Crowned Prince of Calypso
Kurt "The Last Badjohn of Calypso" Allen
Considered by many to be the Crowned Prince of Calypso, Trinidad and Tobago's Calypso King Kurt Allen is one of only two Calypsonians to have ever won both the Calypso Monarch (2010) and the International Soca Monarch (1999) tiltles. This accomplishments alongside several hit songs in both musical categories makes him a King of both the Calypso and Soca genres.
Historical Journey
Kurt Allen’s Journey originated in West Africa from whence free men and women of noble
ancestry were brought to the Caribbean as slaves. ‘Kaiso’ (Calypso) music has its origins in West Africa and was brought over by the slaves who (in the early history of the artform) used it to sing
about their masters. Kurt traces his genetic roots to Africa, India and England and considers himself to be a World Citizen that was born on the island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
His Music
Kurt's music CALYPSOCA (A blend of Calypso and Soca) is a conversation of raising global consciousness on social issues ranging from politics, religion, gender equality, human and children rights, youth leadership and risky behavior; to inspiring free spirited behaviour such as partying, love, romance and even humor.
A King Is Born
Kurt Allen was born in 1970 during the period of change when citizens of this nation fought for an end to discrimination, inequality and injustice. He has been dubbed the Last Badjohn of Calypso and is considered by many to be the Crown Prince and heir apparent to the undisputed Calypso King of the World; the “Mighty Sparrow ( Dr. Slinger Francisco).
Throughout the Caribbean Kurt Allen has gained a reputation as an acclaimed songwriter and performer. This young Master of the artform of Calypso is also one of only 2 Calypso Monarchs to ever compose the winning selections for another National Calypso Monarch. However he stands alone as the only Calypso Monarch to compose for a National Calypso Monarch of another country, namely St Lucia in 2004. Throughout the years of his career he has toured extensively Europe, North America and the Caribbean.
Responsibility
Kurt Allen, A.K.A The Last Badjohn of Calypso, like Atlas believes he carries upon his shoulders a responsibility to support the heroes of calypso in their legendary work. Kurt Allen has been schooled in the traditions of the primers of the golden period such as Attila the Hun, Executer, Roaring Lion, Growling Tiger Lord Invader and Lord Melody.
Social Activism & Caribbean Unification
Mr. Allen has been a champion activist for cultural and economic cooperation of the West Indies islands and evidence of Mr. Allen’s dedication to uniting the Caribbean through the Cultural Arts is noted when in 2001he decided to temporarily retire from the stage in order to use his experience and knowledge in culture to inspire, educate, promote and encourage the involvement of the Caribbean’s youth in the creative and cultural industries.
This birthed the Non Governmental Organisation Caribbean Vizion that advocates for cultural and economic cooperation between Caribbean people and their governments. The organization is also recognized and endorsed by the CARICOM Secretariat and has worked extensively throughout the region with various governments and International Development Agencies.
Kurt Allen’s mission is to liberate minds and cause humanity to take personal responsibility for their life and circumstances. This he views as the first step towards transformation of being.
Other
Mr. Allen has been a presenter at numerous song writing and artiste development symposiums throughout the Caribbean and was a member of the Judging Panel for the 2001, 2004 and 2005 OECS Soca Monarch Finals. He has also composed for many regional performing artistes including several Calypso Monarchs.
His political and social commentary are deemed to be prophetic. As the current Calypso Monarch, Kurt Allen has accepted the responsibility to be a vanguard for Calypso music and to single handedly, if necessary, work to preserve the legacy, integrity and historical value of Calypso music. He is committed to ensuring that it grows and survives into the next century, and beyond.
What Is Meant By The Sobriquet “The Last Badjohn Of Calypso”
The Badjohn was one who fought for the protection of a Cajun Queen in American folklore. Even John the Baptist was considered a Badjohn because he was the voice crying in the wilderness. Jimmy Cliff, the famous reggae artiste out of Jamaica also sang about the Badjohn and Michael Jackson in one of his magnanimous hits, ‘I’m bad’ spoke to the role of the artiste in fostering change.
Mr. Allen sees himself as the last true champion of Calypso Music. He is prepared to live and die for the music and has made tremendous personal sacrifices in order to raise awareness and promote the indigenous art form called Calypso.
He has demonstrated his commitment to the music by making Calypso his full time profession, a decision he made at the tender age of 11. Calypso has also provided for the sustainance and wellbeing of his family. Further to this his only child has be home schooled in the traditions of Calypso.
Acheivments & Awards
- 2010 National Calypso Monarch of Trinidad and Tobago.
- 2008, 1997, 1995, 1994 Calypso Monarch Finalist.
-2004 Composed the two winning songs for the St Lucia National Calypso Monarch the late Ms. Jany Williams.
-2002 Composed chart topping song “Splash – Dip in de salt”.
-2001 Composed the winning song for the National Calypso Monarch Denyse Plummer who also won Best Social Commentary Calypso.
-1999 International Soca Monarch.
Road March King Jamaica, Miami, Winnipeg, Boston, Ottawa Toronto and others.
2nd place in Trinidad and Tobago Road March.
-1997 Received award for the Best Social Commentary Artiste of the Year.
-1995 Received Presidents Award for Excellence in the Arts.
-1994 Toured England and Holland with his own band ‘Caribbean Fire’.
-1993 Young King Calypso Monarch.
-1992 Stars of Tomorrow Calypso Monarch.
-1990 – 2005 Toured extensively throughout Europe, North America and the Caribbean as a member of the music bands Roy Cape All Stars and Atlantik.
-1989 Established Trinidad and Tobago’s first ever-Junior Calypso Tent.
Recipient of the Rotary Club Youth Merit Award.
-1988 – 1991 Recording Artiste, Sang in the Calypso Tent “New Wave”.
-1988 Composed winning song for the National Junior Calypso Monarch.
-1988 Winner of Best Vocalist, Best Calypsonian and Best Duet at the Prime Minister Best Village Competition.
-1987 Composed for 3 finalists in National Junior Calypso Monarch Competition.
Completed 1st recording.
-1986 Finalist of National Junior Calypso Monarch, placing 6th
-1984 –1985 Semi –Finalist National Junior Calypso Monarch.
-1983 Finalist in the National Junior Calypso Monarch placing 6th
-1981 – 1982 Started singing calypso at the Curepe Junior Secondary School placing last (11th).
