Once again, the National Extempore and Freestyle competitions will take center stage for Carnival 2025, sparking lively picong on stage and discussions at the kitchen table. But before the picong on stage starts, we can share a little here with this post. People have told me that I enjoy being the center of attention! Those of you who know this blogger know better, but we are living in a very strange environment with frayed emotions and heightened tensions.
If you are on an island and you think you have the vibe and you like to sit around the table and talk about how to get things done, then it is time to rise to the occasion or just shut the hell up. But wait! Take note that this moment time is for real picong, where the real island vibe is not achieved while talking at the table but man-to-man extempore picong to determine the best of the best. This is not about securing the spotlight, but rather about highlighting the culture that deserves it. In this case we will celebrate a repeat or new extempore champion and the same concept for the freestyle competition.
In reality, the goal is to promote uplifting culture, not for individuals to use it for self-improvement. But tomorrow, when the extempore picong takes off and you find yourself smiling or laughing aloud, feel free to return to the table and share your thoughts. However, remember that Sokah2Soca is always here to spread positivity and uplift the culture, not to become the center of attention. Enjoy the show!
A word to the wise and those who just love kankalang: we must remember the power of words and how they can bring joy despite chaos. Let's embrace the spirit of Carnival and celebrate our creativity together!
National Extempore (Extempo) Monarch Finalists 2025
Akeem Chance—Preedy
Brian London
Elysia Ray—Lady Syntax
Heaven Charles—Snakey
Hezekiah Joseph
Myron Bruce—Calypso Nite
Phillip Murray—Black Sage
National Freestyle Monarch Finalists 2025
Akeem Chance—Preedy
Arnold Noel—Black Starr
JUmaane Cox—Juby
Myron Bruce—Calypso Nite
Nyol Manswell
Orlando Octave
Romano Ragoonathsingh
The Freestyle finalists will compete against reigning champion Anthony La Fleur—Squeezy Rankin, while Extempo finalists will challenge champion Winston Peters—Gypsy.
The Finals will be held on Tuesday, 25th February 2025, at 7:30 PM at the Radisson Hotel, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain.
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Production Notes/Music Credits:
Event: National Extempore Calypso & National Freestyle Calypso Competitions
Venue: Radisson Hotel, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain.
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Extempo Calypso/Freestyle Calypso
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/.
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