Dominica Crowns New Calypso Monarch

ROEAU, Dominica, CMC – Gregory “Karessah” Riviere took time off from his studies in Australia to win the Calypso Monarch competition here over the weekend, ending the reign of seven time calypso monarch, Dennison “King Dice” Joseph, as Carnival celebrations continue here on Monday.

Riviere, who did not participate in last year’s competition due to his studies, won from a field of 10 contestants with his tunes “Call Me Name” and “Flush It”.

“It was a lot of hard work and I think this is one of the biggest victories I have ever had in calypso,” he told reporters afterwards.

Joseph, who was seeking his fourth consecutive title, placed second with his songs “Imaging Man Living Forever” and “Living In A Fool’s Paradise”.

Third place went to Chester “Daddy Chess” Letang, while Juslyn “Jama B” Charles placed fourth.

The carnival activities continue Monday with the traditional j’ouvert celebrations, climaxing with the street jump up on Tuesday.