[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”10″ gal_title=”Kweyol Song Contest”]
RECORDING artiste Ras Africa gave patrons an uplifting and captivating performance of his song, “NouWivé” last Saturday evening to walk away with the title at this year’s AnnouManjé, DanséekChanté en Kweyol show.
Fifteen artistes took part in the competition now in its fourth year and organized by De Soca-Lypso Revue Calypso Tent.
Despite the small crowd at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) on the night, great music was certainly not lacking. And with the Silver Shadow Dance Academy masqueraders beginning the show, the adrenaline rush just did not let up.
In the end, though, it was Ras Africa – real name Constance Francois – who won the $4,000 prize for the song he wrote and composed over 25 years ago and recorded in 1990. According to him, the song has a special place in his heart.
“The song is a very highly spiritual song that speaks a strong message about the times we’re living in,” Ras Africa told The VOICE.
Agnes “Black Pearl” Chester placed second with her “Andjeley”, going home with $2,000 in prize money. Tying for third place were Selwyna “Sistren” Charles and Lambert “Skai” Soomer’s group, Steel Rock. They performed “Lamou” and “Adan Fes Fanm Pa Ni Valè Encore” respectively and shared the $1,000 third place prize.
Other artistes in last Saturday’s Kwéyòl song competition were Julius “Gozilay” Peter, Certine “Soca Bandit” Hunte, Rosemond “Senator” Clery, Marley “Mongstar” James, Alleyne “AlleyKyatt” Collymore, Nervin “Mighty” Alexander, Sabino “Prosper” Francois, Christopher “Der Zol” Duncan, Stephen “Esteban” Edmund, Gregory Sinaise (last year’s winner), and Aagee “AG” Simpson.
Last Saturday’s song competition was the final event on this year’s Creole Heritage Month calendar.
