Corporate calypso contest comes off at Napa June 17

The second edition of the Corporate Calypso Monarch Competition is scheduled to take place at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (Napa) on June 17 from 6 pm. A production of the Vintage Kaiso Brigade led by Lord Superior (Andrew Marcano), the event will feature winners of corporate-sector calypso competitions held this year competing for more than $100,000 in prize money.

“These corporate champions are the best singers in their companies,” said Superior. “They have the best songs at the amateur level...From what I have heard, some of them could easily make it to a tent. “It would be a shame if, year after year, we continue to allow their songs to waste.”

Inaugural winner Kevaughn Medine, of National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB), is expected to defend his title, although he did not win his company’s contest this year. “After years of germination, the contest came to pass with outstanding success in 2011, and it would be very unfair to not give Kevaughn the opportunity to defend his unique title,” said Mervyn Telfer, co-producer of the competition.

“If he should win again, it would prove an interesting development that would probably have us going back to the drawing board to make the necessary adjustment to the rules. So let us just wait and see how it turns out.” In terms of interesting developments, four of last year’s contestants will be returning to compete, having repeated their victories in their respective companies’ contests.

In addition, a father and son, each representing a different corporate entity will be in the fray, along with two joint winners (females) from a state corporation. The youngest competitor this year is 18, according to co-ordinator of the event Kerrie-Ann Placide. “An abundance of talent has emerged from these competitions, but most of it disappears after Carnival,” said Superior.

“Our intention is to try and harness this talent and give these competitors the exposure they so well deserve, and hopefully encourage them to become better songwriters in the future.” Last year’s sponsors included the Ministry of the Arts and Multiculturalism, First Citizens, Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation, Government Information Services Ltd, National Lotteries Control Board and Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre.