Veteran Calypsonian Robert Elias, known in the calypso world as the ‘Mighty Trini’, cried shame on the patrons attending Saturday’s Calypso Fiesta competition for hurling objects at Calypsonians Michael Osouna’ Sugar Aloes’ and Winston Scarborough ‘The Original De Fosto Himself’.
The two were pelted with wet toilet paper during their performances, an act usually reserved for Calypsonians who did not win favour with the Skinner Park, San Fernando audience.
But it was Sugar Aloes who got a most bitter welcome as he was attacked with wrapped roti’s.
Uniformed police officers had to man both entrances at the front of the stage while Aloes performed.
Elias on Sunday said the treatment meted out to former National Calypso Monarch Sugar was nothing short of blatant disrespect.
Outraged by the incident Elias described the attack as brutal and said it was simply uncalled for.
“And even if ya want to raise ya piece ah wood with toilet paper and flag waving, but ya throw obstacles. I saw one his hat and one on his leg” he said.
Elias added, “And if San Fernando hate Robert Elias for that well may God bless all of you because I love San Fernando”.
Back in May 2012 Sugar Aloes was criticsed by members of the calypso fraternity and the public after he serenaded Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar with Taurus Riley’s ‘She’s Royal’ at the Peoples Parrnership’s 2nd year Anniversary celebrations in Chaguanas.
The Trinbago Unified Calypsonian Organisation is yet to comment on the incident.
Elias: Revise judging
Meanwhile the veteran Calypsonian lashed out at the judges saying that it is time to stop the notion that budding artistes must pay their dues.
Elias said “A whole revision of judging have to be done this cannot continue. It’s disastrous for calypso that people like Devon Seales and this young man who I found was a bomb yesterday Keyon Francis yesterday. But ‘they were’ left out what is this nonsense. Is he paying his dues? I am not in agreement. I want to see Calypso live on and I do hope that come next year Calypsonians come out at elections and do what is just and right for calypso”.
Finalists named
And the results of the semi-finalists have been revealed by TUCO. The eleven who will go up against reigning Calypso Monarch Duane O'Connor at the finals on Thursday are listed below:
1. Alana Sinnette—No Moral Authority
2. Dr. Hollis Liverpool—Chalkdust— Virginia's Alzheimer
3. Eric Taylor—Pink Panther—Travel Woes
4. Eunice Peters—None of the Above
5. Heather MacIntosh—The Old Man's Lament
6. Karene Asche—Meh Pardna Ship
7. Kizzie Ruiz—In The Age of Blog
8. Kurt Allen—The Last Bad John
10.Marva Joseph—Marvellous Marva— Come Back To What
11. Roderick Gordon –Mr Chucky—Bear With Me
12Victoria Cooper—Queen Victoria—D Betrayal
Reserved:
Carlos James—Skatie—Prophet With Honour