Shanto ‘King’ Young Bill Rogers has his eyes set on both calypso crowns up for grabs this year and if all goes as planned his piece, “Ah Guyanese Integration” will be next big hit on the local scene.
The song speaks of harmony and plays down segregation in the society. Bill said he felt compelled to write the piece after witnessing too much acts of division in the country. Since we are preparing for Cricket World Cup, he said, it could not have been a better time to promote the song.
“I hope it catches on with people because it takes a serious and humorous look at our situation in Guyana. It is a fun song and I believe it could win,” he said.
In addition to that piece he has entered another song in the HIV/AIDS category of the competition which is a new component of the national calypso competition though not compulsory. His entry in this category is titled, “Beware”.
Opening up about this particular song, Bill said he has always taken HIV/AIDS seriously and jumped at the opportunity to participate in a competition on the subject. He said his song sends out a message to people not to be too trusting but at the same time not to discriminate.
He is confident he will make into the finals for both competitions. He said that within the last year, both he and his music have matured; he has spent time working and performing with numerous respected musicians in the Caribbean.
He is a member of the group Caribbean Vision and as a result has travelled extensively across the region. Bill said he was able to perform with musicians the likes of The Mighty Bomber, Gaby and Kurt Alleyne among others.
Over the last five years Bill has reached five consecutive calypso competition finals. His highest placing was third in 1998. He is optimistic that things are going to change for him and believes this could be the year. Young Bill Rogers is the reigning Shanto king in the country and a five-time Shanto monarch.
The annual calypso competition kicks off at Blairmont on February 3.
