One of Saint Lucia’s most cherished cultural competitions is gearing up for a thrilling next stage this weekend, with calypso enthusiasts across the island already counting down to a tense, talent-packed semifinal showdown. The 2025 National Calypso Monarch competition has drawn a remarkably varied field of competitors, blending rising young stars, past titleholders, and fan-favorite artists making their return to the national stage, all vying for a shot at the coveted crown.
Last weekend, the quarterfinal rounds brought the preliminary competition to a close, culling the initial field down to 18 standout calypsonians who have earned their spot in the Sunday, June 28 eliminator. All semifinal performances will take place at the island’s iconic National Cultural Centre, where judges will narrow the group one step further ahead of the grand final.
Hundreds of attendees from across Saint Lucia traveled to attend the quarterfinal events, which organizers say highlighted the incredible depth and diversity of calypso talent growing on the island. Throughout the preliminary rounds, performers won over crowds with sharp, thoughtful tracks covering a wide range of topics: from breaking current events and stirring odes to national pride, to incisive commentary on pressing social issues and quick-witted satire that showcased the genre’s signature creative wordplay and lyrical skill.
This year’s competition draws participants from four of the island’s active calypso tents: South Calypso Tent, KPT, Fire One, and Soca Village/Take Of Tent (TOT). The 18 qualified semifinalists split across these groups are: three from South Calypso – Lushane, Menelle, and Gumption; four from KPT – Anwar, Blaze, Devine, and TC Brown; seven from Soca Village/TOT – Ashe, Carlton Roberts, Herb Black, John Gotti, Mica, Narcheal, and Ti Caro; and four from Fire One – Walleigh, Snow, Ready, and Educator.
When the semifinal judging concludes this Sunday, nine of these 18 competitors will move forward to the national final. There, they will face off against the reigning National Calypso Monarch, defending champion Dezral, who automatically advances to the final round to protect his title. Industry observers and long-time fans alike are already predicting one of the tightest, most competitive finals in recent years, thanks to the wide range of experience and fresh perspective brought by this year’s qualified field.