Former Calypso, Soca and Groovy Monarch, Finley Jeffery (Scholar) continues in the trend of “Hold What” and “Some Man”, by presenting songs addressing social issues in a manner that is uniquely Grenadian and spiced with dashes of humor.
In his 2009 selection titled “Stimulus Package,” Scholar sings about the plight of women who are burdened with men who are unable to perform in the bedroom. Scholar also educates listeners about various local homemade remedies for improving male virility. From Lambie Waters to Mauby Bark, Tania Log and Sea Moss, Scholar leaves no stone unturned.
Click play to listen sample:
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When we hear the name Tallpree, images of the Soca artist sporting his unique spiked hairstyle and his monster Soca hit “Old Woman Alone” immediately comes to mind. However, Wilt Cambridge (Tallpree) is giving the Soca competition a break in 2009. Instead, he is focusing on the calypso arena.
Tallpree topped the preliminary round of the calypso competition in 2008, but failed to secure a place in the finals. For carnival 2K9, he returns with his eyes focused on the Dimanche Gras calypso competition.
Today I present one of his selections titled “Never Give Up.”
Could this be Tallpree’s year to appear on the big stage?
Click play to listen sample:
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Hudson George continues in 2009 with another unique Rapso (calypso poetry) contribution. In the past, Hudson has created excellent selections like "Victoria Bus" and "Free". In these selections, Hudson’s spoken word backed by a calypso rhythm, takes his listeners into another dimension as he explores various facets of his subject. His latest selection titled "Money Serious Thing" is no different. Listeners are forced to expand their views of money as Hudson explores the subject from all angles.
Click play to listen sample:
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Lloyd Panchoo (Mr. X) is a seasoned campaigner and social commentary is his outreach tool of choice. Over the last 20 years, Mr. X has used commentary effectively with songs like “I resign” and “Women’s Liberation.” When performing, Mr. X‘s hand and foot movement on stage is akin to a synchronized march. While some may criticize the nature of Mr. X’s marching dance, he views it as an important tool in delivering his message. As a result, this patented onstage movement forms the subject of one of his 2009 selections.
In “Ah March” Mr. X educates listeners about the effectiveness of marching in fighting oppression across the globe. He highlighted examples like Dr. King’s march for civil rights. Mr. X also rehashes some of the important issues he has marched for (sang about) over the last 25 years and vows to continue singing about these issues while continuing his marching dance on stage.
Mr. X is no stranger to the Dimanche Gras stage; however in the past he has failed to move past the third position.
Could this be Mr. X’s year?
Click play to listen sample:
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Grenada was well represented in the June 27 parade on Georgia Avenue. The Jab Jab band as well as a small costume band joined the other nations in the Washington, DC celebration. In addition, Ms. Caribbean DC, who is of Grenadian heritage appeared on the route along with the masquaraders. Click here to view photos of the event
Biko Leiws is the 2008 Calypso King of Grenada. Biko defeated nine contestants on Sunday August 10 to win the title. Biko started singing in the junior competition and is no stranger to the Kaiso stage. His 2008 victory marks another milestone for the parish of St. Patricks and the village of Chantimelle.
Listen to the winning selections:
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