Trinidad & Tobago Calypso Superstar Duane Donald O’Connor
About Duane O’Connor
Duane O’Connor born to parents Ruthven & Shirley O’Connor both deceased, was born 30th December 1979 in Trinidad & Tobago. It has been said that Caribbean countries only appreciate their calypso greats when they have passed on, but when it comes to Calypso Superstar, Duane Donald O’Connor, that isn’t the case. This amazing artiste is realizing huge fame while he’s still very much alive, following his dethronement of defending champion Karene Asche at the 2012 Calypso Monarch competition, held at the Queens Park Savannah on February 20, 2012. Remaining true to his social and political art form, his two songs, “The Hunt is On” and “Long Live Calypso,” received the judges’ collective nod to take home the crown to the world and the one million dollars first prize at the Dimanche Gras show.
There is no doubt that this was Duane’s year as he also won the Young King competition in 2012, as well as the Tuco North Zone Calypso Monarch title and the 2012 Social Commentary Category Competition. Duane is a unique talent with a love of music evidenced by the number of years he has been singing. Leaving his audiences captivated by his melodic sounds, Duane combines calypso lyrics with mesmerizing rhythms that literally make the heart soar.
Born in Port of Spain, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, he was drawn to calypso music at an early age. When he was just a toddler, he showed signs of having an ear for music, which his parents noticed immediately. Influenced by his father, who was a prolific composer/songwriter and his mother until her death in September 2013, they supported him wherever and whenever he performed. Duane had the love and encouragement of family right from the very start.
Duane successfully participated in calypso competitions throughout grade school and later went on to the University of the West Indies. Using his education and musical abilities, he masterfully combined these attributes to send a message of unity, responsibility and harmony.
Duane O’Connor’s Accomplishments
His long lists of credits include: winner of Stars of Tomorrow in 1994 and 1999, seven-time Stars of Tomorrow Awardee, two-time Stars of Gold Awardee, eight-time Young Kings finalist, five-time National Calypso Monarch semi-finalist, five-time Unattached Calypso Monarch finalist, and winner of the Emancipation Calypso Monarch title in 2003. Songs to his credit include “Status”, “Forget the Branch”, “Stand T&T”, “Thriller” and “Jouvert Morning” to name a few.
Starting with his capture of the Tuco North Zone Calypso Monarch title during Calypso History Month in October 2011, and all of his wins in 2012, Duane has finally achieved the success and recognition that had been eluding him over the past few years.
In combination with his musical career, Duane also serves as a Police Officer, where he works with youth in the Arts throughout the Western part of the country. Never in the history of the Trinidad & Tobago Police Department has a police officer ever captured the prestigious Calypso Monarch title, a title Duane proudly wears. He credits his composer Larry Harewood and his brother Dave Villafana, Marva Mc Kenzie along with other relatives and friends for his huge success over the years.
In recognition of his huge win, many articles appeared in various publications including Trinidad and Tobago Newsday, CTNT World, Trinidad Express and Guardian Media. Videos of his winning Dimanche Gras performance can also be seen on YouTube.
The generously proportioned 6 feet 7 inch entertainer is a member of the Trinidad and Tobago Junior Calypso Organization Committee where he stands on a solid foundation as he performs to keep calypso alive. Duane was also a finalist at the 50th anniversary of Independence of Trinidad and Tobago in 2012. He again in 2015 made the calypso monarch finals with two Gregory Ballyntine (GB) compositions.
In 2016 and 2017 he was a semi finalist in the National Calypso Monarch Competition. in 2016 he won the political category with a calypso entitled “Modern Nursery Rhymes”. In 2018 and again in 2019 Duane O’Connor was a finalist in the National Calypso Monarch. In 2020 Duane placed 5th in the National Calypso Monarch with his songs “Not in here” and “12 feet and under”, for 2021 he was set and ready for the virtual season with his composition entitled, “We go take it in May”.
For 2023 he remained a headline act at Kaiso House Calypso Tent singing “D Ting Fix”. Duane was among the semi finalists for the Calypso Monarch 2023 and just missed out of the top 12 placing 13th out of the 40 semi finalists.
He also opened a “cultural tent experience 2023” at his cultural space on Ariapita Avenue in Woodbrook where he showcased young and upcoming talented musicians, dancers, singers, pannist and the experience was magical.
He is presently pursuing his law degree at K Beckles & Associates. He is also a proud father of one Ta’zyah O’Connor and husband to Donessa Wickham also a police officer.
The outcome of the Calypso Monarch was that Duane Ta’zyah O’Connor Jr. won the Calypso Monarch 2023. No other joy can be brought to the faces of Duane Jr. parents and relatives.
Read more about his son here:
https://caribbeanvybes.com/trinidad-tobago-calypso-monarch-2023-duane-tazyah-oconnor/