In a landmark development for Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival season, the National Action Cultural Committee (NACC) has unveiled 25 semifinalists for the prestigious 2026 Young Kings Calypso Monarch competition. This year marks the inaugural introduction of a semifinal round, a structural enhancement prompted by overwhelming participation that saw over 90 entrants during preliminary auditions.
NACC chairman Embau Moheni confirmed the historic expansion, emphasizing that the semifinal format is intended as a permanent fixture rather than a temporary measure. The selection process spanned multiple venues across the nation, with auditions conducted in Tobago on December 13, San Fernando on December 14, Republic Bank Exodus Pan Theatre on December 20, and Port of Spain’s Queen’s Park Savannah on December 21.
Moheni expressed particular enthusiasm about both the quantity and quality of this year’s submissions, noting exceptional artistic standards that signal positive evolution for the calypso art form. While remaining cautious about discussing specific sponsorship arrangements and prize money, he indicated that negotiations were ongoing despite historical challenges in this area.
Among the notable semifinalists are defending champion Anthony ‘Squeezy Rankin’ La Fleur, whose 2025 victory came with the crowd favorite ‘Justice’, and last year’s runner-up Kyle ‘KC’ Cowie, who returns with his composition ‘Wah We Fighting For’. The semifinal roster showcases diverse thematic approaches, from Oscar Benjamin’s technologically-themed ‘AI Versus Man’ to Sheldon Bullen and Nyol Manswell’s peace-oriented entries ‘A Call for Peace’ and ‘My Prayer for Peace’ respectively.
The competitive journey continues with a position draw scheduled for January 5 at the VIP Lounge of Queen’s Park Savannah Grand Stand, leading to the semifinal performances on January 18 at John Cupid Carnival Village. This expansion reflects both growing interest in traditional calypso music and the NACC’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent within Trinidad and Tobago’s rich cultural landscape.