SXMElections.com

CARNIVAL VILLAGE--Fish Da Megaboss was crowned the new Calypso Monarch after ten contestants challenged the reign of 2014 Calypso Monarch Ruminni "The Protége" Rogers in a busy Carnival Village on Saturday night. This is the fourth time Fish Da Megaboss has walked away with this crown. He also went home with the prize money of US $10,000 courtesy of sponsor NAGICO.

The new Monarch had a total of 489 points, with first runner-up and winner of $5,000 King Beau Beau scoring a total of 462. Second runner-up Baker Jr. with $3,000, had 450 points.

Master of Ceremonies was comedian Fernando Clark, who had the audience in stitches a number of times with his quick humour, used in the spirit of calypso to address current issues and who also performed his own calypso song.

For the first time four of the contestants were women, of whom only one, Roxxy, was an experienced competitor. However, none of the women made it into the final three.

Round one

Lady Tiffany was first on stage with her message it is "Time for a Female," including an invitation to women in the crowd to "scream if they want a queen," with which the women in the audience were happy to comply.

Shakiya then performed with her song "Stand-up," breaking the mould of repeating, in round one, the song sung at the elimination round, asking how much more St. Maarten can take with our futures being at stake.

King Beau Beau, who finished in first place in the elimination round, was one of the most experienced performers of the night, with 11 Calypso Monarch titles to his name. He was the first male Calypsonian of the night, with his song "Husband," which carried a different sound and tempo than the typical Calypso tune and, just as in the elimination round, brought spectators to their feet with a call to men to love, respect, hug and take care of their wives rather than their "side tings."

Baker Jr., in "We are blessed," reminded the Caribbean people of how much they have to offer. He was wearing a scarf depicting different Caribbean flags and was joined by flag-bearers.

Three-time Calypso Monarch Fish Da Mega Boss, coming third during elimination, impressed with "In Reverse" lamenting the fact that instead of moving forward, the actions of government and/or elected representatives have the island and its people moving in reverse, something portrayed by a bus moving backward.

Wizzard, with his song, attempted to "Wake up St. Maarten," whilst grassroots member X-Rey was joined on stage by demonstrators, including a toddler, for his song "March for that."

Ten-time Calypso Monarch Kaiso Brat, who placed second after the elimination round, performed "Who in Control," questioning who is really in control in St. Maarten with everything that is happening.

Roxxy was up next with her song "Universal," which focused on the fact that events such as disease and crime are universal issues with which every nation, no matter its size, has to deal competently,

Z'haira "Calypso Empress" Richardson proclaimed that calypso was "Not a Man Ting."

Last to perform in round one was reigning Calypso Monarch Rummini Rogers, aka Protégé/Young Calix, who was introduced on stage by the "oldest resident of the Caribbean," after which he advocated in his "One Caribbean" that the Caribbean countries should join forces to take on bigger economies.

Break

A break in the proceedings then featured the honouring of three Carnival Legends by St. Maarten Carnival Development (SCDF) President Michael Granger and past president Erno Labega. The honours this year went to long-term reveller Ryan Peterson, promoter and calypso songwriter Clarence Derby, and SCDF past president Keith Franca and his team.

Guest stars then performed for the crowd, including calypso sisters Lil Blossom and Lil Sunshine, Mighty Pepper, and reigning Road March Monarch and 82-year-old legend Mighty Magic with his hit song "Highway Code."

Round two

The second round of the competition was opened by Lady Tiffany pretending to be an old woman unable to come to terms with the modern ways in "We not accustomed."

She was followed by Shakiya, who now sang her song from the elimination round "Crown Me Now," in which she stressed that "St. Maarten better crown" a female Calypso Monarch this year.

King Beau Beau followed with his song "No West Indian," taking up the theme of "One Caribbean," singing about people being treated as foreigners when visiting other islands, whereas all are really brothers and sisters.

Baker Jr. was joined by two dancers for his song "Curse of Cancer," which he dedicated to everyone having lost a loved one to the disease. In his song, he urged people to have regular check-ups.

Fish Da Mega Boss, with his song "Focus UP," told the history of the recent elections, in which he made fun of individual politicians, much to the amusement of the crowd. His performance was met with loud applause.

The Wizzard was then back on stage with "For the People," in which he said politicians made out that everything they did was for the people, whereas in reality, things for the people have to be done by the people.

X-Rey then performed "Save St. Maarten," a song about the loss of cultural values, the "Dutch and the French having too much influence," and the need to protect "indigenous St. Maarteners."

Kaiso Brat then explained what really happens behind the "Briefcase," carrying with him a green briefcase on stage displaying the UP logo.

Roxxy's "Cyan Run Meh" was about her journey to being a Calypsonian, something which she sang she had been born to be.

Calypso Empress focused on the need to "Be Positive," show respect, set an example and treat others how you wish to be treated.

The Protégé/Young Calix then closed the show with "Wake Up" and realise we need each other to succeed, and to make St. Maarten successful.

Conclusion

Judges Adolphus Richardson, Oneil Arrindell and Clifton Wilson, giving points for lyrics, melody, rendition and presentation, noted their scores on separate sheets. The points were tallied while the audience was entertained by Deejays, leading to the conclusion of the evening¬: the crowning of the new Calypso Monarch.

Many people, both local and foreign, had come out to see the event. Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson and Democratic Party former president Michael Ferrier were in attendance to support the local talent.

Despite the large turnout, a number of individuals still said they believed more people should have come out to support St. Maarten's calypsonians.