With Rebel pulling out of the calypso finals this year for reasons which he has made very public, the race is wide open though many of the performers were preparing to dethrone him when the finals run off tonight at Thirst Park.

Rebel’s exit has angered a few who called him a pioneer and “someone who ought to be respected” while others felt he should have brushed aside the poor treatment he spoke of and continued competing.

Lester Charles also known as ‘The Professor’, said that many people who follow calypso here often go to the competition to see who Rebel is going to beat and or who will beat Rebel.

Charles said calypso and the man are …..