Fish Da Mega Boss leads calypsonians into finals

GREAT BAY– Alberto Arrindell, stage name ‘Fish Da Mega Boss’ delivered the musical punch which enabled him to captivate the panel of judges and the entire audience during the Nagico Calypso Eliminations under the tent at the Princess Port de Plaisance last Friday.

At the conclusion of the competition, it had to be a moment of truth for judges solicited by RAW Promotions Roberto Arrindell, Denis van Putten, Dion Gumbs, Shujah Reiph, Claudious Jones and head judge Kendall Dupersoy after the 15 calypsonians had delivered their musical social commentaries.

The ‘Mega Boss’, who was dethroned by Shakiya in the 2016 competition, made her his target in a song entitled ‘Prick’ which he composed himself and was arranged by Funk Gumbs that earned him a total of 276 points.

However, it was an evening when some old faces got back into the driver’s seat and one new comer making an impact in her debut. Making a comeback to the competition after a long break was Da Phox, singing at number three. His song entitled ‘One Big Mess’ was written by Bernard Wathley and arranged by Roelaf Matthew saw him finishing behind the ‘Mega Boss’ with 270 points.

The man that was dethroned by ‘Mega Boss’ Ruminni Rogers, stage name ‘Young Carlix, The Protege who was the second to last person to sing was third on the list with 262 points. His song entitled ‘Square One’ was composed by himself and arranged by Neville James aka Fatss.

His latest performance however is a significant improvement since the 2016 competition when he failed to make the final 10, but this time, he has an ace up his sleeves.  “I am waiting to see how the second song comes out from the studio and I will judge from there.  But I am going in with everything I got, it’s about the show, for the people to leave saying, yes Protege was on fire.’  If the second song comes out how I expect that is big trouble.” he said.

Andrew ‘ His Majesty Baker Jr’ Richardson, a seasoned campaigner was the fourth to go on stage attired in his usual dapper outfit. His song, ‘We are not prepared’ which he composed himself was arranged by Neville ‘Basses’ James and he was just one point behind the ‘Protege’ on 261. Now he is more optimistic this time than before and not intimidated by the performance by the ‘Mega Boss.’

“I’m going to win, the first time Fish wrote my song beat him,  the second time he beat me and I placed. But it has been a while he didn’t write my second song. I am prepared to make it happen, it does not matter how strong Fish comes,” he said.

Keith Carty, stage name ‘The Repeater’ is also making a comeback on the local scene. Singing at number eight, his song entitled ‘Long Live Calypso’ which he composed himself and was arranged by Leroy Vlaun delivered a very strong message and that effort resulted in him getting 249 points.

Ironically, one point behind was Everline Walters, stage name ‘Ebony Empress’ making her debut with a song entitled’ Holding your own’ composed by Pat Aaron and arranged by Nikita Christmas.

But despite the fact that it’s her first finals, she is also aiming high. “I’m going to the finals like a time bomb. I will be making sure I deliver my songs properly in full force,” Walters stated. According to the new girl on the calypso block, nothing is impossible.

“I know I can do this once I put my mind to it. What can I say you gonna have to be there to witness this because it’s going to be epic.  Ebony Empress now stands a chance to please the people and make them proud,  my message will definitely be highlighted.” She however pointed out that the key to success is having confidence in yourself and that’s what she is maintaining, staying focused and keeping a positive mind.

Empress Zee, real name Zhaira Richardson is taking aim at the prestigious title for the third time. Her song entitled ‘Enough is Enough’ was composed by Helen James and arranged by Neville James and the 240 points she earned was enough to get her in the final 10.

But making a grand comeback after an extremely long break was Magic, real name Elias Rampersad, originally from Trinidad & Tobago. He is by far the most experienced calypsonian on the island. He was presented with a lifetime award in Trinidad and at age 82, he is still composing songs and he displayed that age is just a number when he belted out the tune that propelled him to the finals entitled ‘Jouvert Morning’ for a total of 238 points. The song was arranged by Neville James.

There seems to be a high degree of chemistry between the Richardson siblings and once again, Lady Baker, real name Jasmine Richardson will be joining her brother, His Majesty Baker Jr. on stage in the finals. Her song entitled ‘Revelation’ composed by her brother and arranged by Ritchie Butin saw her finishing with 226 points which was enough to make the list.

Brimming with confidence, His Majesty Baker Jr. said that it did not come as a surprise when his sister made the final cut. “She is always in the finals because I write good songs, but her second song is going to be a hit, we will both have a great show this year.”

Last but certainly not least on the countdown was King Barrow, a veteran in the field. His song entitled ‘This land is blessed’ which he composed himself and was arranged by Neville James brought him across the line with 213 points and now the stage is set for the big showdown on April 25 in the Festival Village when they all challenge the reigning Calypso Monarch, Shakiya.

Photo caption: Alberto Arrindell aka ‘Fish Da Mega Boss’ (center) is surrounded by the other finalists, top from left to right are His Majesty Baker Jr., Young Carlix, The Protege and Rickey Da Phoxx. Center from left are Ebony Empress and The Repeater. Below are Empress Zee and Magic. In the last row from left are King Barrow and Lady Baker. Photo collage Today / Milton Pieters