Edson “Kingman Ajamu” Mitchell is Grenada’s new Calypso King. The seven time Calypso King came out of a 14-year retirement to capture the 2014 Monarch title on Sunday at the Grenada National Stadium.
Bracing the competition stage for the first time in fourteen years to a rousing Grenadian welcome the Kingman’s selections “When Calypso was Calypso” but more so his second rendition “Mas in your Rook ung utung kung” did not only capture the attention of the judges who scored him a title winning 870 points but had the entire National Stadium crowd on their feet despite inclement weather and soggy conditions that existed.
Shortly after he was crowned king of calypso, by the 2014 Carnival Queen Ebony Telesford Ajamu told members of the media, that although he had already got seven titles under his belt, this year’s title is very special. The Kingman said that despite the many critics, his return to Calypso in Grenada had nothing to do with politics but rather plans to take the art form to a different level in Grenada and on a different path.
Having demonstrated in the eyes of the public and to the judges that he is the undisputed king of calypso in Grenada the newly crowned king said after all is said and done he is somewhat concerned about the level to which some artistes go to get popularity. However he said during his reign he hopes to use his expertise and influence to turn the tide and bring back the Dimanche Gras to what it used to be.
As it relates to his main calypso rival Findley Jeffery the Scholar, Ajamu said he has a lot of respect for Scholar. He thinks he is an excellent writer and one that he would want to see go forward, however he is of the opinion that some of Scholar’s rhetoric are sometimes uncalled for and do not add to lifting the bar of the art form in Grenada.
Jamu said during the delivery of his second song, he wanted to respond to some of what was said however he decided to maintain his dignity and not bring himself to the level of the gutter.
Second place in the 2014 calypso finals went to Findley Jeffery the Scholar, a man who like Ajamu had seven titles under his belt before Sunday’s final. Scholar amassed a total of 832 points with his selections “Promise Land” and “Asphalt.” Third place was taken by Sean Niles “Sour Serpent” his selections “Complexion of Calypso” and “Pan Issues.”
Defending Champion Ketura George had to settle for the seventh position scoring a total of 794 points.
According to the judges, position eleven went to Janice Augustine with 769 points, tenth position Germaine Simon with 782 points, ninth position Randy Isaacs with 786 points, Elwin Mc Quilkin 790 points, Keturah George 794 points, Lloyd Panchoo 802, Sheldon Douglas 804 points, Jason Joseph 814 points, Sean Niles 819 points Scholar 832 and King Ajamu 870 points.
