The National Action Cultural Committee held it's 35th annual Young kings competition; the
gathering of royalty to witness the monument of sunsets that was a new king crowned. Kings
and queens filled the seats with an eager presence as the MC for the night, NACC young king
2012, Duane O'Connor, opened the show by apologizing for the late start.
“A new movement of the art form in time and space.” Embau Moheni, Chairman of the National
Action Cultural Committee, spoke at the event held at the Queen's Park Savannah on the 19th
February 2019. The hope for Calypso was on his mind. He was near boastful. Chairman of the
National Carnival Commission, Winston 'Gypsy’ Peters, also spoke. He chose to comment
lightly both on the need for change and the need to take individual responsibility for the
circumstances of our environment. The theme was set.
After the honoree of the night, Paul Bill Trotman better known as ‘Trinidad Bill’, was given praise
by Winston ‘Gypsy’ Peters and Embau Moheni then Mark Eastman NACC young king 2018 took
the stage. He pleaded with Calypso killers in such a resounding fashion it moved the crowd.
There were sixteen (16) hopefuls. They came out in their best suits. Pharaoh channeled the
Mighty Shadow in his composition, 'Formula.’ “I had a dream, I love the dream.” As he offered
an anecdote of having dreamed of Shadow and learning the formula to Shadow's musical
success the crowd laughed. Lyrics, story and rhythm.
The dry wit of Wendell Goodridge followed. In slippers and a fedora Goodridge urged the crowd
to give people second chances.
Banjela woke up the audience with an extravagant redition of 'Bring it back’ covered from head
to toe in red. M'ba was humorous and catchy. He also emulated the Late Dr. Winston Bailey.
Aaron Duncan lit up the stage with a suit made in white gold sparkle and a purple shirt. It was at
the end of his tribute to the elders, ‘Thank you’, that the legendary David Rudder graced the
By: Kwasi Shade