Original image © publictheater.org
The stage is set for the grand finale of the National Calypso Monarch competition, which will take place on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain. Twelve talented calypsonians will vie for the coveted crown and the chance to dethrone the reigning monarch, Ta’Zyah O’Connor.
The finalists were selected from a pool of 40 semi-finalists who performed at the Calypso Fiesta on February 3, 2024, at Skinner Park in San Fernando. Many calypso fans attended the event, and they enjoyed a variety of songs that included social commentary, humor, and political satire.
Among the finalists are some familiar names as well as some newcomers. The veteran calypsonians include Karene Asche, Kurt Allen, Chuck Gordon, Stacey Sobers, and Winston “Gypsy” Peters, who have all won the title before. They will face stiff competition from the younger generation, such as Aaron Duncan, Brian London, Helon Francis, Mical “Mical Teja” Williams, and Nigel Gobin.
One of the most surprising and exciting finalists is none other than soca superstar Machel Montano, who returned to his musical roots with his song Soul of Calypso. Montano, who has won several international soca titles, said he was thrilled to be back in the historic venue and to share the stage with the best calypsonians in the country.
The finals will also feature the Tobago Monarch, Dillon Thomas, who earned his spot by winning the Tobago Calypso Monarch competition on October 20, 2023, at the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Bacolet. Thomas impressed the judges with his song, "It Wasn't Me," which highlighted what was known as the THA "audiogate" bacchanal.
The current crop of Calypsonians has a long way to go to come close to the exploits of singers like the Mighty Sparrow with 8 wins, the Mighty Chalkdust with 9 wins, and Black Stalin with 5 wins. Our post photo features the one they will always call the Calypso King of the World Emeritus—the Mighty Sparrow.
The Calypso Monarch finals are expected to be a spectacular show of music, creativity, and culture as the finalists showcase their skills and talents to the judges and the audience. The winner will not only receive the prestigious title and a cash prize but also the honor of representing the art form of calypso, which is an integral part of the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival. The Dimanche Gras will be televised free of charge tonight. Tune in to TTT or WACK radio or television to experience the event.
The finalists/order of appearance:
Name of Singer
|
Sobriquet
|
Name of Song
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Reserve: Victoria Cooper Rahim (Queen Victoria) – The Enemy
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Production Notes/Music Credits:
Calypso Monarch Finals 2024
Origin: Grand Stand, Queens Park Savannah, Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Genre: Calypso
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- 00:00:00 - 00 Nataki Thompson
- 00:11:16 - 01 Aaron Duncan
- 00:18:56 - 02 Ta'zyah O'Conner
- 00:24:52 - 03 Machel Montano
- 00:32:31 - 04 Helon Francis
- 00:40:15 - 05 Kurt Allen
- 00:47:45 - 06 Dillon Thomas
- 00:55:43 - 07 Roderick Gordon
- 01:02:42 - 08 Gypsy
- 01:06:19 - 09 Brian London
- 01:14:10 - 10 Karene Asche
- 01:20:53 - 11 Mical Teja
- 01:27:02 - 12 Stacey Sobers-Abraham
- 01:34:33 - Results
2024 Calypso Monarch Finals (Edited) courtesy Ralph Kambui Edwards YouTube Channel