Dominica-Calypso.com

by Jefferson Challenger.

Since I grew up in the 70’s – 80’s my favorite calypsonians were Tronada, Ency and Wizard.  But then in the 2000’s came King Dice.  He has learnt from those before him, and now can be called one of the Masters.  With great range, magnificent stage presence, serious lyrics, and the cry “Dice Again”, he has taken the art form to “The Next Level” (Prime Minister Skerritt will like that).  Just like Tiger Woods, I believe he has made others in his field step up their game.

King Dice

Whatever the reasons for King Dice missing the competition last year, when we look back a few years from now, we will all agree that we lost something with Dice not participating.  This year we were all eagerly awaiting “The Return of The Dice.”  Once again, we are all disappointed that we have to wait until next year.  Did King Dice miss this year’s competition because he thought that he did not have to enter the preliminary competition, or did the Calypso Association not have its act together?  If it is the former, then we blame King Dice; otherwise the Calypso Association must take responsibility for the debacle.  The present laws give exemption to reigning King only, and most us believe that’s the way it should be.

In light of that fiasco, there are discussions about changing the competition rules.  Should the Calypso Supreme Court change the long standing tradition of having all competitors, but the reigning King, go through the tough competition? Should the Calypso Supreme Court, like the United States Supreme Court, turn back decades of rules/laws, and give all past Kings a free ride into the quarters of the competition?  These are good questions.  But here is a better question: who is the Calypso Supreme Court anyway?

Before answering the last question, I will say that if that rule gets changed the competition will lose on some fronts:

The competitors will not get a chance to improve their songs and performances through the competition.  As we listen to the preliminary rounds we hear the calypsonians improving their songs.  From the comments of Alvin Knight, Ossie Lewis, and others, we know that there is great improvement in quality, round by round.  The commentary team and patrons give comments (sometimes harsh ones) which the calypsonians listen to, and incorporate into the next performance.  Because of that arrangement we get a much better show.  These are the practice sessions before the game.  Removing past Kings from the preliminaries will rob the show and competition of some of its professionalism.

And the answer to the last question?  Well, the Calypso Supreme Court was just formed today.  As a member, I have cast my vote:  do not change the rules!  Let all calypsonians work through the preliminaries.  The show and competition will be much better for it.