Junior Monarch Finalists Set for Saturday Showdown

Calypso and soca’s next generation takes centre stage at CARIFESTA House this Saturday

The spotlight will fall on some of Barbados’ most promising young performers when the Scotiabank Junior Monarch Finals come off at CARIFESTA House on Saturday, July 18, beginning at 7 p.m.

After earning their places through the semifinals, 14 finalists are preparing to deliver their strongest performances of the season as they challenge for the coveted Junior Monarch calypso and soca crowns.

Standing between them and the titles are reigning monarchs Kadarius “King K” Allen, who will defend the Calypso crown, and Kymani “Mr Showman” Devonish, who returns to defend the Soca title.

King K and Mr Showman will be defending their Junior Monarch calypso and soca crowns

In a fitting arrangement, the reigning monarchs will bookend the night’s competition. King K will be the first performer to take the stage, while Mr Showman will bring the competitive performances to a close.

That sets up for an exciting night, as the finalists seek to impress the judges and audience while competing against two young performers who already know what it takes to emerge victorious on finals night.

The Junior Monarch programme remains one of the most important youth development platforms within the Crop Over Festival. It provides young artistes with the opportunity to perform before a major audience while developing their writing ability, vocal delivery, stage presence, confidence and performance discipline.

Scotiabank has supported the competition for more than 25 years, helping to create a sustained platform through which young Barbadians can develop their talents and contribute to the future of the island’s calypso and soca traditions.

The battle for the Calypso crown

King K will open the Calypso competition as he begins his title defence from position number one.

He will be followed by Alyssa “Slay” Harris in position two, Sabiah Gaskin performing under the name “Sabiah”, at number three and Kajae-Ashton “Master Kajaé” Holder in position four.

Alyssa “Queen A” Cumberbatch will perform fifth, followed by Eden “Potent” Murrell, Kenaz “Bit Bit” Walker and William “Willy B” Bryan.

The full Calypso running order is:

1. King K
2. Slay
3. Sabiah
4. Master Kajaé
5. Queen A
6. Potent
7. Bit Bit
8. Willy B

Relissa “N’Kyla” Mitcham is the reserve in the Calypso category.

Soca finalists prepare to energise

The Soca competition will begin with Anastasia “Niara” Callender, followed by Rohanna “ROH” Horton and Khalijah “Khaleesi” Kellman.

Jazarie “Zarie B” Belgrave will perform in position four, with Jade “Leilani” Roach appearing fifth. Sephon “Lil Stathis” Sealy and Avery-Justice “AJ” Carter will take positions six and seven respectively, before Mr Showman closes the competition from position eight.

The full Soca running order is:

1. Niara
2. ROH
3. Khaleesi
4. Zarie B
5. Leilani
6. Lil Stathis
7. AJ
8. Mr Showman

Ranesha Stewart performing under the name “Ranesha” is the reserve in the Soca category.

While the young performers will be competing for two of the festival’s most prestigious junior titles, the significance of the occasion extends beyond the final results.

For each participant, the competition provides valuable experience performing with purpose, responding to the expectations of a live audience and developing the discipline required to grow within the entertainment industry.

It is also an opportunity for families, schools, communities and supporters of Barbadian culture to encourage the young people who are working to preserve and advance the island’s musical traditions.

The public is therefore invited to fill CARIFESTA House and give the finalists the support they deserve as they take another important step in their artistic development.
The next major calypso or soca star could be among them.

The Scotiabank Junior Monarch Finals take place on Saturday, July 18, at CARIFESTA House, beginning at 7 p.m. Admission is $25 for adults and $10 for children. (PR)