Eleven calypsonians have secured their place in the grand finale of the National Calypso Monarch competition, emerging from the Calypso Fiesta semi-finals to challenge the reigning monarch, Machel Montano, at Dimanche Gras.
Among the finalists are Terri Lyons, Yung Bredda and Squeezy Rankin (Anthony La Fleur), the newly crowned Young Kings Calypso Monarch 2025, with King Luta also joining the competition as a reserve.
The official results were announced on Sunday 23 February via a press release from Rondell Donawa, the Public Relations Officer of the Trinbago Unified Calypso Organisation (TUCO).
The 2025 National Calypso Monarch competition winner will take home a TT $1 million grand prize, including $700,000 in cash and a car valued at $300,000. The runner-up will receive TT $500,000, while the third-place finisher will be awarded $350,000. The fourth and fifth-place winners will take home $250,000 and $175,000, respectively.
The finals are scheduled for Sunday 2 March, at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain. It promises a night of culture and musical excellence with a stellar lineup of talented calypsonians.
HERE ARE THE FINALISTS
1. Yung Bredda (Akhenathon Lewis) – We Rise
2. Twiggy (Ann Marie Parks Kojo) – 65 and Still Relevant
3. Squeezy Rankin (Anthony La Fleur) – Justice
4. Ta’Zyah O’Connor (Duane Ta’Zyah O’Connor) – Kaiso to D World
5. Helon Francis – To Whom It May Be
6. The Calypso Princess (Karene Asche) – A Leader
7. The Last Bardjohn of Calypso (Kurt Allen) – Your Turn Now
8. Chuck Gordon (Roderick Gordon) – Look Tuh Press
9. Roslyn (Roslyn Reid Haynes) – Sing It In Kaiso
10. Rikki Jai (Samraj Jaimungal) – Kaiso Chutney
11. Terri Lyons – Ask Yuh Man
12. (Reserve) King Luta (Morel Peters) – Comrade Roget
