Features
Corey Connelly
At the age of 34, Nicole Thomas can already be considered one of Tobago’s veteran calypsonians.
It is not an idle boast. After 19 years in the art, she has the accolades, trophies and most recently, a $100,000 check to prove it.
On 23 October, Thomas held her Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organization (TUCO) title in Tobago at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex, beating 12 other talented artists, including her brother Dillon Thomas and sister Wendy Garrick, who were ranked second and 11th respectively in the competition. .
Holding the title, she also created history by becoming the first calypso monarch to be crowned at Tobago’s inaugural Carnival, which ran from October 28-30. Thomas also won the title in 2020, a few weeks before the start of the Covid19 pandemic.
Performing at the end of the pageant, Thomas sang Carnival is We, a piece composed by another brother, acclaimed writer Sheldon Reid.
Thomas said that when the calypsonians learned that TUCO wanted to organize a calypso competition for Tobago’s first carnival, Reid decided to write the song as a way to “re-energize Tobago” after more than two years of the pandemic.
Calypso, she said, reminded citizens of the origin and importance of the national festival.
“Carnival is We resonated so much with me that I was able to summon that spiritual connection that the song needed. I was able to sensitize the audience to the true meaning of Carnival and galvanize Tobagonians to take advantage of the opportunity to showcase Tobago to the world,” Thomas told WMN.
She considers it an honor to go down in the history books as the first Calypso Monarch at the Tobago Carnival.
Thomas, a loan officer at the Auchenskeoch branch of Republic Bank Ltd, said she has yet to celebrate her victory.
“I haven’t done anything special yet. A date should be set for the lunch I would normally treat my RBL Auchenskeoch branch, really to say thank you for the time off (to perform) and the support I get throughout the year.”
In addition, she also plans to continue the tradition of hosting a harvest gathering for her family, friends and supporters at her home in Pembroke on the first Sunday in January 2023. The calypsonian said she already has a cast of performers lined up.
Thomas grew up in Mount St George, a small village along the Windward Road, between Hope and Goodwood.
The area has produced some of the island’s cultural powerhouses, including retired teacher and former Senate Vice President Rawle “Axe Back” Titus and former Assemblywoman Cynthia Alfred.
As a girl, she was particularly drawn to calypso, but was an introvert.
Her siblings, Garrick and Reid, who, by then, were already involved in the arena and making a name for themselves, gave her the confidence to perform.
But Thomas recalled that her first time on stage as a 15-year-old Scarborough High School student was an overwhelming experience.
“Unlike my siblings, I was very shy and reserved. But my love for art coupled with the support of my family pushed me to face my fears, embrace the stage and overcome my shyness. Calypso has changed my personality to one where I am forward-thinking, confident and bold.”
Indeed, Garrick and Reid have had a phenomenal influence on her artistic development.
Garrick, who has won the title of calypso queen on multiple occasions, has also been a consistent finalist in the Tobago Monarch competition over the years.
Reid is a successful songwriter, former Dimanche Gras finalist and Young Kings winner. He has written winning compositions for some of Tobago’s leading artists, including this year’s Tobago Heritage Monarch Shamika Denoon, former national monarch Duane O’Connor and former national calypso queen Kizzie Ruiz.
Thomas’ younger brother Dillon Thomas, who she described as one of her favorite performers, is a former Tobago Young Kings winner and Windward monarch.
Since shedding her inhibitions, the mother-of-two has been very successful in calypso.
She won the title of Tobago Calypso Monarch six times, Windward Calypso Monarch 11 times and was a national semi-finalist on eight occasions.
Hard work and diligence, she said, have enabled me to thrive in the industry.
Although she’s dabbled in various types of calypso over the years, Thomas said she has a particular love for social commentary.
“I like to tell stories through song, to touch the audience with my performances, costumes, putting together props, the whole works. It allows me to express, capture and touch the audience with my soulful voice.”
Asked about her favorite offerings, Thomas said Sweeter Tomorrow, one of her earlier singles, is dear to her heart. It was her first win at the Tobago Calypso Monarch competition in 2010.
She recalled, “Lack of belief at the time that I could win ahead of all the big guns in Tobago, I wanted to leave my best outfit for Windward Calypso Monarch after holding the title in 2008 and 2009 back-to-back.
“I remember my brother asking me, ‘Are you crazy?’ This is the outfit you should wear in the city.”
Thomas said she had no props on pageant night. But she said the “T&T-inspired” dress, designed by her sister Renee, spoke for itself.
“I performed in the number one position and remained number one.”
Some of her other memorable contributions include Drums of Hope (2015), Spirit of Truth (2011) and Truce (2017).
Like most performers, Thomas said, she also had some rough patches.
“I was singing in a key way in the earlier part of my career. It really played with my psyche for two seasons in a row, as I was always second guessing my vocals and doubting myself. I checked my ears and really worked to hear as I sang.”
In addition to her siblings, Thomas said, she has always admired the talent of veteran artist Ella Andall. “Some people have said that I remind them of him.”
It also honors the work of Singing Sandra (Sandra Des Vignes Millington) and Karene Asche, both of whom have been crowned National Calypso Monarchs.
Observing that many young people are gravitating towards calypso, Thomas believes that the future of the art form in Tobago is in good hands, but she feels that more can be done by investing in and promoting greater respect for it.
She advised young calypsonians to invest in their craft.
“Enjoy the arts, participate and try to contribute to its development.”
Thomas also urged them not to let the competition and prize money “cloud your spirit and your demeanor.”
As she continues to calypso, Thomas said she doesn’t take the blessings she’s received for granted. If anything, she remains humbled by it.
“I remember bringing a supporter to tears, someone unknown to me, and they reminded me that my voice is special and it touched his soul.”
Still, Thomas looks forward with bated breath to the day “when I can touch the National Calypso Monarch stage.”
And, with the continued love and support of her family, she believes the goal is within reach.
“I am very lucky to have been born in a family with nine siblings. So I have my army of supporters who I love very much and I wouldn’t trade them for anything else in the world.”
