Winning note: Bishop's student takes Tobago Jr Calypso title with pan tribute tribute

What started off as fun is now a passion for 13-year-old calypsonian Khalea Alfred.

On October 9, the Bishop’s High School student was crowned the 2024 Tobago Junior Calypso Monarch champion at the Shaw Park Complex.

Scoring 273 points, she beat nine others and walked away with $30,000 for her performance of Steelpan on We Coat of Arms. In it, she said replacing Italian explorer Christopher Columbus's ships with the steelpan on the national coat of arms should be a source of pride for citizens.

During a PNM special convention in August, the Prime Minister announced this change as the country continues to remove the vestiges of colonialism. Pan was named the national instrument in the National Musical Instrument Act in July.

Dressed in patriotic red, white and black, Alfred sang: "It is time for we to celebrate we steelpan, is we own. There is no better time than now for the panman to take his bow."

Speaking with Newsday afterwards, Alfred said she was elated.

“I am feeling very proud of myself and excited, because I know I worked very hard for this.”
Coming from a culture-oriented family, she said she started singing in these competitions “just for the fun of it, “and I realised that I loved it, so I just continued.”

She said she expected to win – but had doubts.

“I was confident but yet still I wasn’t sure.”

She said this was her second time in this competition, having not participated last year.
“It was tough. Sometimes I just wanted to give up, but I continued.”

To the nine other competitors, she said: “Congrats! Every year you come back stronger and better.”

Placing joint second with 270 points was Scarborough Secondary School's Atiya Lynch with Mister Gun Maker, tackling the problem of shootings and murders on the island. Signal Hill Government Primary's Nyah Arnold tied for runner-up with I, Myself and Me, focusing on the personal responsibility individuals need to take.

Bishop’s High School student Koquice Davidson delved into the increasing use of artificial intelligence with her song Brighter than Me, which earned her 262 points.

A press release from the Tobago Festivals Commission Ltd (TFCL) said the junior monarch contest is intended to be a showcase of youthful talent and creativity.