According to a release this week from promoter Randy Glasgow Promotions, Cro Cro is calling upon Sugar Aloes, who he has defined since C2K7 as his “bitter enemy,” to stop hiding behind illness and get back into the arena where a sound licking is awaiting him.

Cro Cro added that Aloes has to prove that he can still be bitter when called upon.

The competition, conceived and produced by top local and regional events promoter, Randy Glasgow, was first staged during the 2002 General Elections and reigning National Calypso Monarch Cro Cro walked away with the title and a hefty purse.

The Mighty Midget has confirmed to organisers that he is defending his title and also that he has already created the calypso with which he will go into battle.

The release added that Cro Cro told the competition’s producers that he wants to deal with the likes of Gypsy, Aloes and Skatie for accusing him of using an old song to win this year’s National Monarch title.

The bard has also issued a challenge to Gypsy who Cro Cro said is proving to be a coward.

Cro Cro said that Gypsy continues to cast aspersions upon him, but continuously dodges him every time the opportunity for them to square off on stage presents itself.

“Step up to the plate or hush your mouth,” Cro Cro says to Gypsy.

Although Cro Cro walked away with the Political Calypso Monarch title in 2002, it was actually Sugar Aloes who proved to be the darling of the PNM Government as his song Jubilation, released following the elections, became an anthem of sorts.

Cro Cro’s calypso—Sinking Ship—however has become an evergreen classic that continues to draw laughter and successive encores every time he performs it.

Interestingly, while Aloes and Cro Cro seem incapable of finding fault with the PNM in their songs, their critics are saying their blind loyalty to the ruling party is responsible for the calypso art form becoming a dying expression. 

Another interesting development in the competition, the final of which is being timed to come off just weeks prior to ballot-casting, is the entry of popular comedian Tommy Joseph as a competitor.

Joseph is reportedly composing a song that will focus mainly on Winston Dookeran and his Congress of the People (COP) party.

Along with Joseph, more than 32 calypsonians have registered so far to compete for the title.

Among them are Pink Panther, De Fosto, Impulse, Massive Gosein, Bally, Cardinal, M’ba, Skatie, Ras Kommanda, Iwer George, Ninja, All Rounder, Protector, King Soul, Contender, and Nature.

Promoter Randy Glasgow said this week: “The Political Calypso Monarch competition will continue to take place on every election year and serves as a means through which calypsonians that do political commentary will have an additional platform for their material.

“The competition also serves as a buffer through which the members of the general public can blow off the steam and ease the stress levels that are heightened whenever General Elections come around.

“In this way we can avoid as best as possible the violent eruptions that accompany elections in places such as Jamaica and Venezuela.”

The final of the Political Calypso Monarch competition is expected to take place at the Hasely Crawford Stadium and all interested artistes are invited to submit their entries to Randy Glasgow Productions.

A date for a national audition, will be announced shortly.

There is a purse of more than $250,000 at stake and although previously released material is allowed as far as the music being used for the competition is concerned, the lyrical content must explore the current political atmosphere.