Sokah2Soca

This weekend will showcase some of the best calypsos sung in honor of the nation as it celebrates the Jubilee anniversary of Independence. The show will be a grand affair but is not without controversy. One finalist, Brian London, was disqualified after making it through the preliminary and semi final rounds to get to the finals. The Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism advised that Mr. London was in violation of the rules of the competition. 

Here is a part of the press release from the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism:

"Mr. London entered the competition with a composition previously performed in 2010 by Ms. Eunice Peters in the TUCO National Preliminary Calypso Competition (Seniors). Although Mr. London’s entry bears a different title, the lyrics are the same as Ms. Peters’ offering.

While we regret Mr. London’s disqualification, the Ministry wishes to state categorically that contestants and judges must abide by all rules prescribed for the competition."

This is disturbing indeed. How did Mr. London fly under the microscope until he made the finals? Isn't it fair to say that someone else could have had a better chance in the preliminary round if Mr. London's song was not permitted for the competition? How did this happen and why did it take Tuco and the Ministry of Arts and Culturalism this long to disqualify the artist and release a statement? This surely soured what should have been an event that is full of pride. This competition will always be remembered/tainted by this incident. 

TUCO (Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation) must have this song on file because it was performed previously in a TUCO sponsored competition just two years ago! This is a clear indication that they do not have a proper catalog  of songs sang by various Calypsonians over the years. Change is needed at TUCO and it has to start at the top. TUCO needs someone with business experience at the top of the management hierarchy. The are in dire need of someone who knows how to engage an audience and speak with authority and sensibility - they need a good Public Relations Officer!

THE FINALISTS

Here is the order of appearance for the Lord Brynner's 50th. Anniversary of Independence Calypso finals that is scheduled to take place at the Grand Stand of the Queens Park Savannah at 7:00 pm on Saturday August 25, 2012.

Singing Sandra (Sandra Des Vignes-Millington)
Song - Red, White and Black

Chucky (Roderick Gordon)
Song - Bear With Me

King Luta (Morel Peters)
Song - Fifty Fifty 

Duane O’Connor
Song - Unity In Independence

Michelle Henry
Song - Our National Watchwords

Kizzy Ruiz
Song - T & T  Forever

Sugar Aloes  (Michael Anthony Osuana)
Song: Team T & T

Karene Asche
Song - Cascadoo

Michelle Henry
Song - Our National Watchwords

Heather McIntosh
Song - The Reason

Karen Eccles-Thomas
Song - I Will Reciprocate

See who won the competition at the following link: Independence Calypso Monarch Winner