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Jervae Caesar, 2008 NYAC Star of Tomorrow
Jervae Caesar sings 'Fraid to Fight'
TriniSoca.com Reporters
Event Date: January 06, 2008
Jervae Caesar topped his fellow competitors as the National Youth Action Committee (NYAC) held their 19th Annual Stars of Tomorrow Calypso Competition on Sunday 6th January, 2008, at the St. James Amphitheatre. Jervae Caesar sung "Fraid to Fight", a composition that criticized those who recognized that the system was not right, yet who failed to confront and change it. Politicians, professional mindblowers and those who "hide behind passes" came in for some heavy blows from the lanky young singer as he delivered his winning song. Competing in this competition were twenty young Calypsonians between the ages of 19 and 30 who shared their varied styles and lyrics with the audience in their quest to win the title.
Opening the show was guest artiste 'Rizon' (Shane Gibson) who performed "We Doh Fear" as well as his popular song "Reach" which found favour with the audience who sang along enthusiastically. Kayode Salina opened the competition with his song "My Love" which professed his love for a lady as he tried to convince her that he was not cheating on her. Kirt Ross sung "Slaves of the System", a well-composed social commentary which explored the effects of capitalism that he concluded produced "slaves of the system".
Clint 'D Unknown' Davis changed the flavour as he upped the tempo with his song "Tribute to Superblue". Carried on a throne to the stage and accompanied by moko jumbies, the tall, lanky singer clad in a blue suit, gave an energetic tribute to Super Blue, imitating various moves made popular by the great Soca singer.
Sekon Alves was impressive in his song "When We Meet" as he asked, "When the Ganges meets the Nile, is there a genuine smile?" He explored how people can talk and relate okay in public, but still have poor racial attitudes that pop up when they are in their private space. This rendition earned him third place when the results were released.
The crime issue again got a lot of attention from the Calypsonians. Cindy Alleyne had an anti-gangster message in her song "Johnny Doh Go", while Debra Alleyne in her song 'Trini Personality" conveyed the two contrastingly different sides of Trinidad whose bipolar nature she termed a 'Jekyll and Hyde personality'. One side is the sweetness of Trinbago with its vibrant cultural elements and tourist-friendly sites, while the other side is the criminal activities. Amrika Mutroo in her song "The Remedy" put forward peace and love as a remedy for social problems and got a hearty response from the audience with her rendition.
Tobagonian singer Shamika Denoon was spectacular in her performance of "Trust". Coming to the stage armed with various kitchen utensils she gave notice of her intentions to defend her sacred marriage bounds against a perceived rival. She related in song a story about seeing a text message on her husband's phone from a lady who said she was waiting in the nude at a popular hotel. In a rage, she proceeded to the hotel to beat up the lady. The story took a twist as on her return home, her husband sadly told her that a male friend had forgotten his phone with him, but before he could return it, a madwoman had beat up his friends wife. This humorous story about this cell-phone mix-up was well-appreciated by the audience who cheered and applauded loudly.
Giselle Fraser-Washington gave a good rendition of her song "Choices" which she dedicated to those who think that failure is the end of the road. Instead she encouraged young people to have perseverance as the choices they make today will shape what future they have.
Jervae Caesar edged another strong performer, Monique Hector, into second place. Princess Monique rendered her song "Sister Looking" in which she expressed that everywhere she goes sisters are looking for real men who will put their children and family first. She called on males needing to take care of their responsibilities as the audience cheered loudly.
Full Results of NYAC Stars of Tomorrow Calypso Competition 2008:
Placing / Name / Song
1st / Jervae Caesar / Fraid to Fight
2nd / Monique Hector / Sisters Looking
3rd / Sekon Alves / When We Meet
4th / Kirt Ross / Slaves of the System
4th / Shamika Denoon / Trust
6th / Amrika Mutroo / The Remedy
7th / Wendy Thomas-Garrick / The 300 Club
8th / Giselle Fraser / Choices
9th / Clint Davis / Tribute to Super Blue
10th / Debra Alleyne / Trini Personality
10th / Ricardo Learmont / Fathers of the Land
NYAC Stars of Tomorrow Calypso Competition 2008:
www.trinisoca.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=83286
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