The annual Leeward Islands Calypso Competition is days away and Montserrat’s representative is hard at work preparing to give his most challenging performance yet.
Reigning calypso monarch Kenneth “Rabo” Silcott said he is ready for the competition and is using the lessons learned having attended previous LICC shows with former monarchs King Natte and Ice Man.
“You have to up your game and the delivery of song is more important than props. Winners seem to have a command of the stage. Stage presence, strong relevant and lyrical content are key,” the calypsonian shared.
The LICC is one of the most popular events during Anguilla’s summer festival and is schedule to take place on August 11. Already confirmed to compete are the calypso monarchs from Antigua & Barbuda, Nevis, St. Kitts, the US Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, St. Maarten and host country Anguilla.
The Calypso Monarchs will be competing against the reigning Leeward Islands monarch Trevor “King Zacari” Weeks of Antigua.
King Rabo plans to sing Brother’s Cry, which he sang in the 2017 competition and Lend a Helping Hand, which he penned following the two hurricanes which devastated Anguilla and other neighbouring islands last September.
Musical support for the show will be provided by The All-Star Band under the directorship of Cliffette “Ip” Isaac of St. Kitts and Wibert “Waggy” Brooks of St. Thomas.
The winner will receive US $4,000 dollars, the first runner-up $2,000 dollars and second runner-up $1,000 dollars as well as trophies.
Local radio station ZJB Radio usually carries the show live.
Listen to his two songs here…
Brother’s Cry – https://youtu.be/8BCA0tcjiio
Lend a Helping Hand – https://youtu.be/Swsi01Pm8UU
