Where is the Controversy this Crop Over?
I am hearing that question at the Beach, at the Supermarket and at the shows…

People have been writing letters to the media asking in an almost adamant manner where is the controversy.

I am constantly being asked “Boyce wha happen? Wha I ent hearing you this year?”
It was the basis of a newspaper article just last week. In that interview I shed some light on why I had not been keeping noise and explain how I had been doing things differently. It’s almost like I have had to come up with an excuse as to why I have not been fulfilling my usual nefarious role.
The people seem vexed and annoyed. 

There are some people who are of the firm belief that in order for Crop Over to be succussfull there must be controversy, I have even heard that back in the 80’s the then NCF would strategically plan with key calypsonians creating controversial issues at key times to stimulate interest in the festival.For all the years I have been around previous NCF CEO Estwick has never called me and said “lets stir up some trouble Boyce!” I am almost hurt.

So I would like to take this opportunity to offer my sincere apologies this year for not stirring up any trouble.I apologise for not attacking NCF and Government nor cursing anybody’s ass.

But wait a minute….
To all you controversy lovers out there, all my fans who follow Boyce contentious issues with “Days of our lives” fanaticism, there is still hope on the horizon. Soon there is a possibility you will get your hearts desire, after all what is Crop Over without controversy.
I might soon have to withdraw my apology!

The Perennial Red Plastic Bag

Have you been hearing all the heehaw and debate that has been occurring because the National Cultural Foundation decided to honour Red Plastic Bag for the contribution he made to calypso?

Things like this get me sort of lost, how can that be misconstrued as a bad thing?
How can local calypsonians be complaining because a local calypsonian is being honored?
So what if Bag is in the competition this year does that in some way negate the contribution he has made to calypso over the years?
If the NCF were to honour Trinidadian calypsonian Shadow or wait till Machel came down here and honored him I would see why people would have a problem with that.

Red Plastic Bag would have revoloutionised Bajan calypso when he started in 1982, with hits such as “Mr Harding” “They Publish it” “can’t find me brother” and more.
He is a perennial calypso stalwart who not only could win a calypso crown back in 1982 but in 2007 and possibly 2008.
If Red Plastic Bag can’t be honored for the contribution he has made to calypso in this country, then who can be?

The pugnacious and vehement discourse which has erupted from NCF’s decision to honour “Bag” is a reminder of one of the songs he wrote that I mentioned above, the fact that some people don’t just “publish-it“ they “talk it” as well.