Line-up for Scotiabank Junior Monarch Competitions Semifinals

Semifinalists in this year’s Scotiabank Junior Monarch competitions drew for their positions to determine the order of appearance when they face the judges on Sunday, July 7 at the National Botanical Gardens.

At 6 p.m. on that day, 13 competitors in the calypso category and 13 in the soca category will vie for to be named a finalist.

The two draws, calypso and soca, for the Semifinals were held today, Tuesday, June 18 at the Scotiabank Junior Monarch Media Launch & Draw at the bank’s Warrens, St Michael branch. There were two position exchanges, one in each category. Three contestants had representatives pull on their behalf.

Event producer Kevin Moore Music Officer at the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) told the gathering that there were interesting stories coming out of this year’s competition.

Event Producer NCF Music Officer Kevin Moore speaking about the Junior Monarch Competition.

“We have five newcomers and 12 schools represented. We also have four self-penned pieces, which showcases the development of not only the singing and performance skills within this programme, but also the writing exponents as well. Further to that point, we have songs being written and arranged by former Scotiabank Junior Monarchs and Competitors, namely Kymorhi “Overcomer” Trotman and Dondria “A@-lee-yah” Forde,” he explained.

The NCF officer praised Scotiabank for their continued support. Present at the launch were Managing Director, Scotiabank Barbados Suzette Armoogam – Shah; Chief Financial Officer, Scotiabank Barbados Kiyomi Daniel; and Chief Executive Officer of the National Cultural Foundation Carol Roberts.

Contestants in the Soca category pose with Managing Director, Scotiabank Barbados Suzette Armoogam – Shah (centre) and Chief Executive Officer of the National Cultural Foundation Carol Roberts (right).

Moore added: “Throughout the course of this developmental programme, each participant will receive invaluable training and coaching in areas such as preparation for stage, vocal techniques, basic music business and financial planning. These sessions are executed in conjunction with Scotiabank, our long-standing sponsor and major supporter of the arts.”

The Junior Monarch competitors benefit from seasoned and established artistes such as The Most Honourable Stetson RPB Wiltshire, TC, Ian Webster, Mac Fingall, Lisa Howell and Rochelle Griffith. They share their knowledge and advise to facilitate artistes’ development and through the mentorship process, along Grateful Co as a former Scotiabank Junior Calypso Monarch.

Seven finalists will be chosen to face the reigning monarchs. Should the monarchs not compete, eight finalists will be chosen. The two reigning monarchs are Calypso Monarch Sakara and Soca Monarch Tae. The junior queens must notify the NCF, or their intent to defend or not defend before the staging of the Semifinals.

Contestants in the Calypso category pose with Managing Director, Scotiabank Barbados Suzette Armoogam – Shah (centre) and Chief Executive Officer of the National Cultural Foundation Carol Roberts (left).

Positions for Semifinalists in the Scotiabank Junior Monarch

	CATEGORY: CALYPSO
Position	Given Name	Stage Name	Song
1	Kenzaz Walker	Bit Bit	Put on a Show
2	Rashonna Browne	Shonna B	Green
3	Haylei Wise	Hailstorm	Beautiful Nation
4	Relissa Mitcham	N’Kyla	Runaway
5	Deyonte Brathwaite	Yonte	School Days
6	Alyssa Cumberbatch	Queen A	A Prayer for the Youth
7	Khalijah Kellman	Khaleesi	Girl Unseen
8	Charity Murrell	Charity	Waste
9	Kadarius Allen	King K	Real Boys Does Cry
10	Sabiah Gaskin	Sabiah	Real Heroes
11	Trinity Clarke	Trinity	No Joke
12	Rimiya Wilson	Majestic Maya	We Need You
13	Eden Murrell	Potent	HOPE
	Reserve
	Joshua Gibson	Jo	Giving Thanks

	CATEGORY: SOCA
Positions	Given Name	Stage Name	Song
1	Jade Roach	Leilani	Home
2	Kari-Anne Holford-Sam	Kari	Sweet Pan
3	Kymani Devonish	Mr Showman	Ready
4	Ranesha Stewart	Ranesha Stewart	Road Call
5	Joshua Oxley	Josh Ox	Pandemonium
6	Talisa Mottley	Talisa Mottley	Put Down The Gun
7	Joshua Blackman	Joshua B	Taking It Down
8	Israel Savoury	John Boss	Heart Beat
9	Sephon Sealy	Lil Stathis	Bring It
10	Rojani Shurland-Agard	Rojani Shurland-Agard	Company
11	Kyle Bishop	Twin Boy	Obey
12	Jayden Inniss	Jayden Inniss	Welcome Home
13	Jazarie Belgrave	Zarie B	What’s Wrong with You?
	Reserve
	Taquan Jackson-Jones	Taquan	Exercise

The Scotiabank Junior Monarch Tent 2 will be staged Saturday, June 22 at the Queen’ s Park Steel Shed at 6 p.m. Admission for the tents is $10 for children and adults.

Tickets are available online on TicketPal.com and at the National Cultural Foundation, Lucky Horseshoe Warrens and Worthing, Abbeville Rockley, NU Look and CS Pharmacy Bridgetown, Emerald City Six Roads, Carlton Supermarket Black Rock, A&B Music Supplies Wildey, SmartStore Limegrove and Welches and Ah Touch of Class Lanterns Mall. (PR)

For more information please email: toni-yarde@ncf.bb