"Unity is the key to prosperity" could be key to calypso monarchy
Stabroek News
February 6, 2004
One-time calypso monarch Winfield James says boldly his song 'Unity is the key to prosperity' is the best composition for the year.
James who enjoys doing political commentary and plugging unity themes in his compositions is widely expected to turn heads at this year's calypso competition.
A born-Trinidadian, James was the Mashramani Calypso Monarch in 1999 when he did "We got to move on" and last year he made it to the finals with "We can't tek no more".
Admitting that he enjoys the serious issues, he mentioned that his song this year is just a way of expressing how he feels about the country, especially that children need to realise that the future of Guyana is in their hands.
Singing since age four, James also has a number of other talents, being a notable building contractor and costume designer. His talent as a designer is quite evident in most of his costumes whenever he goes on stage.
He is also the popular producer of the Mother's Day programme called "Tribute To Mothers" which showcases a gamut of local talents while expressing love and appreciation to mothers.
Among buildings he has constructed in the city are the Blood Bank at the Georgetown Public Hospital and St. Angela's Primary School.
At this time of year, James said he is usually very busy, for he not only designs Mash costumes for schools, but he works along with other calypsonians.
He fondly recalls his father showering him with "tons of calypso records" and besides his father's inspiration he was also motivated by Berth Simon, owner of the Kross Colour studio in Duncan Street.
His big concern with calypso music in Guyana is that it is played just for the Mashramani celebrations and after that it slowly goes off the air until the following year.
He is disappointed that "Mighty Kendingo" would not be singing this year, since he had difficulty meeting the deadline for his competition piece. James thought that Kendingo's absence was a big loss to the calypso competition.