By Roger Gibbs

Photos by Dave Douglas

Toronto’s East Town Banquet Hall in Scarborough was abuzz with excitement and anticipation at the climax of the 2024 KAISO 365 Calypso Monarch Finals which took place on Sunday, July 28. Held the weekend before the Toronto Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade every year, this year an enthusiastic calypso fans gathered to witness the judging and crowing of veteran calypsonian/actor King Cosmos (Henry Gomez) singing ‘Where Carnival Going’. The songs catchy melody and mockery of modern Carnival costumes resonated with the panel of five judges and standing room-only house just enough to edge out strong performances by the other eight singers.

The 10-piece band The Truth led by dance music maestro Ossie Gurlie pulled off an exciting programme that went from calypso battle to gospel soca to dance party. Brilliantly hosted by all-round creative tour de force Rhoma Spencer, the evening opened with the presenting of Special Awards by Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine to eight KAISO Champions for their outstanding contributions to calypso development in Canada. The awardees were:

Angela Pierre – Former OCPA Board Member, Carnival Arts administrator

Anthony Berot – Photographer, Videographer

Clevil James – Former Calypso Head Judge

Oswald James – Musician, Arranger

Gail Frances King – TLK Tent (The Professionals)

Frances Lochan– TLK Tent (The Professionals)

Judith Thompson– TLK Tent (The Professionals)

Brian Thornhill – ‘KAISO 365’ Calypso Monarch 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2011.

Crooner’s (Bill Newman) hilarious song ‘Stormy’ won the Peoples’ Choice pick, the Best Composition on a Local Topic, and Most Humorous Calypso – placed a close second. Naki, returning to the calypso arena after a twelve hiatus, belted out the powerful ‘Unfinished Business’ for third spot. Connector, Yellows, Susan G, Lando Hooks, Blocker, and Bajan Brown Sugar made up the rest of the cast and all put in worthy performances. Meanwhile, King Cosmos deserved his win. The audience favourite Crooner and several others could have prevailed but the points system in judging music can be highly subjective, and the judges’ decision is final.

Judging criteria was out of 100 points: Melody (35), Lyrics (35), and Rendition (30). The final tally for the evening was: King Cosmos – 265; Crooner – 263; Naki – 247; Connector – 246; Yellows – 237; Susan G – 227; Lando Hooks – 217; Blocker – 216; Brown Sugar – 214.

Special nod must be given to featured guest artist Trevor B, who had the very difficult task of taking the stage after the climactic announcement of the results. He brought the audience to another type of high, this time with a spiritual message – The Goodness of God. Local soca star – Leon Spice – then took matters into his hands with a fiery las’ lap session to cap off the night.

The overall quality of the work was an improvement from last year, but still a way to go to match the highs of the early 2000s with the likes of Jayson, Beginner, Structure, Macomere Fifi, Panman Pat, and others. The fact is the current group of singers dominating the calypso scene is well past their prime and a new younger cohort of singers have yet to find their feet. 

Unlike soca, calypso presents a far greater musical challenge to young artists. Emerging calypso singers struggle to command the lyrical sophistication and storytelling flair required of great calypso, a skill that can only come from studying the greats of the 200-year-old art form. The good news is that there is an exciting new crop of singers ready to take the spotlight. The Junior Carnival’s Calypso Showcase in Malvern Park introduced some formidable talents who, in a few years, could turn the calypso scene on its head.