The 24 semi-finalists have drawn their spots for the soca and calypso categories in the Scotiabank Junior Monarch Competition.
Over 40 entrants were received with over 20 representing traditional calypso and 16 across the bashment, sweet and power soca. After preliminary judging, the numbers were reduced to 24, with one reserve, and on Thursday the contestants drew their positions during the official launch ceremony held at the Scotiabank Warrens, St Michael.
Producer of the competition and music officer with the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), Kevin Moore, said the semi-finalists will be making their first public appearance for the season today in Tent 1 at the Queen’s Park Steel Shed, The City, from 6 p.m. The second tent will be held next Saturday at the same venue.
Developmental programme
Following the tents, the contestants will face the judges in the semi-final on June 29 at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus. From there the finalists will be chosen for a showdown at the Gymnasium of the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex on July 19.
“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,” Moore said.
“This year, we have a team of four young music educators, performers and entertainment management professionals, who fill the mantle of external coordinators. Paul Forde is the team lead, along with Abigail Williams, Jazaria Chandler and Kaylee Allman.”
NCF Chief Cultural Officer Andrea Wells hailed the competition as a beacon of youth development through music.
“What started as a modest contest among school groups has now grown into a national stage for excellence in both calypso and soca. Each year, we are amazed by the originality, courage
and passion of our young artistes, many of whom now contribute meaningfully to Barbados’ wider cultural industries,” she said.
“We are especially proud of the efforts to reach students who may not have access to in-school music teams. Through our junior mentors and the remote support system, we are ensuring that no talent is left behind. The Junior Monarch stage is more than a performance space. It is a launchpad for dreams, a crucible for creativity and a celebration of everything that makes Barbadian culture powerful and unique,” Wells added.
Managing director of Scotiabank Suzette Armoogam-Shah pledged continued patronage of the competition as a mark of their commitment to youth and cultural development.
“We are very pleased to support our young performers on their journey. They will bring fresh perspectives, boundless energy – we’ve seen it time and time again on all the stages – and bold ideas that will shape our cultural identity in years to come.
“It’s is our responsibility, collectively, to nurture and support their gifts, and through the Junior Monarch programme, we don’t just find the next great calypsonian or soca artiste, we help develop well-rounded, confident and capable people,” she said.
(JRN)
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