No one can and should underestimate the role of judges in the Calypso art form, to be treated with such little importance as seems to be the case by the lack of training and workshops for judges organised by the DCA.
I took the opportunity to inform that individual of the following: If you can’t hear a calypsonian one should request a stoppage of the band; that I was in fact the writer and summarized how cohesive the story line was.
The judge seem to be saying he did not know I was the writer and have in my 35 years of Calypso writing have been consistent with my storylines and development and have never and would never present a sub-standard composition as my writing career has borne out. So the next best thing he seemingly conceded I reminded him was well ‘she was not clear.’ The judge insisted it was the ‘live ‘presentation that was the concern. Granted, yet, I could not understand the same calypsonian could sound so clear and articulate on a live recording on radio and at the same time beyond comprehension by the judges. To compound the situation the judge insisted that it was not the speaker. Incidentally I sat in the VIP area just as the judges and could not vouch for the statement of lack of clarity or incomprehensibility. The fine applause after Nacheal’s performance also suggests that it was only the three judges or the one in question alone who had problems.
What is even more disturbing is that this year more than half the songs presented, particularly in the second part of the show, was way below acceptable standards; hence, it would have been a walk-in-the park for Black Diamond, the reigning Junior Monarch, Tasha P, Webb, Hunter and a few others of which Nasheal must be, or rather should be, easily fit in. I was even more flabbergasted when every live commentator called out Nacheal’s “Death Ride” among their top five; no question marks. Therefore the three judges should be competent enough to recognize something was wrong.
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