Celebrating Calypso—Images via Bing Images/TUCO
It's Calypso Fiesta time once again! Today, Sunday, February 16, 2025, the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians' Organization (TUCO) sent out the official release for the forty calypsonians who qualified for the semi-final round of the National Calypso Monarch Competition. The reigning monarch is Machel Montano, who intends to defend the title he won for the first time last year. This prestigious event will unfold on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025, at the iconic Skinner Park in San Fernando, commencing at 2:00 p.m.
The semi-final round is one of the most anticipated stages of this grand competition, as it brings together an eclectic mix of veteran performers and rising stars. Then again, this stage of the competition was the most enjoyable. The venue and the people attending create a party atmosphere not experienced for the finals that is part of the Dimanche Gras Show. Each of these calypsonians has dazzled audiences with their rhythmic prowess, poignant lyrics, and captivating stage presence, securing their place among the top contenders.
It is going to be an intriguing day of Calypso with newcomer "Yung Bredda" hoping to get past seasoned Calypsonians and reach the final round of competition. This year's competition promises to be a spectacular showcase of talent, creativity, and cultural heritage. As the artists prepare to unleash their soulful melodies and thought-provoking stories, spectators can expect a riveting display of musical artistry that encapsulates the spirit of Calypso.
The show is a must-see and will be streamed live from Skinner Park. Join us to witness the magic of Calypso, support your favorite performers, and celebrate the vibrant culture of Trinidad and Tobago. Mark your calendars and don't miss this melodious battle for the crown!
Stay tuned for further updates and detailed profiles of the calypsonians competing in the semi-finals. Let the rhythm unite us all!
The semi-finalists/order of appearance:
- Jelani Kojo aka Lani K—Death Row "Lord I Repent"
- Marq Pierre—A Father's Wish
- Caston Cupid—Here Again
- Alex Gift aka Tobago Chalkie—Round About Turn
- Rivaldo London—Cyah Get a Borough
- Ife Alleyne aka Ife—Don't Give In
- Helon Francis—To Whom It May Concern
- Lystra Nurse—I Have Hope
- Akhenaton Lewis aka Yung Bredda—We Rise
- Ann Marie Parks Kojo, aka Twiggy—65 and Still Relevant
- Darwren Greenidge aka Pharaoh—America Has Spoken
- Duan Ta'Zyah O'Connor aka Ta'Zyah O'Connor—Kaiso to D World
- Nicole Thomas Clarke—Crown Jewels
- Carlos James aka Skatie—Too Old for Calypso
- Andre Nelson—Colors of Calypso
- Garth St. Clair—Kaiso Vagrant
- Marlon Lee aka Bitter Honey—Magical Mirror
- Anastacia Richardson—Watch Yuh Clock
- Anthony La Fleur, aka Squeezy Rankin—Justice
- Victoria Cooper-Rahim, aka Queen Victoria—Ah Fraid
- Sharon Phillips—Talk Bout Dat
- Kerice Pascall—Tears
- Phillip Murray aka Black Sage—TIT
- Mark Eastman—Warrior
- Shashie Nicklas Gosine aka St. Nick—Politics in T&T
- Curlissa Charles-Mapp—The Original Superwoman
- Nicholas Ashby aka Nikko Ash—The Last Letter
- Roslyn Reid Haynes, aka Roslyn—Sing it in Kaiso
- Samraj Jaimungal aka Rikki Jai—Kaiso Chutney
- Kurt Allen aka The Last Bardjohn of Calypso—Your Turn Now
- Terri Lyons—Ask Yuh Man
- Stacey Sobers-Abrajah, aka Stacey Sobers—Rhythm of a People
- Marsha Clifton aka Lady Adana—I Apologize
- Karene Asche aka The Calypso Princess—A Leader
- Hammond Bruce aka Slick—Cashless Society
- Morel Peters aka King Luta—Comrade Roget
- Eunice Peters—Trini Yard Sale
- L'Leise Orr—OLstrich Society
- Roderick Gordon aka Chuck Gordon—Look Tuh Press
- Kadija Jeremiah—Oh Woman
Reserve Singer:
- Joanne Gibson aka Queen Voice—Staying In Calypso
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Production Notes/Music Credits:
Event: TUCO Calypso Monarch Semi Finals
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Calypso
Code: CalSemi2025
Date: Saturday, 22nd February
Start Time: 2:00 PM Trinidad & Tobago Time/US Time: 1:00 PM
Where: Skinner Park, San Fernando
For more info, send an email to: info@calypsofiesta.com
Trinidad: 1-(868) 627-7876 | 667-2262 | 653-5732
Tobago: 1-(868) 762-4740
We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Sokah2Soca/Soca Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-SA/4.0/.
♫ Please click the music player button below to listen now (a small triangle in the music player/TV frame).
We have some of the songs that you will hear for the semi-finals on this YouTube playlist.