Reigning monarch to perform calypso at Bartica finals
Mash Secretariat says not responsible for radio yanking song
Stabroek News
January 23, 2004
While reigning Calypso Monarch, Vivian Jordan (VJ) will be able to defend his title next month despite the radio station pulling his 'I will resign' calypso this week, he laments the lack of airplay as that is crucial to the defence of his title.
The lyrics of "I will resign" take a dig at President Bharrat Jagdeo and Home Affairs Minister Ronald Gajraj without naming them.
Jordan's piece was pulled from the airwaves by the Guyana Broadcasting Cor-poration (GBC) on Wednesday after enjoying two days of airplay, a move which triggered a Mashramani boycott threat by the Don Gomes Mash camp.
Phyllis Jackson of the Mash Secretariat told Stabroek News yesterday that VJ will perform the piece at the Calypso Finals on February 20 in Bartica.
According to Jackson the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Mash Secretariat have no authority over the state-owned radio or any other broadcast media. She explained that the decision to pull VJ's song was not directed by the Ministry.
Jackson pointed out that the Ministry and the Secretariat are responsible for the calypso competition, adding that they have cleared VJ's song and he is through to the finals since he is the reigning monarch.
General Manager, GBC, Mazrul Bacchus maintained yesterday that he received word to pull the song since it was not cleared by the Ministry. According to him no information was received as to whether the Ministry had approved the piece.
He pointed out that songs aired regularly are considered by music co-ordinators and independent individuals before going on the air. Bacchus could not say whether the song will be aired again.
Winston Benn of the Mash Secretariat told this newspaper on Wednesday that the lyrics submitted by the other calypsonians were screened at the auditions before selections were made. Benn too refuted claims that the Secretariat directed GBC to pull VJ's piece adding that he has no authority to make such decisions.
Jordan told Stabroek News yesterday that he is deeply hurt by the move to pull his song since airplay is a crucial part of his campaign to successfully defend his title.
"There are strong contenders for the monarchy this year and the public is becoming familiar with their songs because they are enjoying airplay. I need airtime, all calypsonians do," VJ declared.
The reigning monarch expressed confidence that he could be crowned a third consecutive year since his piece is a winner. He maintained that the piece made no mention of anyone and is not libellous.
He pointed out that the Mash Secretariat raised no concerns when he submitted the piece. According to him the lyrics are within the guidelines of the rules.
Don Gomes, who had threatened to boycott Mashramani should VJ be denied airtime before the calypso finals told Stabroek News yesterday he will go ahead as planned with his Mash band launching on Sunday since VJ will defend his title.
Gomes stressed that he supports Mash and would closely follow the activities. He expressed concerns over the airplay but pointed out that he is pleased that VJ will perform and defend the Calypso Monarch's crown.