Antigua and Barbuda’s Carnival City will come alive tonight as calypso lovers gather to witness an electrifying display of talent.

This year’s Calypso Monarch competition promises to be a spectacle, with artistes taking the stage to deliver show-stopping performances. However, unlike the previous year’s format, only one winner will be crowned, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the event.

The highly anticipated competition is scheduled to take place at the Antigua Recreation Grounds, starting at 8 pm. Ten talented artistes will participate, showcasing their skills and creativity in two rounds of performances.

Last year’s Calypso Monarch competition saw a unique format, resulting in two men being crowned and new talents emerging in the genre. Trevor “King Zacari” King proved his mastery by competing in both the Social Commentary and Bacchanal categories.

He emerged victorious in the Social Commentary segment with his powerful song ‘Of A Darker Hue,’ securing his fifth crown. The competition was fierce, with Ge’eve taking the first runner-up position in the Social Commentary category with his song ‘Small but Me Tallawah,’ followed closely by Peetron with ‘Hypocrites’ as the second runner-up.

In the Bacchanal category, Tian Winter, known for his captivating performances, claimed his first calypso title. Queen Sammie C and Queen Thalia displayed their talent and secured the second and third positions, respectively, making it a highly competitive and entertaining contest.

This year, the Calypso Monarch competition will revert to its traditional format, with only one King or Queen set to be crowned. While last year’s Bacchanal Calypso King will not defend his crown tonight, the ever-determined King Zacari plans to claim the title for the sixth time.

With his experience, lyrical prowess, and charismatic stage presence, he is expected to deliver a performance that will leave a lasting impression on the audience and judges alike.