By VERDEL BISHOP Saturday, February 6 2010

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Kwesi Jeffers, the 2010 Young King....

“CLIMATE CHANGE”, an issue currently engaging world attention, proved to be a winning topic for 2010 Young King Kwesi Jeffers. His rendition was timely and topical when he performed it before the large crowd that turned out for the competition last Monday night, at Pier 1 Chaguaramas..

“The calypso is about a situation that is affecting the world. It’s also an emotional issue. The negative effects of climate change are everywhere and we need to wake up and take care of mother earth before it’s too late. We have to be mindful of all the things that we do that are damaging to nature,” Jeffers said.

The song, which was written by Christophe Grant, was recorded two days before the January 12 earthquake in Haiti. Jeffers said he believes climate change is responsible for that 7.0 seismic event.

“Many of the natural disasters that are happening all over the world are as a result of climate change. “Climate Change” came out in the nick of time and I hope people really listen to the message,” he said.

Jeffers said although he likes soca, he prefers calypso because people tend to listen to the lyrics more.

The new Young King explained: “I prefer calypso, because it allows you to get your message across and it allows you to express yourself, and address serious issues. People tend to listen to calypso more, although sometimes you get victimised for it when you address sensitive issues.

“I’m comfortable singing about anything, whether it’s politics or social commentary. A lot of things are happening in the world today and need to be addressed. People need to be educated and I see calypso as a way to send the message across.”

He added: “Christophe did a good job with the lyrics, so I knew I couldn’t disappoint. I was born to perform. I love entertainment and I love a lot of theatrics, so the message of the song, and my passion made a good combination.”.

Success seems to run in the family for Jeffers who is the cousin of Kizzy Ruiz the 2010 National Women’s Action Committee (NWAC) Calypso Queen. Ruiz’s song, “Aid Haiti”, was also written by Grant.

Jeffers is not new to the stage. As a boy he participated in the television talent show Twelve and Under and other programmes. He placed third in the Synergy Soca Star Season 3, and placed first in the Fantasy Individual of the Year with the band Genesis. Later this year, he will be travelling to Australia, where he will be the presenter of a Reality TV Series.

Jeffers is disappointed that he did not make it into today’s semi final round of the National Calypso competition.

“I am disappointed I didn’t make it. I know I have a good calypso. I am not the only one surprised that I didn’t make it, a lot of people are surprised. But I’m looking forward to next year,” he said.