Pellau Magazine

Rankers, First World Mentality, Tips and I'm So In Love With You, earned Helon Francis the calypso king titles (from 2008 to 2012) at Woodbrook government Secondary School. Helon is Hebrew for strong. For 2012, Francis, 19, earned a spot in the semis of the Lord Brynner Calypso Competition (50th Anniversary Independence competition) with, I'm So In Love With You. Francis will be competing against veterans like Singing Sandra, Luta, Devon Seale and Valentino on August 11 at Palms Club, San Fernando. He already placed second in the Tuco Junior Calypso monarch 2012 at Queen's Park Savannah, on February 13. On the eve of Emancipation, Francis, accompanied by his father/manager Trevor Francis, spoke to the Sunday Guardian about his budding calypso career. Commenting on his success thus far, he said: "It's a new experience. It makes me kind of nervous. I can't allow myself to get overwhelmed. I just take it as another competition. I am hoping for a spot in the finals." Francis added: "It's about T&T 50th anniversary celebrations. It's about the love I have for my country. It's about the achievements she has made along the way with the slight failures. It is really just a gift, I Am So In Love With You." Francis' calypso contains references to positive milestones, including the contribution of sportsmen like Brian Lara and beauty queens like Wendy Fitzwilliam. On the flip side, he felt crime and juvenile delinquency were not being properly addressed. "We need to look after the youths. We have to create more programmes to build character and to teach them right from wrong. We need to go into the communities," he said.

Helped sister Necoda Francis While Francis was awaiting CXC results, he decided to throw his hat into the ring. After all, he was no newcomer to the stage and the indigenous musical expression calypso. "I started singing calypso at Newtown Boys. I won for two years straight. I went to Woodbrook Secondary. I entered the school calypso competition. I was always entering the Junior Monarch competition, even if I placed or did not place. As a child I was introduced to calypso and parang." Francis said he often walked in the shadow of his sister Necoda, 15. "She was the first one in the family to enter the Tuco Junior Calypso Monarch competitions. She started at eight. She placed 12th with Cellphone Horrors in 2005. She was the braver one so I would support her. I was her backup singer," he said. Chiming in, the senior Francis said: "I'm So In Love With You, had a double purpose. It is the very first Independence Jubilee song that was created for 2012. We thought it would be more or less our song highlighting T&T jubilee. For the whole Carnival season, you heard nothing about 50th anniversary celebrations. It came second. I think it deserved a place in the Lord Brynner competition." The elder Francis said he is proud that both children have performed with the Tuco Roving Junior Calypso tent.

Mentors, mentoring Athough he is competing against seasoned calypsonians, Francis said he had learned a lot by observing and getting tips from fellow artistes. "I would not say I am at a disadvantage. I learned about stage presence from Devon Seale. Dee Diamond gave me some pointers like how to present myself on stage, what type of clothing to wear, to always be prepared for a gig. Dee said even if you are asked to sing one song, be prepared to walk with three songs and a few others. Remember to learn them well and execute them well." Away from the calypso arena, Francis is a volunteer with the Entoto Programme which is managed by Michael and Joanne Blackman. He tries to apply the group's motto. "It's okay to do right," to his life. "It was a good feeling to make a difference in the life of a child who needs help. So many children from so many schools who are less fortunate were given support," said Francis. Francis felt although the government was assisting Entoto, they could do more. "We are trying. But we need to get a push. We haven't gotten the kind of governmental support we need. We also need the youth to get involved in mentoring and volunteerism." Apart from mentoring, Francis, an avid sports lover, will continue developing his love for music. " I love music. I am looking forward to starting a degree in music at UTT. I heard they have a nice programme."

Trevor Francis comments While his son shines on stage, the senior Francis and his wife Kathy Ann are happy to support him on the sidelines. "We always had a fondness for junior calypso shows, so we ended up getting our children involved. It was automatic. Necoda has made two finals." He paid kudos to songwriter George Man who has worked with artistes like Andre Baptiste and Natasha Wilson. Francis felt the Junior Monarch competitions were stronger in terms of lyrics and performances. "A lot of the juniors sing better themes and better songs than the adults. It's just that not much attention is paid to those competitions. But there is a lot of talent hidden there.

Michelle Loubon
Sunday, August 5, 2012

from The Trinidad Guardian Newspaper http://www.guardian.co.tt/entertainment/2012-08-04/teen-earns-spot-lord-brynner-calypso-competition