He is 24-years-old and already has secured two calypso monarch titles. He seems at home on the big stage. But does he intend to stay as long as his father did in the calyso arena.
Meet Dezral Long, son of Desmond Long known in the calypso arena as ‘Mighty Pep’, a legend in the artform having won the monarch title multiple times.
Dezral captured his first calypso monarch title in 2022 and his second last Saturday with compelling performances. His thought-provoking songs which addressed and celebrated pertinent issues and local personalities, resonated with the audience.
Born January 9, 2000 Dezral won the judges approval with his two selections, ‘De Biggest Guns’ and ‘A Wish for Fish’ exploring the exploits of Lucian personalities in sports (ace-sprinter Julien Alfred) and the creative arts (cultural aficionado George “Fish” Alphonse).
In a post-show interview with THE VOICE, Dezral said his winning formula was the lyrical strength of his songs and the music that accompanied them.
“Also, I feel performing first this year was kind of advantageous to me,” he said.
On paying tribute to the country’s cultural icons and keeping the artform alive, he said: “That’s where it all started …we have to pay recognition to the greats, because that way we can move forward, knowing where we came from.”
So, what’s in store for Dezral? Is he in the calypso field for the long run?
“I’m not entirely sure about the trajectory of the career…but, I should be back, next year, hopefully,” he replied. “But, it might not be as long as my father’s stint in the calypso arena.”
He added, “It’s a privilege to be on the big stage because at eight and nine years old, I used to be watching the likes of TC Brown and Menell and right now, I’m performing with them. And it’s crazy sharing a backstage with them… it’s wonderful.”