VJ retains calypso crown with ‘power sharing’
By Yusuf Khan
Stabroek News
February 17, 2003
Reigning calypso monarch Vivian Jordan, better known as V.J., captured first place with his song ‘Power sharing’ edging out Camille Goliah Basdeo to retain his crown in one of the key events ushering in the annual Mashramani celebrations.
He and nine other calypsonians gave of their best in the 2003 final of the Mash adult competition on Saturday at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground in Region Two.
The programme commenced with Courtney Noel singing Golden Arrowhead, followed by Lady Marsha singing `The real situation’. At the end of the competition three other guest artistes: Mighty Hunter, Mighty voltage and Mighty Monk entertained the mammoth crowd.
Before the first contestant came on stage, the MC Hector Stout introduced the judges. They were Tyrone Arjoon, Captain Paul, Rosamond Addo, Major Elson Briggs, Robert Williams, Lt George Gomes, Euphena Mohamed, Winston Roberts, Clifton Wilson and Enrico Woolford as chief judge.
The first contestant was Compton Hodge - Singing Coo Coo with ‘No Respect’, followed by Gregory London - Blazing Fyah with ‘Nation Builders’, Rudolph Kendall - Sweet Kendingo with ‘Is PNC’, Monica Wills - Sweet Monix with ‘Guns Plenty Guns’, Camille Goliah Basdeo - Tempest with ‘Survival of the Fittest’, Llewelyn Atwell - Blackhat with ‘Contract Killings’, Noel Clementson - Professor Clem with ‘United are we in Mash 2003’, Winfield James with ‘We can’t take it no more’ and Martin Bryne - Mighty Voter with ‘Corruption Works’.
The reigning monarch was taken through the massive crowd in a special car accompanied by two friends whom he referred to as Cheddi and Burnham, security men and outriders.
He was greeted with thunderous applause, chants of `V.J. for president’ and scores of kisses from females in the crowd. His song “Power sharing’ found favour with the crowd.
The panel of judges came up with the following results:
Singing Coo Coo - 530 points; Blazing Fyah - 530 points; Sweet Kendingo - 549 points; Sweet Monix - 520 points; Tempest - 586 points; Black Hat - 573 points; Professor Clem - 504 points; Winfield James - 530 points; Mighty Voter - 540 points; V.J. - 590 points.
After the results were announced V.J. returned to the stage and reprised his winning song ‘Power Sharing’.
In a brief interview with Stabroek News V.J. said “I am proud to be named monarch for the second time, all the other races had their chance, it is time for the ‘Buckman’ to get a chance”. The monarch, who hails from Region One Barima/Waini, said he knew his song `Power sharing’ would have created an impact because “power sharing is the only thing to help Guyana on the way forward”.
He called on all races to unite and help to build Guyana.
As to the competition itself, the monarch said he was impressed with the high standard but that did not daunt him. “I came with my mind set to win and I was confident that I will win. I worked hard on my song and carefully put the words together so that all the people could have a clear understanding of what power sharing is all about and how it will be good for Guyana,” V.J. said.
The calypsonians were accompanied by the Mingles Sound Machine Band from Georgetown.
