It has been a very long time since London hosted a Junior Calypso Monarch contest, so it was with real pleasure and anticipation that the Tabernacle welcome five entries from a new generation of calypsonians. ‘Entries’ rather than ‘contestants’, because Tesiah and Jeremiah Morrison performed as a double act – perhaps they have ambitions to take over from the SunDivas in due course! The others were Mila van den Berg, Kyran Brown, Akeera Belfon-George and Kza Ramoo.
Perpetually cash-strapped ACASA could not run to a band this evening, which was a pity. Nevertheless, DJ Hyper Spice provided a PA on the (virtual) decks for the in-person performers. Unfortunately, this being holiday season, Mila, Kyran and Kza were unable to be present and submitted videos or recordings instead.
The contestants had been extensively coached by calypsonian Alex Loewenthal and former calypsonian Talibah Hawkins, both of whom have considerable experience in encouraging youngsters to write and perform their own songs. The judges included two former junior calypsonians, Oba Thompson and Vee Cross-Glasgow, while the ever-youthful veteran De Admiral acted as adjudicator.
Mila chose an unusual subject – her song, Ballet and Dance, must be one of very few calypsos ever written about ballet, and all the more interesting for that. Kyran worked steelpan and a backing singer into his enticingly titled Magic at Powis Square. The Morrisons were cuteness personified as they sang The Beach, enlivened by Jeremiah’s lively dancing, and it was touching to see them run to give Alex a hug after they came off stage.
Kza recorded her entry, Grenada, Grenada, in a studio and made a big impact on the audience – including the other youngsters in the hall, who were dancing to her song. A future star had clearly appeared in the calypso firmament! Fortunately, Akeera was present to perform her Windrush-themed and incisive Why We?. She is a natural performer and owned the Tab stage, putting across well-written lyrics to best effect. The white gloves were a clever touch too.
The results were as most would have expected: Akeera took the crown for this historic comeback Junior Calypso season and Kza was a worthy runner-up. Both produced confident performances of good songs.
The biggest winner, though, was UK calypso, for all of these youngsters demonstrated that the artform does have a future in this country. Congratulations and thanks to all who made it happen – ACASA, Vincent, Aunty Merle, Alex, Talibah, the judges and, above all, Mila, Kyran, Tesiah, Jeremiah, Akeera and Kza and their families. See you all next year!
