The Calypso Millionairess
Queen Karen!
By Wayne Bowman [email protected]
Story Created: Mar 7, 2011 at 10:42 PM ECT
AFTER delivering sterling performances of "Be Careful What You Ask For" in round one and "Uncle Jack" in the second, Karene Asche was declared the 2011 National Calypso Monarch early yesterday morning at the Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain.
The 24-year-old reigning TUCO North Zone Calypso Monarch became the first calypsonian to win the lucrative $2 million first prize given to the Monarch by the People's Partnership Government.
Asche's first song addressed a mix of social and political issues in the four verses presented. The daughter of Errol Asche, one of this country's most popular vocalists during the 1970's into the 1980's, sang about women who leave one man to go with another because they believe he can give her a better life, only to realise they have ended up with a beast.
Asche also knocked the ruling People's Partnership, accusing them of creating racial tension in the nation. She also touched on the firing of Fazeer Mohammed from CNMG and the standoff between the Public Service Association (PSA) and the Government. She sang that public servants had a bird in hand when the PNM was in power and now they have nothing, having rejected that party in favour of the Government.
"Take yuh one per cent and chill. Take yuh five per cent and chill," Asche sang as she exited the stage in round one.
Round two saw Asche performing her very popular "Uncle Jack", a tribute to Minister of Works and Transport, Jack Warner, who she sang was, "The world's first black Hindu". As Asche exited the stage at the end of her performance, patrons in the Grand and North Stands cheered her vociferously.
The Express yesterday spoke with Asche, who was at home resting after some intense days preparing for the competition. Still processing her victory and the claiming of the $2 million first prize, Asche said she did not feel any different. She praised Christophe Grant, who composed "Uncle Jack", and Errol Skeete, who composed "Be Careful What You Ask For", for creating songs that were perfect for her.
"I am feeling normal. I am just happy it is over because it was a hard few days preparing for the competition. I am taking it easy for the rest of Carnival. I might go and take a chip in town (Port of Spain) later (yesterday) or tomorrow (today). I have never played mas and prefer to watch what is happening on TV and be with my son, Shaheem," she said.
"I intend to use the money wisely and I have people around me who will advise me on doing the right thing. I was very frightened when I began to perform my first song because I had never performed it before. I did not really hear the other competitors as I was just in my room focusing on my performance, but I did hear a bit of Devon (Seale) and he sounded great. I know Brian (London) was very good also."
Story Created: Mar 7, 2011 at 10:42 PM ECT
AFTER delivering sterling performances of "Be Careful What You Ask For" in round one and "Uncle Jack" in the second, Karene Asche was declared the 2011 National Calypso Monarch early yesterday morning at the Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain.
The 24-year-old reigning TUCO North Zone Calypso Monarch became the first calypsonian to win the lucrative $2 million first prize given to the Monarch by the People's Partnership Government.
Asche's first song addressed a mix of social and political issues in the four verses presented. The daughter of Errol Asche, one of this country's most popular vocalists during the 1970's into the 1980's, sang about women who leave one man to go with another because they believe he can give her a better life, only to realise they have ended up with a beast.
Asche also knocked the ruling People's Partnership, accusing them of creating racial tension in the nation. She also touched on the firing of Fazeer Mohammed from CNMG and the standoff between the Public Service Association (PSA) and the Government. She sang that public servants had a bird in hand when the PNM was in power and now they have nothing, having rejected that party in favour of the Government.
"Take yuh one per cent and chill. Take yuh five per cent and chill," Asche sang as she exited the stage in round one.
Round two saw Asche performing her very popular "Uncle Jack", a tribute to Minister of Works and Transport, Jack Warner, who she sang was, "The world's first black Hindu". As Asche exited the stage at the end of her performance, patrons in the Grand and North Stands cheered her vociferously.
The Express yesterday spoke with Asche, who was at home resting after some intense days preparing for the competition. Still processing her victory and the claiming of the $2 million first prize, Asche said she did not feel any different. She praised Christophe Grant, who composed "Uncle Jack", and Errol Skeete, who composed "Be Careful What You Ask For", for creating songs that were perfect for her.
"I am feeling normal. I am just happy it is over because it was a hard few days preparing for the competition. I am taking it easy for the rest of Carnival. I might go and take a chip in town (Port of Spain) later (yesterday) or tomorrow (today). I have never played mas and prefer to watch what is happening on TV and be with my son, Shaheem," she said.
"I intend to use the money wisely and I have people around me who will advise me on doing the right thing. I was very frightened when I began to perform my first song because I had never performed it before. I did not really hear the other competitors as I was just in my room focusing on my performance, but I did hear a bit of Devon (Seale) and he sounded great. I know Brian (London) was very good also."
