Vincentian born Reynold ‘King Paido’ Phillips, claimed his 10th crown after clutching another victory in the British Virgin Islands’ calypso arena late Sunday night, April 16th, to be crowned the 2017 Calypso Monarch of the 50th Virgin Gorda Easter Festival.
King Paido, a former member of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force defeated seven other performers last night on his way to donning his 10th title.
When asked how he felt about his victory, King Paido said, “words can’t describe it. I have this overwhelming feeling of happiness and excitement and everyone around me feels that way as well. I’m very grateful for all the support from my wife and other family and friends.”
In a telephone interview with News784’s media correspondent, Sean Rose, the retired Police Officer, who now calls the Virgin Islands home, said, “when it’s your time it’s your time and no one can stop you. When my wife first saw the lyrics of the songs I wrote, she said these are very good. She gave her approval, so I knew I was good to go. Sean, let me tell you, I just stay humble, go on stage, and do what I have to do without pulling down anyone.”
King Paido told News784 that he has captured six crowns in the Virgin Gorda competition, and four in the national Virgin Islands’ Emancipation Festival held every August on Tortola.
BVI News says ‘King Paido’ “amassed 496 points despite clearly not being a crowd favourite when he delivered his two songs – ‘Who Is Paying Attention’ and ‘Happy 50 Years’.”
BVI News says “the competition seemed dominated by – among others – Sistah Joyce and 2016 champion [another Vincentian] Roland ‘Chico B’ Veira.
The news site says “both Chico-B and Sistah Joyce tackled each other in a tense lyrical clash. Shereen Flax, who was guest performer, added to the tension when she used the stage to side with Sistah Joyce in chastising Chico B.”
Chico-B scored 474 points to secure 2nd position as he surrendered the crown to his fellow Vincentian born Calypso rival.
King Paido won the Best Stage Performer, Best Musical Arrangement, Best Social Commentary, and the Best Lyrics categories to outclass his rivals. Chico-B won the Most Humorous Song category. King Paido is singing his way to the bank having won the US $5000 top prize. The second place winner gets $3500, 3rd place gets $2000, 4th gets $1000, and 5th walks away with $700. All other contestants receive $500.
