The official launch of Culturama 2013; and the Junior Calypso Monarch
By: St. Clair Sazam Hull
Nevispages.com
(CHARLESTOWN NEVIS)- All roads led to the Charlestown Waterfront on the afternoon of Thursday, July 25, 2013 for the official launch of Culturama 2013 under the theme ‘History! Culture! Music Combined! Culturama 39’!
Under the patronage of Mr. Basil Manner, the festival’s patron for 2013, the venue was filled to capacity with sponsors, government officials and supporters of the festival.
The afternoon proceedings got on the way with the rendition of the National Anthem by Tishauna Perkins.
The event was chaired by Mr. Antonio ‘Abonaty’ Liburd. He told those in attendance that he was honored to be a part of such a momentous occasion.
Dr. Patricia Bartlette, Chairperson of Nevis Cultural Development Foundation gave some brief remarks. She stated that this Culturama 2013 would be bigger and better than ever before. Ms. Bartlette claimed that a lot of effort has gone into this year’s festival. She told those who attended the opening ceremony that, ‘we are trying our utmost best to make Culturama 39 an unforgettable one’. In conclusion she wished all the participants every success.
Hon. Mark Brantley, Minister responsible for Culture gave some short remarks. He said he was proud of what his Ministry and the NIA have achieved thus far in making Culturama a great one. Mr. Brantley noted that the festival this year would be at a very high standard and the shows would be keenly contested. He made reference to the Calypso show where King Dis N Dat is seeking to repeat whilst King Bhingi and the other calypsonians have a different plan. Brantley appealed to everyone to be on their best behaviour, noting that it is a necessity to have a peaceful Culturama.
Premier of Nevis, the Hon. Vance Amory gave some inspirational remarks. He noted that this time of the year is when everybody comes together to have fun and merriment. The leader said he was hoping for a Culturama that would be characterized by peace. He hoped that the best participants would be victorious on the night of the shows.
Premier Amory then declared the festival open. This was followed by fireworks and huge celebrations.
Immediately following the opening ceremony, was the Junior Calypso Show. This show saw 12 young calypsonians vying for the crown.
The young calypsonians wowed the judges and the audience with their stage presentations and songs. Defending champion, King Scribbles was trying to make it three in a row with a song called ‘Good Citizen’ but that was not meant to be.
At the end of the contest, the crown was won by ‘Mighty Sookie’ with a tune called ‘Our Youths’. In second position was ‘Prince Akedo’, son of popular calypsonian the ‘King Hollywood’, who did a song called, ‘My Daddy Shoe’. Third position went to ‘Invincible’ with a tune called ‘Love against Hate’.
The action continues tonight at the Cultural Complex where 12 senior calypsonains would be competing in the semi-finals for a spot in the Calypso finals to be held on the night of Saturday, August 3, 2013.
