Calypso Monarch Competition 2024

Guess Who Will Be The Winner

 Pick A Winner and Win A Smoke Alarm

The Calypso Monarch Competition is tonight (Sunday March 12th) 

Ten finalists will compete against reigning Monarch Ta’Zyah O’Connor and Tobago Monarch Dillon Thomas. The final round of this competition will be held at Dimanche Gras, Carnival Sunday Night 11th February 2024, at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain commencing from 7:00 PM.

 Aaron Duncan -Character

Brian London - Hell

Helon Francis - Representing We

Karene Asche - No Excuse

Kurt Allen- De First Investigation

Machel Montano - Soul of Calypso

Mical Teja - D.N.A

"Chuck Gordon" - Charlsie

Stacey Sobers Respect the Tribe

Winston Peters "Gypsy" - Ungrateful

RESERVE: Victoria Cooper Rahim (Queen Victoria) – The Enemy

If you are not a native or have never been to a Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago, here read on.

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The Calypso Monarch Competition is the crown jewel of Trinidad and Tobago Carnival's prelude, a musical battleground where the nation's most talented calypsonians engage in a lyrical and melodic showdown. This highly anticipated event is a celebration of wit, satire, and social commentary, showcasing the unique artistry of Trinidadian calypso music.

 Held in the weeks leading up to the grand Carnival finale, the Calypso Monarch Competition is more than just a musical contest; it's a cultural tradition that dates back decades. The competition serves as a platform for calypsonians to use their lyrical prowess to address pertinent social issues, share political commentary, and entertain the masses with clever wordplay.

 The venue is transformed into a vibrant arena, pulsating with the energy of the audience and the anticipation of the performers. Calypso tents, dedicated spaces for the art form, host preliminary competitions where calypsonians showcase their songs to enthusiastic crowds. The most compelling and resonant compositions make their way to the grand stage of the Calypso Monarch Competition.

 The calypsonians, adorned in colorful and flamboyant costumes, take center stage, armed with nothing but a microphone and their poetic verses. The atmosphere is electric, with each performer vying for the coveted title of Calypso Monarch. The songs are not mere musical performances; they are intricate narratives, skillfully woven with satire, humor, and social insight.

 The themes explored in the calypso compositions range from local issues affecting Trinidad and Tobago to global concerns, making the competition a dynamic reflection of the times. Calypsonians often employ double entendre, metaphor, and humor to convey their messages, creating a rich tapestry of storytelling that resonates with both local and international audiences.

The judging criteria are as diverse as the calypso art form itself. Judges assess the lyrical content, the delivery of the performance, the audience engagement, and the overall impact of each calypso. It is not merely about hitting the right notes; it's about crafting a message that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.

 The competition is fierce, and the audience plays a crucial role in the proceedings. Spectators, draped in Carnival costumes and waving flags, become active participants, reacting to each verse, chorus, and punchline with cheers, applause, and, at times, laughter. The connection between the calypsonian and the audience is a symbiotic dance, where the performer feeds off the energy of the crowd, and the audience responds to the artist's lyrical prowess.

 As the night progresses, the tension in the air reaches its peak. The finalists emerge from a pool of exceptionally talented calypsonians, each having delivered a performance that resonated with the judges and the audience alike. The finalists then take the stage for a final showdown, a battle of words and melodies that will determine who will be crowned the Calypso Monarch.

 The crowning moment is met with jubilation and celebration as the newly crowned Calypso Monarch basks in the adoration of the crowd. This title is not just an accolade; it is a badge of honor, signifying the artist's mastery of the calypso art form and their ability to capture the spirit of the times.

 The Calypso Monarch Competition is a testament to the enduring legacy of calypso music in Trinidad and Tobago, where the power of words and melodies converges to create an unforgettable cultural experience. It is a celebration of creativity, social consciousness, and the vibrant spirit that defines the heart and soul of the nation during the exhilarating Carnival season.