[UPDATED] Monarchs, kings and youth among 11 to challenge Montano's reign

SIX former monarchs are among 11 calypsonians who have been selected to compete against reigning Calypso Monarch Montano in a highly anticipated Dimanche Gras competition on March 2 at the Queen's Park Savannah.

They are Terri Lyons, Roderick “Chuck” Gordon, Karen Asche, Helon Francis, Duane Ta’Zyah O’Connor and Kurt Allen.

Among the 11 finalists sharpening their swords to wrest the crown from Montano are newcomers Akhenaton "Yung Bredda" Lewis and Roslyn "Roslyn" Reid Hayes, as well as veterans nine-time Chutney Soca Monarch, Samraj "Rikki Jai" Jaimungal and Ann Marie "Twiggy" Parks Kojo.

A monarch in his own right, newly crowned Young King 2025, Anthony "Squeezy Rankin" La Fleur, is also among the finalists. Morel "King Luta" Peters is the reserve in the competition with his song Comrade Roget.

The 12 finalists will compete for a $1 million first prize, which includes a $700,000 cash prize and a car valued at $300,000. The second prize is $500,000 cash and the third prize is $350,000 cash. The fourth prize is $250,000 and the fifth prize is $175,000 cash.

The official results of the Calypso Fiesta of February 22 were announced in a release from Rondell Donawa PRO of the Trinbago Unified Calypso Organisation (TUCO) shortly after noon on February 23.

Results in recent vintage were announced after the competition, but no reason was given for its release almost 12 hours later.

It was one of the longest shows, starting almost one hour after the scheduled 2 pm start, and finishing well after midnight. There was then an after party with Nialah Blackman as the opening act.

The anthem was played around 2.44 pm, and competition started about half an hour later after three guest artistes opened the proceedings. At the end of the second half there was another break, as more guest artistes, including Austin "Super Blue" Lyons, who was given an encore to come back on stage, Devon "Lyrikal" Martin, Johnny King and others entertained the thousands who had gathered for the biggest calypso picnic.

There was also a pause for the drawing of the Lotto, as the show was carried live on TTT.

Apart from the long hours as patrons remained in the grounds of Skinner Park, embracing both the sun and the rain, the show was fraught with technical difficulties.

From the time three of the many MCs of the night came on stage, service providers were juggling different mics, much to the annoyance of the audience.

The sound challenges persisted throughout, with performers struggling to be heard. Garth St Clair, who performed Kaiso Vagrant in position number 16, said on his Eye on Dependency programme on I.95.5 on Sunday that it was his worst experience with a sound system. Service was provided by Balroop’s.

Singing in position number 35, Hammond “Slick” Bruce tried to sing his humorous but social commentary on Cashless Society with a fixed mic on stage, but could get no sound as the band Oral Rodriguez and Razor Sharpe played the melody. Stagehands quickly rushed to his rescue and exchanged the mic as the band started over. He was not among the finalists.

After her rousing performance in position number 33, Terri Lyons told Newsday how disappointed she was with the sound system. She said others complained about it, “but I believe I got it the worst.”

She explained she could not stop and ask for another mic, because that might have meant disqualification. She said only the judges could ask for the artiste to stop while the problem was resolved and start again.

“So I just kept on going, and the audience was great, they helped me sing the chorus.”

Newsday sought a response from TUCO officials about the problems which plagued the show but is still awaiting a reply.

Shirlaine Hendrickson of the D'Kaiso Dynasty Tent said five of its cast members were selected for the semifinals and she was grateful for Twiggy’s selection.

Performing in position number ten after an exciting performance by Yung Bredda,  a hard act to follow,Twiggy gave a good account of herself with clear diction, tonal quality, originality, meeting all the criteria to seal her place in the finals.

Rikki Jai who was warmly received by the audience for his kaiso chutney selection in position number 29, said he was simply ecstatic at returning to the big stage. His last appearance there  was in 2001, when he placed seventh.

“I am ecstatic but humbled at the same time to return to the calypso arena in 2025 and to make it to the finals. It is a humbling experience. I am overjoyed.”

He gave kudos to his family and team, saying it was a team effort. Rikki Jai will be in back-to-back competitions with Machel Montano on March 1 and 2 at the Chutney Soca and Calypso Monarch ctntests respectively. He said he was feeling good about this.

He also expressed support for Kurt Allen, who co-wrote his song, “for his excellent performance on Saturday.”

After his performance of We Rise, Yung Bredda told Newsday he was hopeful, but uncertain he  make it to the finals.

The former zess singer, who has gained tremendous popularity with his soca hit The Greatest Bend Over, attributed this to his voice.

“You hearing my voice? That is because I am working. After here (Fiesta) I have seven shows, four in the morning, so I not reaching home until about 11 on Sunday. But I am drinking my ginger tea, doing my warm water, salt and honey ting to keep going."

Yung Bredda said he was grateful for the support.

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

SIX former monarchs are among 11 calypsonians who have been selected to compete against reigning Calypso Monarch Montano in a highly anticipated Dimanche Gras competition on March 2 at Queens Park Savannah.

They are Terri Lyons, Roderick “Chuck” Gordon, Karen Asche, Helon Francis, Duane Ta’Zyah O’Connor and Kurt Allen.

Among the 11 finalists who are also sharpening their swords to wrest the crown from Montano, are newcomers Akhenaton "Yung Bredda" Lewis and Roslyn "Roslyn" Reid Hayes, as well as veterans nine-time Chutney Soca Monarch, Samraj "Rikki Jai" Jaimungal, Ann Marie "Twiggy" Parks Kojo.

A monarch in his own rights, newly crowned Young King 2025, Anthony "Squeezy Rankin" La Fleur, is also among the finalists.

The official results were announced via a release from Rondell Donawa PRO of the Trinbago Unified Calypso Organisation (TUCO) shortly after noon on Sunday February 23.

Results in recent vintage were announced after the competition, but no reason was given for its release almost 12 hours later.

It was one of the longest shows, starting almost one hour after the scheduled 2 pm start, and finishing well after midnight. There was then an after party with Nailah Blackman as the opening act.

The anthem was played around 2.44 pm, and competition started about half of an hour later while three guest artistes opened the proceedings. At the end of the second half there was another break, as more guest artistes including "Super Blue" Lyons who was given an encore to come back on stage, Devon "Lyrikal" Martin, Johnny King and others, entertained the thousands who gathered for the biggest calypso picnic.