Sparrow's Next Move [ or ...don’t count out the Birdie yet ]

Sparrow's Next Move 

Chalkdust in 2009 may have earned the right to stand in the throne room but there can only be one King.  

Much has been said about Chalkdust’s recent accomplishment of leveling the score at eight Calypso Monarch wins with The Mighty Sparrow.

Chalkie’s achievement is no mean feat but if one considers that Sparrow’s last win was in 1992 having started in 1956 one gets an initial sense of how much deserved is the title ‘The Calypso King of the World’  that has been Sparrows for so long.  

But there is more to be considered: Sparrow’s long list of road marches and songs played by Panorama Bands over the 40 plus years of competition, the competitions won in other islands, the classic rivalry with Melody, the accolades  from world leaders and various dignatories, the million selling song ‘ Only a fool …”. Yes the million seller I would include because, although not composed for Carnival, it demonstrates the versatility and wide range of songs and compositions that Sparrow has been associated with over the years. 

Let us also mention Sparrow’s accustomed on-stage presence, mischeviousness and vitality during his performances. Pick any topic and Sparrow has a classic song about it. From love and infidelity to money worries and nation building. Advice for local and world leaders – he has given in song – and the same also about choosing a wife to young men falling in love.

Topical or controversial, soothing or racy, sensual or stimulating, Sparrow’s songs have over the years covered a whole range of issues and emotions. And he can do them in several languages too ! 

My earliest memories of Chalkdust were of his songs about ‘Devaluation’ and his protest songs about not winning the crown.

Sparrow started off his monarchy in 1956 by winning the crown! 

It was Sparrow who in the first year of Panorama competition in 1963, beat Kitchener into third place with 'Dan is the man' and his second placed tune.

Over the years Chalkie has been somewhat uni-dimensional in theme, pointing his learned finger in the eye of those with whom he was disenchanted and … there were great songs among them too ! 

Chalkdust may now have earned the right to stand in the throne room but there can only be one King…. one Calypso King of the World ! 

Chalkdust may also agree judging by his reported announcement to retire from competition and his telling words about Sparrow's bestowed gifts in the movie- documentary " Calypso Dreams"

What then should be Sparrow’s response. To acknowledge Chalkdust’s achievement surely. And graciously so! 

Sparrow does not have to respond by foolishly re-entering the competition in 2010 or any other year for that matter. Nor should he! 

Just as Lara broke Sobers’ record, somebody will break Sparrow’s – and he will still remain the undisputed ....  

 …to be continued