Two junior monarchs to be crowned Saturday

It all comes down to one night. And, at the end of it, two young entertainers will walk away winners.

After over 60 entrants became 27 semi-finalists across two categories, 15 of those (eight from calypso and seven from soca) will compete for the two crowns at the Scotiabank Junior Monarch finals on Saturday, July 15 at 7 p.m. at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex.

After four weeks, a new champion will be crowned in the calypso category as 2022 winner Yahandje Daniel has aged out of the competition.

The contestants will appear in the following order: Sakarah ‘Sakarah’ Thomas, Sabiah ‘Sabiah’ Gaskin, Kadarius King K Allen, Alyssa Slay Harris, Kenaz The Mighty Bit Bit Walker, Kiara ‘Mhizz Khibaba’ Drayton-Archer, Eden Potent Murrell and Danesha Danika Davis. They will go head-to-head for their chance to reign as champion.

Shontae Tae Alleyne-Clarke will look to stave off all others in defense of her crown. Performing at the third position (and aiming for her third Junior Monarch title), she will look to overcome early threats from Trinity Trinity Clarke and Jazarie Zarie B Belgrave, and hope to cement her place at the top before Kymani The Showman Devonish, Joshua Joshox Oxley, Ranesha ‘Ranesha’ Stewart, Sephon Lil Stathis Sealy and Joshua Joshua B Blackman who will bring strong challenges for the crown. 

Finalists in the soca section, from left are King Shad – reserve, Trinity, Lil Stathis, Ranesha, The Showman, Josh Ox, Joshua B and Zarie B.

Khalija Khaleesi Kellman and Rashad King Shad Applewaithe will be waiting in the wings as reserves for the calypso and soca categories respectively. 

The showdown of Barbados’ premier youth entertainment competition will be a culmination of each contestant’s hard work and a showcase of their development since the launch of the event.

In addition to the two calypso tents, where the performers debuted their offerings before live audiences, the NCF and title sponsors Scotiabank facilitated workshops where the contestants were mentored by entertainment stalwarts Terencia TC Coward, Mac Fingall, Stedson Red Plastic Bag Wiltshire, Ian iWeb Webster, Lisa Howell and Dawn-Lisa Callendar-Smith.

“The workshops were designed to get experienced people who have been-there-done-that, to help them to enhance their performances and identify things that their teams may not have necessarily seen because they have a certain level of experience and a certain level of performance knowledge that is pretty much rare in Barbados,” said Junior Monarch external coordinator, Dr. Stefan Walcott.

Self-confidence, attitude, criticism and conflict resolution were just some of the areas the contestants received advice on; in addition to stage presence, physical and vocal health, choreography, presentation and more.

“It’s supposed to be full character-building,” said Dr. Walcott.

The sage advice of their elders resulted in improved performances throughout the semi-finals at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.

The tightly-contested affair, held under the patronage of the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight and Deputy Chairman of the NCF’s Board of Management Sheldon Hope, left patrons dancing and waving in their seats and throughout the aisles at the sold-out event. In the end, the finalists beat out the stiff competition to book their places at the marquee event.

“Our finalists, ranging from age nine to 18 are raring and ready to go. They are eager to perform and cannot wait to vie for the coveted Scotiabank Junior Monarch titles,” said producer of the event and music officer at the NCF, Kevin Moore at the draw for places at Scotiabank, Broad Street. 

One more night until the young competitors battle it out for the top prize. (PR) ]]>