by Eulana Weekes
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): No stranger to the stage and certainly not a stranger to the crown, Mr. Oscar “King Astro” Brown reflected upon the night of December 30, 2021, when he captured the National Carnival Sugar Mas 50 Calypso Monarch title for the third time.
“Each time is always different, but this one for me is, without a doubt, the most special of all the occasions. Sometimes I have difficulty remembering the first two times that I won, but this one will always be etched deep in my memory. Listening to the results, you’re always on an edge because you never know how it can go, but my motto has always been, “Entertain the crowd, give the crowd a good show and most of the times, you will find favours with the judges” and I’m happy that they saw me as the eventual winner; and it’s really a satisfying feeling. Sugar Mas 50, 50 years, all when I am gone, people will be remembering the 50th Anniversary.”
Being the reigning Monarch, King Astro shared his plans for the year and his excitement for the return of the Leeward Islands Calypso Competition.
“Well, I am preparing for Culturama, because as you know, I love this thing so much that, I do two competitions per year, so it’s hardly any rest period; but in the meantime, you have to come up with new and fresh ideas, novel ideas, to keep yourself sounding fresh and good.”
He added, “In terms of representing the crown or representing the country, I am looking forward to Anguilla this year. Hopefully, that can become a reality. I know COVID has put a hold on a lot of things. I think in my opinion, we are past the worst now, so, hopefully, the Leeward Islands show can be put back on so that I can have an opportunity to represent my country in Anguilla. I have a score to settle there, so I am looking forward to that eventuality; but before that, there’s business to take care of in Nevis for Culturama, so I am preparing for that right now.”
As it relates to the bond between Calypsonians, the Calypso Monarch said a sense of camaraderie has been created over the years through the Calypso art form. King Astro recalled how tense the competition was in 2021, but explained that whilst at the band house for practice sessions, there was always bonding and closeness between the calypsonians.
Oscar “King Astro’ Browne made history over seven years ago by being the first Nevisian to be crowned the National Carnival Calypso King on December 29, 2014. He once again made history, when he recaptured the crown on December 28, 2015. Having won the Culturama Senior Calypso Monarch title in August 2015, King Astro was the first Calypsonian to represent the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis at the Leeward Islands Calypso Monarch Competition in Anguilla as reigning Culturama and National Carnival Monarch.
