Calypsonains threaten to boycott Dimance Gras if they don't get $1M first prize

Calypsonians are threatening to boycott Sunday's Dimanche Gras show in Port of Spain unless the top prize for the Calypso Monarch is doubled from a half a million dollars to one million.

Last year's winner received a prize of $2 million. However the government made it clear that was a one-time affair.

On Friday, a spokesman for the group stated that there is no certainty that the 12 finalists will appear at the show, which heralds the start of the two-day Carnival.

Brian London, one of the 12, told reporters corporate sponsors can help but contributing to the prize money. He insisted that the demand is not politically motivated.

"We are saying we are playing it by ear. We the artistes are taking a stand today and hoping that on Sunday there is indeed a show. If intervention is not taken, we are unsure if there will be a show. We are forming a union here today to stand up for the rights of calypsonians," London said.

Former Monarch, Singing Sandra, called the 500,000 first prize "disrespectful" to the artistes. "I think it's a gross insult to kaiso, and to all that have gone before us to preserve this, that we could be here today. What we say: no money, no show."

If the calypsonians refuse to perform the show will still go on. The calypso finals is only one aspect of the night-long show that includes the parade of King and Queen of the bands.