What was meant to be a routine performance at last Sunday’s Groovy and Power Soca Monarch prelims has led to unforeseen controversy. Originally slated for the Vigie multi-purpose car park, the event was relocated to the National Cultural Centre, thanks to heavy rain. Competing last in the Power Soca segment was veteran performer Callix “Kakal” Xavier. He sang Jump Over Them—a composition that speaks to overcoming life’s many hurdles. Alas, the performance may not be remembered for its positive message.
During the singer’s performance, smoke grenades, often used by local performers, were released in the crowd. The Cultural Centre was filled with smoke, forcing patrons to evacuate the venue. Speaking to reporters after the show, Kakal apologized for the unfortunate turn of events. He said judging should not be about a smoke grenade but about the performance, clarity, music and other stated criteria. Highlighting that most songs on the carnival scene are about “the whine and the butt-shaking” he strongly felt that his song deserved a place in the finals.
The finalists for the competition were announced the following day. Kakal was not among the lucky nine. The finals take place on 6 July with Ambi, Ezra, Isla Man, J Buz, Kisha, Mantius, Pablo, Soca Physco and Umpa competing for the crown.
In a press release on Wednesday, Events Saint Lucia said they were seeking legal advice on the way forward. They claimed all artists were informed of the venue change well in advance and they received acknowledgement from all the artistes minutes after they were notified. As for the smoke grenades, Events Saint. Lucia said that they are not permitted at enclosed venues and no prior approval was requested or given by the Fire Department.
“The smoke grenades created a sense of panic and a resulting stampede from the building. Persons also experienced respiratory discomfort,” the Events Saint Lucia release said.
On Thursday, Kakal, alongside his attorney Ms. Donna Jacobie and manager Ms. Lesliana Jn. Baptiste appeared on Timothy Poleon’s Newsspin programme. Kakal said that he was “never contacted directly” concerning the relocation, and only learnt of the move from a group chat on social media platform Whatsapp. He said he continued singing despite the smoke but was expecting the organisers to tell him to stop so he could be judged fairly. “After the performance I was very concerned,” said Kakal. “I said, ‘Well, the judges did not see me,’ and I was expecting somebody from Events Saint Lucia to come talk to me, however, nobody did.”
He continued: “If I could not be seen, which judge number one stated, how can the judges judge my performance on stage without seeing me?” He stated another judge wrote, “distracted by the flares released in the crowd”. This, he says, means that he was not given a fair chance, and expected to get a do-over.
“I’m not blaming the judges,” he said, “don’t get me wrong . . . My point is that I was the only artist in the competition that did not get a fair judgment.” Kakal’s attorney said she hopes the matter can be resolved amicably. “We would like to speak with the attorneys or the board of the hosts to determine a way forward and resolve this matter,” said Jacobie. She emphasised that Kakal has incurred financial loss and there is damage to his reputation. At press time Events Saint Lucia was unavailable for comment.
