CALYPSO SINGERS DO IT ALL AGAIN FOR FREE THIS MONDAY

 Calypso Returns with a Song And a Laugh Or Two: Kaiso 365 Calypso Monarch of Canada Competition Thrills Audience

         Macromere Fifi, the new queen

After a seven-year hiatus, the highly anticipated Kaiso 365 Calypso Monarch of Canada Competition made a triumphant comeback last Sunday at the Latvian Canadian Center in North York, Ontario. Organized by the Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes (OCPA), the event drew an electrified crowd that packed the venue to its full capacity.

The evening began with a heartfelt tribute, as OCPA honored eight individuals who played pivotal roles in the development of Calypso music in Canada. Among the honourees were Lennox Borel, Glenda Bostic, Ken Bruzual, Dr. Rita Cox, Elsworth James, George Maharaj, Jai Ojah Maharaj, and Selwyn Woods. Their contributions to the genre were acknowledged with deep gratitude, setting the stage for an unforgettable night.

The competition itself featured an impressive lineup of talented performers, each vying for the prestigious title of Calypso Monarch. The crowd was buzzing with excitement, expecting an evening filled with energy and exhilaration reminiscent of the competition's previous finals in 2016.

The coveted Monarch Crown, previously held by The Connector (Joel Davis), was passed on to the remarkable Macromere Fifi, who emerged as the new Calypso Monarch. Fifi, a seven-time winner, delivered an outstanding performance of her song 'We Don’t Want to Know,' written by the gifted Carlisle Bailey. Her soulful rendition not only won her the crown but also earned her the People’s Choice Award and a writing award for the song. Joel Davis displayed remarkable talent, securing the second position with his captivating performance.

Such was the overwhelming response to the revival of the Kaiso 365 Calypso Monarch of Canada Competition that tickets for the event sold out quickly. Unfortunately, many who wished to attend the sold-out show had to miss out on the thrilling evening that saw the Latvian Community Centre in East Toronto transform into a vibrant celebration of Calypso music and culture.

Retired MP Jean Augustine brings out the Crown

However, for those who couldn't make it, there's great news. The majority of the performers from the competition will return for an encore performance at Harbourfront during the free Calypso Stars outdoor performance on late Monday afternoon. Calypso Stars is a three-hour concert that forms part of Harbourfront's long weekend-long Island Soul Festival, offering a delightful opportunity for the public to experience the magic of Calypso.

Moreover, on the same Monday afternoon, a free Calypso workshop, 'Calypso 365 Overview,' will be presented by the Organization of Calypso

Rhoma Spencer and King Cosmos handle door prize duties with a joke or two

Performing Artistes at Harbourfront from 12 pm to 2 pm. The two-hour workshop, led by experienced conductors Roger Gibbs (aka Rajiman) and Henry Gomez (aka King Cosmos), will delve into the fundamentals of calypso composition. This workshop promises to be an insightful and enriching experience for the first twenty-five participants.

With the successful revival of the Kaiso 365 Calypso Monarch of Canada Competition, Calypso music is undoubtedly making a grand resurgence in Canada, delighting audiences and performers alike. The OCPA's efforts to bring back this iconic event have paid off, rekindling the flame of Calypso and celebrating the rich cultural heritage it represents.

With the amazing organization work this year of King Cosmos, and Jocelyn Phillips the future looks bright for Calypso enthusiasts, as they eagerly await more such enthralling events in the years to come.

Joel Davis, the Connector