Dominican calypso legend Sandra ‘Sandy’ Norde, revered as ‘Queen Sandy’ within Caribbean music circles, is staging a remarkable return to competitive calypso after establishing an unparalleled three-decade legacy. The pioneering artist, who shattered gender barriers in Dominica’s male-dominated calypso scene, prepares to launch her 2026 competition entry titled ‘Sue & Elleyne’ on December 5th, 2025.
According to the Caribbean Agency for Political Advancement (CAPA), Norde’s groundbreaking journey began in 1995/96 as a harmony backup singer, shortly after her triumph as Miss Wob Dwiyèt in 1994 where she earned distinctions for best talent, traditional wear, and spectacular costume design. Her audacious entry into the competitive calypso arena during the 1997/98 season revolutionized the genre’s landscape, challenging entrenched gender norms within Dominica’s musical tradition.
Norde’s artistic prowess quickly garnered critical acclaim, culminating in her achievement as third runner-up in the 2000 Dominica Calypso Monarch competition and securing the coveted championship title in the 2007 Calypso Monarch finals. The following year, she added the Mass Camp Monarch crown to her growing collection of accolades.
Her discography features socially conscious anthems including ‘Respect Black Woman,’ ‘Take Back Control,’ and ‘Farmers Children,’ which established her as both a musical force and cultural commentator. These works solidified her reputation as a formidable performer and reigning matriarch within the calypso community.
Norde’s impact transcends musical achievement, having played an instrumental role in the Dominica Calypso Association’s historic transition from the ‘Calypso King’ designation to the gender-neutral ‘Calypso Monarch’ title. This paradigm shift resulted in her recognition as the first female finalist to receive the official ‘Queen of Calypso’ designation, earning her the enduring royal moniker.
The artist’s official YouTube channel will premiere the ‘Sue & Ellyene’ music video today at 12:30 PM AST, marking the commencement of her thirtieth anniversary season in the genre. Her registration with the Dominica Calypso Association for the 2026 competition season confirms her enduring commitment to the art form that she helped transform.