Beau Beau crowned King of Kings
PHILIPSBURG-- Leroy “King Beau-Beau” Brooks proved to be the King of Kings when he claimed the title early this morning at the From Us II You: King of Kings Calypso competition.
Accumulating a total of 358 points from judges Lions Club Past District Governor Wally Havertong, Windward Islands Bank Managing Director Jan Beaujon, Elon Robinson of Trinidad and Esther David-Roach, Beau-Beau won a prize of US $8,000.
Claiming the first runner-up position with 353 points was Isidore “Mighty Dow” York, while Marvin “King Stunky” Dollison secured the second runner-up position.
There were 10 competitors in the show, but these three calypsonians were the judges’ and from shown support the crowd’s favourites.
King Beau Beau, contestant number one, in singing his song “Case from Hell” that had given him his Calypso King crown years before and his new song “Fight,” gave an impressive performance with his captivating voice in both instances.
In his presentation of the new song “Fight,” he even incorporated a comical live boxing match between two very different characters, one being very tall and covered in white powder, depicting a “Dutchman,” and the other very short, depicting a “St. Maartener.”
The crowd hollered with laughter at this spectacle as Beau Beau reflected on Dutch Member of Parliament Hero Brinkman’s comments in early January that St. Maarten was corrupt and should be sold on the Internet for US $1. He sang that St. Maarteners should fight together with government to defend their island, which was demonstrated with a knockout punch to the “Dutchman” from the “St. Maartener.”
Mighty Dow brought back old-time memories of when the island could not yet decide what status was best through his song “Crazy House.” In his new song “This what’s going on” much emphasis was placed on the recent arrest of former police commissioner Marcel Loor, former head of the Windward Islands Police Force ex-chief commissioner Derrick Holiday, and former head of Immigration at the airport Alfred “Churchill” Marsden, who even accompanied Dow on stage for a comical rendition of his defence measures via television and radio after his recent arrest.
Attendees had the opportunity to reminisce on past cultural aspects of the island as King Stunky recited his past hit “Where has our Culture gone?” In his new song “Action Time” Stunky encouraged government to move forward with its plans and said that although some things could not be achieved without obstacles, the island still had to progress.
Although not placing in the top three, the presentation by King Jacko was by far the most controversial of the night, as he incorporated a live cockfight, which by law is illegal. Eyebrows were raised in shock which eventually brought concern from police authorities who were seen making their way towards the stage, most probably to put a stop to the activity. Jacko’s presentation rounded off at the same time.
As a side aspect of the show with songs bashing several of the islands’ authority figures and making a call to reclaim St. Maarten’s culture, organiser of the event The Sky is the Limit Foundation honoured four influential musical individuals: Fernando Arrindell for his influence in cultural development through music, Carl “Tall Boy” Arndell for his musical talent that helped entertain the island and for his contributions to the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation during his period on the board, entertainment promoter Clarence Derby for his role in song writing for many local calypsonians since 1975 and his general involvement in promoting Carnival over the years, and calypsonian King Arrow particularly for his inspiration to other calypsonians over the years.
This first local show of the Carnival Season was well attended by many calypso lovers who were seen taking in all concerns and suggestions brought forward through the songs sung by all 10 calypsonians.
MCs for the night were Philosopher of Comedy Fernando Clark and Calypso Reggie of St. Kitts, while Trinidadian calypsonian Weston “King Cro Cro” Rawlins provided musical entertainment.
