The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) has announced the sixteen finalists who will compete in the 44th edition of the Independence Calypso Competition, marking the highly anticipated return of the cultural showcase to the national calendar.

Thirty-one calypsonians participated in a closed elimination round on Thursday, October 16, performing before members of the ABFC, the Independence Calypso Sub-Committee, National Festivals Office staff, and fellow artists. From that pool, sixteen were selected to advance to the grand finals, set for Thursday, October 30, at Jack Idle, beginning at 8 p.m.

The finalists are: Vicious, Raiine, Peetron, King Fiah, King Young Destroyer, Lyrical Reds, Willie Wawa, Queen Gee Bee, Lyricks Man, Mr. Shy Guy, Faithful, De Sniper, Supa D, Bandit, Destiny, and Richie Francis.

Admission will be EC$25 at the gate, and organizers are encouraging patrons to arrive early to avoid long lines.

This year’s event carries added significance as it marks the first in-person Independence Calypso Competition since 2021, when the show was held virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. That year, King Young Destroyer walked away with the crown.

Minister of Education, Sports and Creative Industries, Daryll S. Matthew, praised the Festivals Commission and Calypso Sub-Committee for their commitment to revitalizing the artform. He said the competition remains a vital expression of national pride and creativity.

Chairperson of the Festivals Commission, Elizabeth Makhoul, said calypso’s growing popularity is a testament to the island’s rich musical tradition. She noted that the relocation of the event to Jack Idle has given new energy to the artform, following an impressive Carnival calypso season.

Chair of the Independence Calypso Sub-Committee, Peter Abraham, also highlighted the strong participation, noting that the committee initially targeted 16 finalists but received 31 registrations, a clear sign of the genre’s resurgence.

Each finalist will perform an original patriotic song inspired by this year’s Independence theme, “Solid – Stable – Soaring.” Performances will be backed by a live band, and contestants will be judged on lyrical content, melody, presentation, and overall impact.

The winner will receive EC$15,000, with EC$10,000 for the first runner-up, EC$8,000 for the second runner-up, and EC$2,500 for each unplaced finalist.

Organizers are inviting the public to come out and celebrate the spirit of Independence through calypso, a genre that continues to reflect the voice, rhythm, and resilience of Antigua and Barbuda.