Six Monarchs in Calypso semis

Twenty semifinalists, five tents, six former monarchs, one goal.

As the names of the twenty calypsonians and two reserves for next week’s Fantastic Friday calypso semifinals circulate among communities, talk shows and family circles, kaiso fans are already short listing the next ten who will come up against reigning monarch Kenneth “Vibrating Scakes” Alleyne.{{more}}

The calypsonians were selected following preliminary judging which started last Friday June 13th and culminated on Monday June 16th at the Victoria Park, with the exception of the Dynamites tent, which is based in New York.

The Graduates Calypso tent topped the list with six selections, which include former Monarchs Monique “Princess Monique” Hector and Glenroy “Sulle” Caesar. The others are Alexis “Lexi” Joseph, Michael “Black Messenger” John, Glen “Bump-I” Richards and Maxwell “Tajoe” Francis.

Dynamites, also with two monarchs in their tent, Errol “The Man Age” Rose, and Carlos “Rejector” Providence, will also field Dennis Bowman, Earl “Exposer” Isles and John Dougan.

2006 Monarch Grantley “Ipa” Constance and former Monarch Elvis “Abijah” Abbey lead the list of singers from the On Tour Calypso Tent, which also fields Robert “Patches” Knights, Ranking Bash and Azzarah.

From the North/ South Leeward Tent, Sonny Banks, Bosalt, Struggler and Observer make up the 20.

The reserves are from the Upstage Experience Tent: Shaunelle McKenzie and Brother Ebony.

Next week’s Fantastic Friday will not only feature the Calypso Semis, where the contenders will battle for a place in the July 6th finals at Carnival City, Victoria Park, but will also serve as the official Opening of 2008 Carnival Festivities.

A special tribute will be made to two deceased calypsonians on Fantastic Friday: former Calypsonian Association president Josiah Ash and the Winfield “The Mighty Rey” Williams.