Tobago
Corey Connelly
GARVE SANDY says she is dedicating her victory in the Tobago Heritage Calypso Monarch competition to her “wonderful community of family and friends who continue to give me great support, love, light and encouragement throughout my journey”.
Sandy, who retained the title on July 26, defeated seven other calypsonians during the fierce competition at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex. She scored 636 points and won $40,000.
THA Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transport Secretary Tashia Burris, Divisional Assistant Secretary Niall George and Tobago Festivals Commission Ltd CEO Janelle Drysdale-Job presented Sandy with a large copy of her 40,000 check dollars.
In the three-and-a-half-hour show, titled Mouth Open, Tory Jump Out, the calypsonians had to perform two selections – an original composition and a vintage calypso.
Sandy sang We Come Back as her original song and Rootsman’s (Yafeu Oesi) 1985 hit Rack Me, Rack Me in the vintage category.
Tobago Performing Arts Company dancer Zari Kerr, in his first appearance in a heritage monarch final, placed second with a score of 623 points. He received 30 thousand dollars.
CNC3 sports reporter Caston Cupid, no stranger to the competition, came in third, scoring 622 points. He received 20 thousand dollars.
Veteran singer Lesley-Ann Ellis, who scored 609, placed fourth and took home $15,000.
The results for the remaining positions were not announced.
Ellis’ daughter Sandy said she is “completely blown away” by her win.
She told Newsday, “I did the necessary groundwork along with my dedicated and supportive team and it was evident in the overall quality of my performances and results.”
Sandy admitted, however, that the week of the competition was particularly tough.
“I had to go through everything and now I have a testimony. I have to thank God for blessing me with the talent and giving me the strength to execute the night of the race because without him it would not have been possible.”
Asked to comment on the performances of her fellow calypsonians, she said: “This year’s show saw solid performances and I would like to tip my hat to all the contestants who gave their best. Let’s all continue to tell our stories through calypso.”
Sandy’s original composition, We Come Back, was a commentary on the tendency of Tobagonians to celebrate their heritage, despite negative talk from locals and foreigners alike.
“The festival continues to stand the test of time and our rich history and culture shines through. We return to our traditions and customs. We return to pay homage to our ancestors and will continue to return to revive, support, preserve and celebrate our heritage that represents our identity.”
At the vintage competition, Sandy drew cheers from the audience when he appeared on stage dressed as calypsonian veteran Rootsman, complete with mannerisms and a full, fantastic beard. Rootsman died in 2015 at the age of 64.
Calypso, as was the case with all the contestants, had the crowd cheering, waving and swaying in their seats.
Asked what’s next for her, Sandy said: “I have no immediate plans regarding calypso and music in general. I am taking things one step at a time and doing so with faith and grace.
Kerr, a crowd favourite, gave two thrilling performances of Jumby Voices and Penguin (Sedley Joseph’s) The Slipper, as did Cupid with Heritage Celebration and The Mighty Duke (Kelvin Pope) Thunder.
Ellis sang Back Home as her original piece and Lord Nelson’s Family (Robert Nelson) in the vintage competition.
The cast included former Legacy Monarch Shamika Denoon, Keron “Kaiso Raggs” Eastman, Giselle “GG” Fraser and Wendell “Excite” Frederick.
All the calypsonians used various elements of the island’s heritage festival to enhance their presentations.
Calypsonian Kezia Frederick and panist Gerard Balfour entertained attendees.
