Finalists in the Scotiabank Junior Monarch Competition were named Sunday, July 2, 2023 around 11 p.m. after 13 juniors faced off in the calypso category and 12 went ding dong in the soca category.
The announcements were made after the semi-finals which was held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre before a packed and lively crowd.
In the calypso category are: Slay, Danekia, Potent, King K, The Mighty Bit Bit, Mhizz Khibaba, Sabiah and Sakarah. The reserve is Khaleesi. Finalists in soca category are: Zarie B, Joshua B, Josh Ox, The Showman, Ranesha, Lil Stathis and Trinity. The reserve is King Shad.
A new monarch will be crowned in the calypso category since reigning monarch Yahandje has aged out of the competition and therefore will not be competing. In the soca category, they will have to dethrone reigning monarch Tae who will be defending her title. Tae won the competition in 2019 and 2022.
In the audience cheering on the juniors were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Senator Dr Shantal Munro-Knight and Deputy Chairman of the NCF’s Board of Management Sheldon Hope.
The Scotiabank Junior Monarch Finals will be held on July 15 at 7 p.m. at the Wildey Gymnasium.
Category: Calypso
Given Name Sobriquet Song
Alyssa Harris Slay Just Like These Women
Kiara Drayton-Archer Mhizz Khibaba Unity Is Strength
Eden Murrell Potent Can’t Lash We
Danesha Davis Danekia Dear John
Kadarius Allen King K Dear God
Kenaz Walker The Mighty
Bit Bit Drugs and Disobedience
Sabiah Gaskin Sabiah Your Creation
Sakarah Thomas Sakarah Alexa
Reserve
Khalija Kellman Khaleesi De Bully
Finalists in the soca from left are: King Shad (reserve), Trinity, Lil Stathis, Ranesha, The Showman, Josh Ox, Joshua B and Zarie B. (Picture by Reco Moore)
Category: Soca
Given Name Sobriquet Song
Jazarie Belgrave Zarie B Get Active
Joshua Oxley Joshox Push De Truck
Sephon Sealy Lil Stathis Fold In Half
Kymani Devonish The Showman We Doan Care
Ranesha Stewart Ranesha Good Vibes
Trinity Clarke Trinity I Love Soca
Joshua Blackman Joshua B Dis Sweet Festival
Reserve
Rashad Applewhaite King Shad Jam Down