The pride of St Philip produced two spectacular performances with Home Drums and Something Happening to capture the LIME/Banks Pic-O-De-Crop calypso monarchy at Kensington Oval early this morning.
The large crowd on the grounds and in the stands roared its approval about 1:30 a.m. when the result was announced, giving De Big Show’s RPB a record ninth title and the first prize of $10 500 and a fully loaded Toyota Corolla saloon car. He tallied 434 points.
RPB was elated at the results and later expressed his pleasure at the manner the public had responded to his songs, especially Something Happening.
“It is a wonderful feeling to see how people responded to the song. When the level of expectation is as it was, it was tough to come here and produce. It is amazing how people have taken to the song,” he said.
His tentmate John King gained 405.5 points and captured second position for his Heaven and My Caribbean. He earned $15 750. Third position went to Headliners’ Blood who gave two commanding performances with The Long Haul and We Looking At It to tally 404.5 points. He took home $11 025.
The 2008 junior monarch Sir Ruel showed he could hold his own with the veterans, finishing a commendable fourth position with his Ready For The Monarchy and What Is A Calypsonian. He scored 398 points to win $7 875.
TC, a favourite for many at the Oval, dropped Stop Domestic Violence which she had sang at the semi-finals and delivered Hot Sun and Riddum, with which she won the Sweet Soca and Party Monarch titles on Sunday. The move did not pay off. Together with Gimme A Ruler, it was only good enough for ninth place. She tallied 382.5 points and earned $4 200.
Headliners’ Colin Spencer’s last place finish caused a great murmur in the crowd, many of whom had been impressed with his Inclusion In Reverse and Where Do We Go From here. He scored 377 points and also won $4 200.
Adrian Clarke, last year’s monarch, finished in sixth position with 395 1/2 points. Also competing were Sheldon Hope (5th), Bumba (7th) and HeeHaw (8th)
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