He hears the announcement on radio stations and it just jolts him as the decision he made last year- “I want to sing Calypso’. There are many things on his mind: issues, politically and otherwise. Some from personal experiences or convictions or perhaps he may echo the sentiments or situation of a family member, friend or the country.
Calypsonian number two faces the same or similar predicaments highlighted for calypsonian 1, but he is an artiste not merely an entertainer. He is about evoking introspection, change and not about positioning himself to get favour or to be looked upon sympathetically by those in authority. He is cognizant that Calypso was born out of suffering inflicted on the slave plantation and now he relishes in the release, an exhaling of sorts.
They are both happy being of poor and meager means as calypsonians often are. For the first time in their lives a ‘nobody’ like them will take the stage with thousand focusing on them under the floodlight. What a turnaround! Nobody looked back at them before, now all eyes are trained on them. An entire orchestra is at their backs and now they are called “Mighty” and “Lord” for ten minutes. Soon they will step off the stage and just be another insignificant entity.
They now hide behind the mask- masquerade, and can be and almost say anything they wanted or desired for all the years. What power! They almost feel like a politician, without the pretense. Whether people clap or laugh they don’t care. That’s what keeps DBS, Walk Sup, Intruder or elder statesman Mico who travels by foot, ‘pass on a bus’ or any means possible; even overnighting to get to practice even if the chances of making it to the next round range from none to slim.
When they are through with their presentations it’s like an ejaculation, a climax. The fans big them up in earnest or in jest, they are happy, contented, until next year again. Even if people ‘boo’ it really is their way of saying come again because you really make us have a good time. What people fail to realize is that the calypsonians had an even better time. Their popularity or notoriety increases and like Lady V or Sour Sour, you can become a star, visit New York, perform to hundreds of screaming fans, and get a little cash too! This could never happen without Calypso, the jeers and laughter was well worth it.
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