Storm over Bartica
-Tempest crowned Calypso monarch
Stabroek News
February 22, 2004
Tempest was crowned Calypso Monarch 2004 in Bartica on Friday night, despite not being an overwhelming crowd favourite.
"Is long I been dreaming of becoming queen of Mashramani Calypso Arena but every time I try somebody does come and push me aside", Tempest sang at the Bartica Community Centre Ground. The judges got the message.
Weary of her five second place finishes in the competition, Tempest's calypso lashed out at her critics with "Don't dis my ability."
VJ was resigned to finish third with "I will resign" behind the Mighty Voter elected second with "Walk de walk."
VJ may have been hung by his own words, when he sung, "I owe this nation an apology... I ask you to vote for me... But after two terms in office... I have not kept my promise...."
However his arrival was impressive when he appeared with outriders and "presidential bodyguards."
Waving to the masses as he sped along in his SUV he popped out to a thunderous applause and was later showered with garlands.
Meanwhile the crowds felt the judges had 'dissed' Ras Marcus' "Go fuh Cup" which had them begging for more. Calls for an encore rang out as people called out "The judges are fuh cup."
It was not confirmed but Marcus is said to have finished in 6th place and it may have been that the letter in Thursday's Stabroek News questioning the song's originality may have sunk it.
Canary was no canary this year with his piece "A woman is a woman" landing him in fourth place.
Rebel delivered an electrifying performance and reminded challengers that he is still mighty but he was unable to reclaim the title he once held.
Young Bill Rogers got things rolling with "De country sick" entering the ground in an ambulance, sirens wailing and out-fitted in his doctor's garb.
Bringing down the house was the reigning Junior Calypso Monarch, Little Man whose "Man shortage" went across well with the crowd.
But the night belonged to Tempest whose memorable stage performance and shocking social commentary took the crown.