De Voice is second runner up in Leeward Islands calypso comp

The former winner of the Leeward Islands Calypso Monarch Competition, Keithroy ‘De Voice’ Morson, has this year walked away with the second runner up prize.

The Montserratian performer lost out to first runner up Isidore ‘Mighty Dow’ York from St Martin and the overall winner Anthony ‘Dr Splinter’ Bryan from Anguilla.

Montserrat’s reigning calypso king Garnet ‘Sylk’ Thompson also competed for the regional crown in Anguilla on Saturday, 10 August.

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Kenneth ‘Rabo’ Silcott, director of the Montserrat Arts Council, said he was “tremendously pleased” with the two Montserratian competitors.

“They both represented the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean, Montserrat, creditably,” he said in a Facebook post on Sunday, 11 August.

“To both kings, I say – you have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. Keep your heads up.

“Your performances made us proud to be Montserratians and showed that calypso is still alive and prospering at a high standard in Montserrat.”

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The arts council director added that in every disappointment, there is a silver lining.

“There are lessons to be learned from this event and the hosting organisation must note these in an effort to not jeopardise the integrity and longevity of the Leeward Islands calypso competition,” he said.

“All in all, it was a great show, and we give thanks for the blessing of the opportunity to take Montserrat’s calypso to the international stage.”

A full recording of the competition can be heard here.