Finalists Selected for Jr Calypso, Jr Party Monarch

By Tahna Weston

The finalists for the 2026 Junior Calypso Monarch and Junior Party Monarch competitions have been selected following eliminations earlier this week.

The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission held the preliminary rounds after registrations increased over 2025, making eliminations necessary to determine the finalists. Tuesday’s Junior Calypso eliminations produced nine finalists in the 5 to 12 category and eight in the 13 to 18 category, while Monday’s Junior Party Monarch eliminations saw nine finalists advance in both the Junior Groovy and Junior Jumpy categories.

The 5 to 12 Junior Calypso finalists are De Archer, Sudden Else, Star Girl, Shazzy, De Royal Elements, Princess Faith, Ava, Calypso Ace and Jamario. The 13 to 18 finalists are Adonai, Jah Nelly, Kaiso Kall, Lyrical Weapon, Calypso Lilly, Calypso Lissa, Cutie Pie and Niya Starr.

The Junior Groovy finalists are Mara, Drya, Ruez, Princess Lay Lay, Jai’Lilah, Zsura, Xayden, Marz and Nova, while the Junior Jumpy finalists are Little Cute, Young Zion, Jay 5, Jamario, Mighty Progressor, Soca J, Xayden, Likkle Toddler and Cutie.

Organisers said the young finalists are preparing to showcase their talent as they compete later this month. The UWI Five Islands Campus Junior Calypso Monarch finals will be held at Carnival City on Sunday, 19th July, beginning at 4:30 p.m., followed by the KOSCAB Limited Junior Party Monarch finals at 6:30 p.m. Admission to both events is free.