Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural future shone brightly on March 15th, 2026, as fourteen extraordinary young musicians took center stage at The UWI Global Campus for the National Junior Solo Competition. The Department of Culture has officially announced the winners following an evening that redefined youthful artistic excellence in steel pan performance.
The competition, segmented into two age categories, showcased a remarkable display of technical mastery and creative interpretation. In the 5-13 age bracket, Kaiya Casimir and Keiyanna Davis claimed joint first place, demonstrating unparalleled synergy and skill. Tianna Spencer secured third position with a distinguished performance that captivated both audience and judges.
The 14-21 category featured intense competition, with Keshawn Benjamin emerging victorious through a combination of precision and emotional depth. Imani Quinland captured second place, while Zari Roach and Calique Thomas earned third and fourth places respectively, each bringing unique artistic vision to their performances.
Critical support from corporate partners Glow Up, Square Deal Security Solutions, Firehouse Grill, and Books by Barbara, alongside cultural ambassadors Aubrey ‘Lacu’ Samuel and Curtis ‘CC’ Cochrane, provided essential infrastructure for this celebration of national heritage. Their demonstrated commitment to youth development through cultural preservation created an environment where emerging talent could thrive.
The Department of Culture reaffirmed its dedication to cultivating Antigua and Barbuda’s artistic legacy through such initiatives, noting that events of this caliber not only recognize achievement but also reinforce the importance of cultural continuity between generations.