The future of Antiguan and Barbudan calypso was celebrated in fine style as young performers showcased their lyrical talent and stage presence during the UWI Five Islands Campus Junior Calypso Competition, with Calypso Lilly and Sudden Else emerging as this year’s champions.
Calypso Lilly claimed the 13-18 Junior Calypso Monarch title with the song “In This Small World,” edging out a competitive field of young calypsonians.
Ruez secured the first runner-up position with “TV in Your Hand,” while Kaiso Kall finished second runner-up with “The Poor Man Struggle.”
Although placing third overall, Kaiso Kall enjoyed a memorable evening by capturing both the Best New Artist and Best Performer judged awards. Other special recognitions in the 13-18 category included the Most Punctual Award for Little Cute, the Leadership Award for Ruez and the Most Improved Award for Jah Nelly.
In the 5-12 category, Sudden Else was crowned Junior Calypso Monarch after delivering an impressive performance of “Friends and Family.”
De Archer earned the first runner-up spot with “Standing on Our Own,” while Jamario placed second runner-up with “He Car in He Hand.”
Sudden Else also received the Best New Artist and Most Improved awards, highlighting an exceptional performance throughout the competition. Princess Faith was named Best Performer for “Keep De Faith.”
Additional honours in the younger division included the Most Cooperative Award for Ruez, the People’s Choice Award for Jamario, the Most Punctual Award for Calypso Ace and the Leadership Award for De Royal Element.
The annual Junior Calypso Competition once again highlighted the depth of young talent in Antigua and Barbuda, with contestants using music to entertain while addressing themes that reflected everyday life and social issues.
The Antigua Carnival Festivals Commission congratulated all of the participants, applauding their creativity, confidence and commitment to preserving the calypso tradition. Organisers also praised parents, teachers, mentors and supporters for helping to nurture the next generation of calypsonians, ensuring that one of the nation’s most cherished cultural art forms continues to thrive.
Congratulations we are proud of you, chase your passion the sky is the limit. $2100. In this day and age how much her parents spent, even the gas to take her to practice, costumes ect, tutorials his type of money don’t deserve photos.
Congratulations to all the winners and performers. They need to increase the prize money
Big congratulations to Calypso Lilly and Sudden Else. The future of calypso is in good hands.