Interview with Mighty Entertainer: 1st National Carnival King of St. Kitts & Nevis
1971 & 1972 Calypso King
Mighty Entertainer passed away in December 2023. To honour him, we publish his interview.
What is your birth name?
Levi Winston Weekes
Which area in the Federation are you from?
Cayon
How were you introduced to music?
I was introduced to music at the early age of 15 when I attended the (Boy Scout) World Jamboree hosted in Trinidad. I was also a part of the Sunday school choir as a teenager.
Do you play any instrument?
I play the trumpet.
What was the calypso arena like in the 70s and 80s compared to now?
Calypso then was used as a good way to express oneself. Competitors in the 70s and 80s were more competitive in the “art form” and it was truly enjoyed. Although the winning prize for Calypso King was about $200, competitors were still inspired to contend because of their love for the art.
The calypso arena was also a competitive area as far as representation. Calypsonians in my day had a chance to represent themselves and their respective parishes. Supporters came out to support the calypsonian who represented their parish.
It was clear that each competitor captured the vast majority of the crowd from their individual parishes. For example: Ellie Matt captured the Newtown mass; Sweeney captured The Village mass; Mighty Entertainer captured masses from Cayon and other neighbouring villages. Hence this was one of the many things that made the calypso arena fun for all.
There were not many outlets to produce music in the 70s and 80s. Calypsonians in my time had to travel to Puerto Rico to record their songs; and as a result, travelling outside of St. Kitts created a challenge for some.
Calypsonians today are musically minded and they too use the art to express themselves. While I believe that some are passionate about the “art form”, I think that money is a major motivator for others. Today, music is produced in St. Kitts in a variety of creative outlets. Modern technology plays a major role in taking music to a new level and to the world with the “click of a button”.
What competitions did you compete in? Kindly list your achievements.
I competed in the following competitions:
- “Statehood Calypso Competition” in 1967. This was my first competition but I did not place.
- The First crowned National Calypso King of St. Kitts in 1970-71 under the name “Mighty Entertainer”.
- National Calypso Competition 71-72- crowned King second year.
- National Calypso Competition; 73-74 – lost.
- Played cricket for St. Kitts National Team from 1966-1972
- Played for “Rivals Football Club”, which was a part of the St. Kitts Soccer League.
The following is a list of my achievements:
- Was instrumental in forming the original football/cricket league in villages from Conaree back to St. Paul’s.
- Was an integral part of the formation of the Cayon Health Committee
- Became the first elected president of the Cayon Heath Committee; and
- The Cayon Day Care Centre was built under my leadership.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Positive people inspire me; the love and encouragement from my family and friends who are in the closest circle of my life. Whenever I get the opportunity to relay a positive message to the society through music, I am truly inspired.
What does music mean to you?
Music energizes me and it is a source of my enlightenment.
Who are the people you admire and why?
I have the highest admiration for my parents because I was taught valuable lessons of life from them. I am forever grateful for the community in which I was raised. I give credit to an extensive list of other people in my community whom I truly respect and admire but there are too many names to mention.
What are your parting words?
My message to the people of St. Kitts & Nevis is: contribute positively to society by reaching beyond yourselves and out into the community. Get involved helping where you can with your talent and skills.
N.B Carnival started in 1957. There were kings before 1971 but in 1971 is when the government took control.
First published in the book below. You can purchase the e-book here
