National Calypso Association in collaboration with the Anguilla Carnival Committee and the Department of Youth and Culture will be using the Ranking System for judging the calypsonians for placement.
Meanwhile seven juniors will be taking part in this year’s Junior Calypsonian competition.
They are Kaeae Rey as “De Poet”; Shryan Webster – Game Boy; Nakia Webster – Kaiso Nikky; Kiemara Chung – “Lady Chung”; Rohan Benjamin – “Executer”; Ayinde Hodge – “Lil Shot; and the reigning monarch Tyrique “Super Mario” Gumbs.
The Junior calypsonians have been participating in a Calypso Camp facilitated by Baker Junior and Singing Angie upstairs English Rose for some two weeks.
