Essequibo girl Wins 2016 Junior Calypso Monarchy

Feb 08, 2016 News

Nineteen year old Essequibian T’Shanna Cort turned back the challenge of her competitors to cop the Junior Calypso monarch, in what can be described as a keenly contested event at the National Cultural Center on Saturday night.
The competition was the first in a series of music events for this year’s Mashramani celebrations being held under the theme ‘Celebration of Diversity, Unity and Sovereignty’.
Performing at number eight from a field of 11 juniors, aged 15 to 20, the singer from the Cinderella County belted out her easy on the ear but very politically peppered, analytical rendition of “I have hope”.
This was in reference to the APNU /AFC Coalition.
The 19 year old Essequibian had the fair sized audience eating out of her hands from the time she hit the National Cultural Center stage and began belting out the first few lines of her song.
She was the obvious favourite for vocal delivery and effervescent personality, while sticking to the true spirit of social/political commentary that encompasses Calypso.
The composition, penned by popular music producer Burchmore Simon, took a swipe at the APNU/ AFC Coalition government for the many things that are upsetting their supporters.

Junior Calypso Monarch T’Shanna Cort during the delivery of her winning rendition ‘I have hope’.

Winners row: Junior Calypso Monarch T’Shanna Cort, 2nd place finisher Niossi Alsopp, Calypso Convener Patricia Chase Green, 3rd place winner William Plowell and Best Newcomer Dominique Haywood.

Prancing her way across the stage, Cort, in true professional fashion, made it clear that like the public, she too is watching and noting the actions of the APNU/AFC Coalition as well as the Opposition.
She declared, “Who vex, drink Marvex …Salute to David Granger… I have Hope.”
Cort earned $300,000 cash, a trophy and a fasttrack to the semifinals of the Senior Calypso competition billed for February 13 in Linden.
When asked how she feels about winning the crown, a beaming Cort replied, “Overwhelming, and it feels good to be the winner. The Seniors’ is next and I’m looking forward to competing in it.”
Cort won by scoring 265 points over 20 year old Lindener Niossi Alsopp, who amassed five points less for her rendition of ‘Life’ which was penned by Bonny Alves.
‘Life’ is a song that spoke to the scourge of suicide, which is plaguing the nation, while offering alternatives to the depressed, especially the youth population.
This was her fourth and final attempt to win the Junior Calypso crown.
Alsopp’s presentation featured well received theatrics and she earned herself $175,000 cash plus a trophy. She says her plan is to step up her game to enter the Senior competition next year.
Dethroned and relegated to the 3rd place spot, another Lindener, is 2014 monarch William Plowell.
The youth, who sported an all white homemade suit lined with blue embroidery and a snap rim hat, was also an energetic performer. His delivery addressed Corporal Punishment and his pitch was to have it reinstituted in schools to prevent further societal decay.
Plowell who had won the competition on two other occasions, amassed 259 points with his ‘No more licks’.
Although out of tune and slightly off key, one of the better compositions delivered with much drama relevant to youths, was presented by first time contender Dominique Haywood.
The 15 year old Grove, East Bank Demerara resident, shared the story of peer pressure and bad choices while depicting a pregnant teenaged school girl admonishing fellow youths especially young girls to lock it up and employ the ‘No access Mode,’ meaning sex is off limit and should not be allowed.
Her prize for being the Best Newcomer was $50,000 and a trophy and she promises to make an even better placing come 2017.
The other contenders were Akeem Adams, Michael Small, Faith Corrica, Sheaba Moses, Ryan Jagnarine, Nevalena Caesar and Niomi Alsoop.
That bunch delivered renditions such as: ‘Regrets’, ‘Racial Politics’, ‘50 years Independent and free’, ‘Beast Treatment’, ‘Champion of the Earth’, ‘Look out for wolf in sheep clothing’ and ‘Coconut oil’.