Montoute, during one of the UWP’s town hall meetings, called Herb Black and other calypsonians out, claiming they have not fulfilled their mandate to the public as singers.

“I am seeing a new development in Saint Lucia Calypso…the more seasoned veteran Calypsonians like Hope Black and Invader - you all are doing a disservice to the art form. Calypsonians sing against governments, on behalf of the people,” said Montoute.

Critical of Montoute’s remarks is the SLP Comms Director, Lisa Jawahir, who highlights the importance of freedom of expression for calypsonians and other artists.

“I was very surprised that he would actually say that publicly because Herb Black has written songs that are not pro the United Workers' Party government at the time. Spider’s suggesting that Calypsonians are only supposed to sing against governments and be the voice of the people. So is there a problem with Calypsonians speaking against the opposition?”

Following Spider’s comments, Herb Black explained the meaning behind his song “Get Up and Walk” when pressed for comment.

“I did not sing for the government. The song is not supporting the government but rather putting pressure on y’all [the Opposition] that are not standing as an Opposition positively,” he said.

On June 26th, Herb Black added a new verse to his calypso, taking numerous overt swipes at Spider Montoute, and the UWP at large.

“The Spider could spin all his web - it’s true, it’s true/Cobwebs are too weak - it’s true. This one is for the Spider, he attacked me first,” are some of the lyrics in Herb Black’s new verse.

Black will be performing his calypsos among other finalists on July 6th at the Sab in Vigie.