Kwesi Jeffers is NACC’s Young KingBy VERDEL BISHOP Wednesday, February 3 2010
http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,115215.htmlIn a classic and skilful rendition of “Climate Change”, with African drums, a powerful voice, and a sincere admonition, Jeffers warned that the day would come when we will all have regrets for our actions against mother earth.
As if his performance was not powerful enough, Jeffers enhanced his message with a video showing the effects of climate change.
As a result, he left a lasting impression on the judges and on those in the audience, who placed him in first position, among a slate of 17 other competitors.
The competition, held Monday night at Pier 1 Chaguaramas, attracted a large crowd of supporters and calypso lovers.
Singing “More Than a Panside”, Sekon Alves placed second. Almost all the calypsoes conveyed very serious messages, like Stars of Tomorrow winner, “Guidance” (Asten Isaac), who gave a noteworthy performance of “My Wounded Nation”, for a spot in third place.
Each year, the Young King Calypso Monarch competition is dedicated to the honour of an outstanding male calypsonian, or a veteran male musician, or promoter. This year, the NACC paid tribute to two contributors of culture, pan pioneer, Hugh Borde and Indian folk musician, Rana Mohip. They each received a plaque, and a cheque for $5000.
The results of the NACC 2010 Young King calypso competition are as follows.
1st – Kwesi Jeffers – Climate Change
2nd – Sekon Alves – More Than a Panside
3rd – Guidance – My Wounded Nation
4th – Sheldon Nugget – Special People
5th – Tobago Chalkie – Cocoa Melee
6th – Duane O’Connor – National Pride
7th – Ninja – My Company
8th – Hamidullah – It Started With We
9th – Revealer – Integrity
10th – Derrick Seales – God Bless De Caribbean
10 – Walter Taylor – Signs