by Neville “Nato” Brown

After two hours of fierce competition by 14 calypsonians, former federal cabinet minister Jean Augustine crowned Joel “Connector” Davis the 2016 Canadian Calypso Monarch.
Montrealer Dennis James held his own with a respectable fourth place showing.
The competition took place on Sunday, July 24, when more than 300 calypso lovers filled The Latvian Canadian Center in Toronto to witness the crowning of The 2016 Canadian Calypso Monarch.
No stranger to the competition stage, Connector had the audience on their feet with his rendition, “THE DRESS.” Dressed like a woman, the popular calypsonian, who is originally from Point Fortin in south Trinidad, mimicked  Macomere FiFi, who has dominated the competition for the past decade.  The song also earned him The People’s Choice Award, along with the Best Composition, Best Arrangement, Best Melody and Best Presentation.
Connector offered a word of advise to the disgruntled calypsonians that sometimes you have to try something new and different to win the crown – a direct reference to Fifi’s six consecutive wins.
Second place went to Macomere FiFi with her rendition, Soca Quest, third place to De Carra, fourth place tied James and Mr. Wonderful. The Web, a former Montrealer won best original composition with “More Funding For Carnival.”
Veteran MC Dick Lochan had the audience well entertained with his unique style of humour.
The Bacchanal Drummers, directed by Keith Pascal, started off the evening with an old-time style calypso sing-along in which the audience enthusiastically participated.
Macomere Fifi has a message for Connector:  “Ah want back meh dress next year.”