All hail junior calypso royalty ‘King K’

At last, Kadarius “King K” Allen has claimed his crown.

After several strong showings in past years, the 13-year-old Lodge School student delivered a commanding and emotional performance to seize the 2025 Scotiabank Junior Monarch title in the calypso category.

King K, who previously placed second in 2024 and third in 2022, performed Fake It Till Yuh Make It; a poignant, ghetto-relatable piece written by former Junior Monarch contestant Dondria “A@-lee-ahh” Forde. Forde notably competed against King K and placed second in 2022.

For anyone who had been following the competition, from the calypso tents to the semifinals and on to last night’s grand showdown, it was evident that this was King K’s moment. After a standout semifinal performance on June 29, only a misstep on his part could have denied him the crown.

But at Saturday night’s finals at the Garfield Sobers Complex, there were no such missteps. Dressed in tattered school attire, King K set his scene at a school graduation ceremony, where he portrayed a valedictorian using the occasion to reveal the painful truths of his everyday life, challenges at home, peer pressure, and personal struggle.

The song, arranged by Mark Husbands, offers a vivid narrative of a Barbadian teen navigating a community riddled with adversity. With powerful vocals and heartfelt emotion, King K delivered flawlessly, belting the refrain, “Fake it Till Yuh Make it; Yuh better Fake it Till Yuh Make it”, to thunderous applause.

The song pays touching tribute to his 13-year-old friend and schoolmate Shawnaton Chase, who tragically died after being shot while watching a netball game in Silver Hill, Christ Church. Reference to the incident added an even deeper layer of emotion to an already gripping performance.

The teen singer, who credits his mother Kimberley Allen as his greatest inspiration, expressed immense pride in his win.

The mother-son duo previously won the Spirit of the Nation Parish Talent Contest in 2024, showcasing the family’s impressive artistic synergy.

“All the hard work has paid off. I did a lot of practice and rehearsals. Having tent night [Shining Stars Calypso Tent] and trying things at tent helped,” King K told the media after his victory.

Second place was earned by Kajae-Ashton “Master Kuh-Jay” Holder, an eight-year-old student of Charles F. Broome Memorial School, who made a stellar debut. The son of veteran calypsonian Chrystal Cummins-Beckles, he performed Send A Helping Hand, written and arranged by Arik Creative Services.

Clad in a crisp white suit with accents of the national colours, the young performer captivated the audience with his clear diction and poised stage presence. In a heartfelt plea, he called on God to send support to the nation’s boys, asking them to lay down their arms and choose a different path.

Third place went to Alyssa “Slay” Harris, who delivered a chilling and passionate rendition of Hurt, a deeply emotional song on child abuse, written by The Most Honourable Anthony “Gabby” Carter and arranged by Andy Williams.

With makeup depicting physical abuse and a trembling voice that pierced through the gymnasium, Slay asked: “Granny why you hurt me so? Granny why you treat me so? I really would like to know.”

By the song’s climactic end, a dramatic on-stage scene unfolded with “granny” returning to assault her once more, sending chills through the audience.

Fourth place was taken by former Junior Monarch Kenaz “Bit Bit” Walker, who also won Best Self-penned Song with No Sympathy, arranged by Roger Gittens.

Other finalists who graced the stage included D Whiz Kid with Voices of Change, N’kyla singing Respect Yuhself, Sabiah with Barbados So Sweet and Tianna performing Mental Illness.

The 2025 edition of the Scotiabank Junior Monarch Finals was a showcase of raw talent, real stories, and rising stars destined to shape the cultural landscape of Barbados. (IMC)