by Eulana Weekes
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): The quarterfinals of the highly anticipated Culturama 50 TDC Senior Kaiso Competition kicked off at Mem’s Pizzeria on Thursday, July 04 2024.
The Kaiso quarterfinals featured 22 calypsonians vying for a top 14 position to enter the semi-finals.
Astro moved on to the semi-finals in the top spot with 254 points.
Empress Lyric with 252 points
Dis and Dat- 245 points
Nutsy- 239 points
Murray- 237 points
Daddy Fresh Cold- 234 points
Lady Destiny- 232 points
Invincible-226 points
Sabu- 224 points
Lady Smooth- 216 points
Sookie- 216 points
Adowah- 215 points
Bad Man Polo- 204 points
De Undertaker 202 points
Eight Calypsonians were eliminated. They include Baker, Sweeties, Naki, Akido, Mighty J, Pupa Wheeler, Gero and West Side (Alternate).
King Hollywood, the Reigning Kaiso Monarch, made a special appearance in the quarterfinals.
The backup singers were Deslyn Williams-Johnson, Denesia Smithen and Devonne Cornelius, with music by the All Stars Band.
The calypsonians competed under the following judging criteria:
Lyrics- 30 points
Music- 30 points
Melody- 30 points
Originality- 10 points
Total: 100 Points
In conversation with the Chief Judge- Carl Greaux, he said, “It was really a joy to see several calypsonians who moved on from the Junior Calypso competition performing in the senior competition. It shows continuity in the art form. I laud the parents, the Nevis Cultural Development Foundation and the Nevis Culturama Festival Committee who have invested and continue to invest in the youth to keep the art form alive.”
TDC Senior Kaiso Semi-Finals will be held on July 21st at the Nevis Cultural Village. The Kaiso finals will be held on August 02, 2024, at the Nevis Cultural Complex.
