April 17, 2007 — The V.I. Carnival Committee presented a talented cadre of youngsters in the V.I. Lottery Junior Calypso Competition Tuesday evening at Lionel Roberts Stadium. Those in attendance were treated to the impressive artistry and stage presence of 15 young ladies and gentlemen.
The Primary division had only two competitors, both presenting their songs to an appreciative crowd. Dressed in a silver-and-red lamé tux with tails and spangled top hat, King Maurice (Maurice Hansby – Lockhart School) took the stage with “Carnival is Here." With a catchy hook, he paid tribute to the 55th birthday of St. Thomas Carnival.
Next up was Princess Keke (Na'Kaya Esdaille – Leonard Dober School). In a white satin pantsuit trimmed in star-spangled sequins, she called for answers to violence in the world with "Cry for Peace." "The bible says, 'Thou shalt not kill' … so why is my daddy going to war?" she sang.
The competition's Intermediate division was launched by Mighty Pressure (Malake Dhu – Bertha C. Boschulte), who stalked the catwalk in an African batik of black overlaid with gold. His "Pay Out More Money" requested professional wages for professional services.
Then, it was time for Little Trooper (Emil D'Andre Aska – Leonard Dober School) to shine. In white pants and a red-and-green lamé top with bolero sleeves, he invited visitors and residents alike to "Jump for Carnival."
Princess Mama (Khalia Alicia Baptiste – J. Antonio Jarvis) continued the theme of revelry with "55 Years." Dressed in a madras pantsuit with a robust backup group that included gold-sequined majorettes, she invited everyone to stand for a moment of silence for 12-year-old murder victim Laquina Hennis, before launching into her tune.
Next up, clad in yellow tie and tails with madras-trimmed top hat, King Yellow Man (Jalen Fredericks – J. Antonio Jarvis) gave thanks to traditional music stalwarts such as Leo Moron, Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights, and Jamesie and the Happy Seven with "I Want to Learn About de Quadrille."
Decked out as a municipal worker with a feminine twist (pink accents and kerchief hanging from a back pocket), Princess Nicea (Reneecia Simon – J. Antonio Jarvis) sang an homage entitled "Pot Hole."
With a miniature steel pan attached to a silver-sequined cap, Mighty J.J. (Jakeil Ja'Quan Williams – J. Antonio Jarvis) made his way onto the stage to invite one and all to jump up to “Steel Band."
Princess Jann-Jann (Jannecia Mulraine – J. Antonio Jarvis), who sang "My Party Song," entered dressed for J'Ouvert in a camouflage camisole layered with a sleeveless undershirt and straight leg trousers.
The final entrant in the Intermediate category was Princess Quana (Shaquanna Foy – J. Antonio Jarvis). In a silver sequined top, featuring peplum waist, sparkling tiara and matching capri pants, she invited the crowd to rock to "My Melody."
The St. Thomas Majorettes, in day-glo green ensembles and pert plumes atop their heads, presented a lively musical retrospective while displaying skill with batons and dance. The Lockhart Elementary School presented a quadrille performance full of energy in two sections, followed by Khamoi DeSilvia with his "Try a Ting."
Khamoi is not a competitor because his father, St. Clair ("Whadablee") DeSilvia, is chairperson of the Calypso Tent Committee. The elder DeSilvia explained: "We have a policy on the Carnival Committee — we don’t let our relatives participate in any competition that is being judged. We want to keep everything on a level playing field."
A smile then broke across his face as he declared, “But, for his first year, he’s doing a pretty good job. He has more gigs than me this year!”
Following a brief intermission, the Secondary division contestants sang on a variety of topics. Opening the second half of the competition was Lil Magic (Ledell Mulraine – Ivanna Eudora Kean), who sang "Don't Wake Me Up" in his gold-trimmed red pajamas.
Politicians who make promises and don't deliver irked Lady Prissy (Shirya Crabb – Addelita Cancryn) in the "St. Thomas Song." She delivered the plaintive selection dressed in a ruffled skirt suit in papaya, layered with banana yellow.
The schizoid costume of Shaw (Shermal Smith – Charlotte Amalie) was half-parade marshall, half-J'Ouvert reveler. With "Long Time/Memory," he brought back the golden age of Carnival, free of political and social contention.
China Doll (Andrea Gerard – Charlotte Amalie) had a message for the community to nurture the youth and guide them with "Deh Blaming We."
The final entrant in the evening's contest was Princess Lyrics (Shamelle L. Farrington – Charlotte Amalie), dressed in a brilliant, sparkling carnival outfit with red plumage and sequined ruffled trim. Her song, "St. Thomas Carnival," invited everyone to join in the party in "Rock City," St. Thomas.
It was not long before the judges returned their decisions. Just before 10:30 p.m., the following youngsters were bestowed with their junior calypso titles:
Primary
Princess Keke (Na'Kaya Esdaille – Leonard Dober School)
Intermediate
Second Runner-up: Princess Quana (Shaquanna Foy – J. Antonio Jarvis)
First Runner-up: Little Trooper (Emil D'Andre Aska – Leonard Dober School)
Junior Monarch: King Yellow Man (Jalen Fredericks – J. Antonio Jarvis)
Secondary
Second Runner-up: Princess Lyrics (Shamelle L. Farrington – Charlotte Amalie)
First Runner-up: Lil Magic (Ledell Mulraine – Ivanna Eudora Kean)
Junior Monarch: Lady Prissy (Shirya Crabb – Addelita Cancryn)
Joe Ramsey and the All Stars provided the musical accompaniment for the evening, as well as transitional numbers. The master of ceremonies for the night was the irrepressible Irvin "Brownie" Brown.
The V.I. Carnival Committee will present the King and Queen of the Bands competition Wednesday night, April 18 at Lionel Roberts Stadium at 8 p.m.
Tuesday evening's show was sponsored by the V.I. Lottery and co-sponsored by the Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Yacht Haven Grande.
Back Talk
Share your reaction to this news with other Source readers. Please include headline, your name and city and state/country or island where you reside.
