We are well into the Carnival season for 2016, a period when competitions in our artistic expressions are plentiful. Over the years monetary prizes have increase astronomically, until in recent times the winners in the main competitions have received prizes worth millions of dollars.
In the chutney, kaiso monarch, soca monarch competitions particularly, the performers have been the recipients of these prizes and the recognition that goes with the success. However, in most instances the creators of the works—the writers and producers—remain unknown and unrewarded, perhaps, except for whatever private and contractual arrangements they may have with the performers.
It was very pleasing to read where the new owners of the soca monarch competition, have decided to offer prizes and accompanying recognition to the writers and producers of the successful songs in this year’s competition. Hat’s off to Peter Scoon and his team.
I am hopeful, just as the prize money is divided among the finalists, that a similar distribution structure will go to writers and producers.
What we have not heard about though, is similar thinking and implementation from the body that claims to be guardian and protector of the Kaiso art form—TUCO. Over the years, many a kaiso monarch has won the competition with songs written and produced by other people, than themselves; similarly the chutney monarch.
Let’s hope that these other competitions will take a leaf out of the book of Peter Scoon and the new soca monarch team and share the cake around and give some additional life to these art forms. Possibly Pan Trinbago might also see it fit to recognise the writers and producers of the songs performed at the pan competition.
Clive Graham,
Petit Bourg