Queen Roxxy – Anguilla’s Reigning Calypso Monarch

 

How did your calypso name originate?

Well, my calypso name came from my nickname Roxxy. When I first started it was Lil’ Roxxy, now it is Queen Roxxy.

What is your real name?

Roxanne Webster

Where were you born?

I was born on French side St. Martin

How were you introduced to calypso?

I grew up attending the shows with my parents and followed in the footsteps of my eldest sister QUEEN B who was singing calypso.

Who inspired you in the art form? 

My sister Queen B who competed in the Anguilla Senior Calypso Competition, Karen Ache of TNT and singing Sandra of TNT.

(If you’re not from the Caribbean, TNT means Trinidad and Tobago. You can know about the country here)

Do you play any instrument?

I play Alto Saxophone.

When did you first enter the calypso arena?

At the tender age of ten, I entered St. Maarten Junior Calypso and since then, I’ve been growing within the artform and my overall career.

How many years have you been singing calypso?

20 Years

List some of your achievements.

Currently I hold a total of 1 Power Soca Monarch title, 2 Leeward Island Calypso Monarch titles, 3 Groovy Soca Monarch titles, 5 National Calypso Monarch titles, and 5 Junior Calypso Monarch titles. Presently, I am the 2023 reigning Calypso Monarch of Anguilla.

What events have you performed for? 

I have performed for shows and events like Labour Day in New York, Footprints Club in Atlanta, Mangos Club in Atlanta and also for the annual Atlanta Caribbean Carnival. Regional shows as well in Montserrat , St. Maarten, Saba and St Eustatius.

What countries have you performed in?

Several states in the United States, and regionally. Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Haiti, Suriname, St. Maarten etc. I have performed on shows opening for artistes like Short Shirt, Calypso Rose, Pantha Vibes International, Jam Band International, Kassav Band out of Guadeloupe /France, Destra Garcia of TNT , Denise Belfon of TNT, Naila Blackman of TNT, OlaTunji of TNT , Bracket from Africa and Benjai of TNT.

Is there any difference with how calypso competition or the calypso arena was years ago compared to now?

The Calypso Arena seems to have lost interest for females, In particular there is no more female calypso show which I think was a powerful show on its own. Additionally, for several years there has not been a quarter or semi finals due to lack of participation. There have only been 10 Calypsonians going to the finals. I have always felt like a true calypso show is one that selects the best of the best. Now that prizes have become more attractive, it has encouraged more calypsonians to come on board which is something that the show has lacked over the years. With more incentives the show will only continue to grow and I hope to see more of that.

Any song you wish to promote for the 2024 Anguilla Calypso Show or Leeward Islands Competition, feel free to let us know.

This is my newest calypso.

Can you highlight what you did for last year’s Calypso Competition in Anguilla? 

The songs I sang last year that led me to victory were “PONKALINKY” & “YOU’RE A WINNER”!

“PONKALINY” basically the term itself is a Caribbean folk term from years ago which means you’re in trouble. Many islands across the region may say it differently, For example konkalinky etc. The song was used to highlight the island’s social and political ills.

“YOU’RE A WINNER” was brought across from a personal experience where I have faced many trials and battles in life especially in calypso. If you have been following my journey in AXA (Anguilla) and SXM (St. Maarten) you would understand this. It really just emphasizes the fact that no matter what you go through in life you wake up every day a winner because you have life and things could be much worse. Never give up and don’t quit because winners never quit and quitters never win!

What advice do you have for young people who see you as a role model?

Create your legacy and tell your story. If you have a talent that you’d like to display, it all begins with one single step. Believe in yourself and you will see the way forward, The future believes in those who believe in the beauty of their dreams and the future depends on future generations.

SCROLL  DOWN TO THE END TO VIEW OTHER INTERVIEWS

READ A SAMPLE OF 50 DAYS & 50 NIGHTS HERE