Singing “51 Years,” Hercules Sunday evening was topped the 2025 Grenada New York Independence Monarch, sustaining his sheer dominance of Grenadian calypsos in New York for a report seventh time.
“Grenada, 51 years of independence, it was a unique kind of independence tune, congratulating Grenada on 51 years of independence and points locally,” Hercules, whose actual title is Paul Williams, advised Caribbean Life completely on Monday.
“The tune is predicated on being a greater unbiased nation as a complete,” added Hercules, who competed with 12 different contenders on the Grenada New York Independence Calypso Present at Nazareth Corridor in Brooklyn. “We’re unbiased, however we might be higher unbiased if we do sure issues, like present higher well being care and extra employment, which might make life higher for Grenadians.”
Regardless of the treacherous, snowy situations exterior, Hercules stated the gang contained in the corridor reacted to the defending champion’s triumph “in essentially the most wonderful means.”
“The tune introduced the entire home down,” he stated. “I anticipated to win once more. I knew my tune was good lyrically. I have an excellent refrain for the tune, and I attempt to make every tune make sense.
“That’s how I write my songs each time,” he added. “From the time I’m singing, it’s a must to listen.
“It’s nice profitable for the seventh time,” Hercules continued. “It’s wonderful. I gained the jubilee (final yr), and I gained this back-to-back.
“Again-to-back just isn’t a simple factor to do,” he stated. “It’s important to clarify it (calypso) and ship. I’m all the time robust when delivering the tune. That’s certainly one of my robust factors.”
In securing victory, Hercules scored 408 factors, seven forward of his closest challengers, Cheryl Vincent and Quako, who sang collectively for the second successive yr.
Elo positioned third, with 381.50 factors; Tremendous Star fourth, with 380 factors; and Tremendous Flying Flint fifth, with 373 factors.
Different rivals had been Mr. Ledz (360 factors), Pet (335 factors), TG (332.50 factors), Girl Gloria (313 factors), Muscle (309), Frost Music 473 (306 factors), and La Touche and Island Daddy tied for twelfth place on 298 factors.
Cheryl Vincent – a neighborhood determine, member of the Grenada cultural group Quake USA, and a registered nurse by coaching – advised Caribbean Life she was more than happy together with her and Quako’s joint efficiency.
“The requirements positively went up this yr,” she stated. “I’m very glad with my efficiency – myself and Quako. We represented ourselves very properly.
“We got here second”, she added. “There was solely a distinction of seven factors from the one who gained.”
Royden Beharry, an organizer and coordinator for the Grenada New York Independence Monarch Present, additionally advised Caribbean Life that the 2025 competitors was “a powerful success, bringing collectively celebrated artists, comparable to King Ajamu, Inspector and Grenada Calypso King Harmless, alongside proficient performers, like Hercules, Pet, and others.
“The power, camaraderie, and excellent performances made the occasion an unforgettable celebration of our tradition,” he stated. “With robust attendance, wonderful suggestions, and an elevated sense of Grenadian pleasure, the occasion achieved its aims, persevering with its legacy as a flagship cultural occasion within the Diaspora.
“Because the producer of the 2025 Grenada New York Independence Monarch Present, I am really honored to proceed the legacy of this historic occasion, which has been a cornerstone of our neighborhood for over 25 years,” he added. “This present is greater than only a competitors; it’s a celebration of Grenadian tradition, artistry, and resilience, bringing collectively a few of the best skills in calypso to uplift our spirits and remind us of the facility of unity by means of music.”
Beharry stated producing this occasion was “an extremely fulfilling journey.
“It’s inspiring to see the fervour and dedication of the artists, whose performances embody the wealthy traditions of Grenada, and to witness the unwavering assist of our viewers, who present up yr after yr to maintain this cultural treasure alive,” Beharry added. “This yr’s lineup is a testomony to the power and vibrancy of calypso, that includes legendary artists and rising stars who all deliver one thing distinctive to the stage.”
He expressed “heartfelt gratitude to everybody who contributed to creating this present profitable—from our sponsors and companions to the devoted crew working tirelessly behind the scenes.
“Most significantly, I thank the neighborhood for embracing and supporting this occasion as an integral a part of our independence celebrations,” Beharry added. “Allow us to proceed to honor and protect our tradition, making certain that the Grenada New York Independence Monarch Present stays a beacon of pleasure for generations to return.”
