Last night at the NAAC Young Kings Calypso Monarch 2025 competition, Squeezy Rankin emerged as the winner, defeating a field with some well-known and more popular singers. Congratulations to Squeezy Rankin on this victory and his so-relevant calypso that addresses today's societal issues. No doubt, "Justice" is a testament to the genre's enduring power to provoke thought and inspire change. Co-written with Angelo Pantin, "Justice" delves deep into societal issues, challenging listeners to reflect on the state of the world around them.
But wait, there is more! I examined the message of the song and congratulated the winner. While the energy of the live performance resonated with the audience, this blogger prefers the polished studio recording of this song. If you're thinking we're done, the truth is we're not; I need to discuss the intricacies involved in judging Calypso contests. The process of judging Calypso contests has always plagued me, leaving me to wonder how the judges arrived at their decisions. You see, I have a problem with this.
Ponder on this: Applying a universal scoring system is challenging due to the genre's rich diversity, which ranges from infectious dance tunes to profound political and social commentaries. How does one fairly compare the electrifying energy of a dance Calypso that gets audiences on their feet with a thought-provoking piece that encourages quiet introspection?
How can you fairly judge a "Dance Calypso," a "Social Commentary," and a "Political Discourse"? This is the issue I have with this "one-size-fits-all" judging system! Dance Calypsos bring the crowd to life and create a feting atmosphere, while social and political Calypsos like "Justice" serve as catalysts for conversation and change. One cannot honestly say that the one-size-fits-all judging system is fair. Maybe they should have different categories and crown a winner for each category. That would mean renaming the competition and getting away from King, Monarch, etc. Hey, if you think about it, that is one way to rid ourselves of another hindrance of the colonial slave master's grip on our culture.
My wish is that we reimagine the competition and fairly promote and reward the various styles that Calypso has to offer. We can access each artist's strengths and fairly reward each subgenre of Calypso music if we establish a new system.
Sigh, I know this post will be criticized, but many feel the same way I do. Let's move forward and try something different! This post does not aim to diminish Squeezy Rankin's victory. He would have easily won his category, but many other young and promising artists would have felt the same euphoria. Ultimately, the essence of Calypso lies in its ability to connect—whether through invigorating rhythms or compelling stories. By acknowledging and celebrating its diverse expressions, we honor the genre's rich heritage and ensure its vibrancy for future generations.
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Production Notes/Music Credits:
Event: NACC Young Kings Calypso Monarch 2025
Venue: Grand Stand, Queens Park Savannah
Streaming Service: WACK Visual Radio 90.1 FM
Song Title: Justice
Artist/Performed by: Anthony La Fleur
Sobriquet: Squeezy Rankin
Written by: Squeezy Rankin & Angelo Pantin
Original Production by: Q-Ban productions
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Calypso
Code: NACCYKCM2025
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