Semifinalists and in this year’s Scotiabank Junior Monarch competitions drew for their positions to determine their order of appearance when they face the judges on Sunday, July 7 at the National Botanical Gardens.

At 6 p.m. on that day, 13 competitors in the calypso category and 13 in the soca category will vie for to be named a finalist. 

The two draws, calypso and soca, for the Semifinals were held today, Tuesday, June 18 at the Scotiabank Junior Monarch Media Launch & Draw at the bank’s Warrens, St Michael branch. There were two position exchanges, one in each category. Three contestants had representatives pull on their behalf.

Contestants in the Calypso category pose with Managing Director, Scotiabank Barbados Suzette Armoogam – Shah (centre) and Chief Executive Officer of the National Cultural Foundation Carol Roberts (left).

Event producer Kevin Moore Music Officer at the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) told the gathering that there were interesting stories coming out of this year’s competition.

“We have five newcomers and 12 schools represented. We also have four self-penned pieces, which showcases the development of not only the singing and performance skills within this programme, but also the writing exponents as well. Further to that point, we have songs being written and arranged by former Scotiabank Junior Monarchs and Competitors, namely Kymorhi “Overcomer” Trotman and Dondria “A@-lee-yah” Forde,” he explained.

Event Producer NCF Music Officer Kevin Moore speaking about the Junior Monarch Competition

The NCF officer praised Scotiabank for their continued support. Present at the launch were Managing Director, Scotiabank BarbadosSuzette Armoogam – Shah; Chief Financial Officer, Scotiabank Barbados Kiyomi Daniel; and Chief Executive Officer of the National Cultural Foundation Carol Roberts.

Moore added: “Throughout the course of this developmental programme, each participant will receive invaluable training and coaching in areas such as preparation for stage, vocal techniques, basic music business and financial planning. These sessions are executed in conjunction with Scotiabank, our long-standing sponsor and major supporter of the arts.”

The Junior Monarch competitors benefit from seasoned and established artistes such as The Most Honourable Stetson RPB Wiltshire, TC, Ian Webster, Mac Fingall, Lisa Howell and Rochelle Griffith. They share their knowledge and advise to facilitate artistes’ development and through the mentorship process, along Grateful Co as a former Scotiabank Junior Calypso Monarch.

Seven finalists will be chosen to face the reigning monarchs. Should the monarchs not compete, eight finalists will be chosen. The two reigning monarchs are Calypso Monarch Sakara and Soca Monarch Tae. The junior queens must notify the NCF, or their intent to defend or not defend before the staging of the Semifinals.

Positions for Semifinalists in the Scotiabank Junior Monarch 

The Scotiabank Junior Monarch Tent 2 will be staged this Saturday, June 22 at the Queen’ s Park Steel Shed at 6 p.m. Admission for is $10 for children and adults.

Tickets are available online on TicketPal.com and at the National Cultural Foundation, Lucky Horseshoe Warrens and Worthing, Abbeville Rockley, NU Look and CS Pharmacy Bridgetown, Emerald City Six Roads, Carlton Supermarket Black Rock, A&B Music Supplies Wildey, SmartStore Limegrove and Welches and Ah Touch of Class Lanterns Mall. (PR)

NCF keeps stall fees at half-price for Crop Over 50

The National Cultural Foundation (NCF) has maintained the reduced price for stall spaces, which it cut in half last year to boost festival participation and activity by small and micro business operators.

Stall spaces started going on sale at the NCF’s West Terrace headquarters from Monday June 17 and bookings is by appointment only. 

Following the devastating impact of the pandemic on the cultural industries and associated sectors, the NCF discounted stall spaces as the festival re-emerged from nearly two years of severely reduced events.

Chief Executive Officer of the NCF Carol Roberts disclosed: “Last year, we discounted stall spaces by 50 per cent; and this year, we are going to maintain that status quo.”

At a meeting held Thursday at the Queen’s Park Steel Shed, vendors agreed with NCF’s proposal to call the NCF in order to book an appointment, then select and pay for stall space.

In another bid by the NCF to boost the vending community, the NCF will provide to stalls the first 110-volt power outlet free of charge, while operators will pay for any additional outlets or those who require 220 volts.

“One of the issues [we confronted] last year was that a number of stall holders complained they did not get their electrical wiring in time. Last year was a watershed year for events. We had more events across the island for Crop Over than ever before.

“That situation placed a severe strain on service providers to be able to manage and provide for all of the events, not only official events produced by the NCF, but private events as well. This year, what we are doing is that the first 110-volt outlet will be free of charge; normally we would charge for the outlets,” Roberts disclosed.

Vendors will select their spaces for all Crop Over events, not just the events on the Mighty Grynner Highway and Greater Bridgetown. Vendors can call 417-6610, 234-4912, 234-4465, 234-4932. WhatsApp messages will also be accepted.

The NCF CEO met recently with members of the vending community and supporting agencies to update them on matters related to vending for the major Crop Over events and clear up any misunderstandings regarding the hosting of Bridgetown Market and the Bridgetown Craft Market events, the first of which takes place on June 28. (PR)

The anticipation is building as the semi-finalists in the Scotiabank Junior Monarch competition prepare for their first public appearance at the Junior Monarch’s tent opening 6 p.m., this Saturday, June 15, at the Queen’s Park Steel Shed.

Producers of the event, the National Cultural Foundation’s (NCF) Cultural Officer – Music Education, Kevin Moore, and Cultural Officer – Music Organisation, Aisha Butcher shared insight into the preparations that have been in full swing since last week.

This year’s Scotiabank Junior Monarch competition prepare for their first Junior Monarch tent will be staged over two weekends at the Steel Shed, the second night on Saturday, June 22. The Semifinals will be held on Sunday, July 7 at the National Botanical Gardens and the Finals Saturday, July 20 at the same location.

Moore noted that the tent performances provide an invaluable opportunity for the contestants to gain experience. So, for the 15th, the main goal is to get the youngsters acclimatised to stage and audience, get them having fun and comfortable with their plans as they take another step towards the coveted Junior Monarch title.

“Some of them are newcomers, so they have to feel out what it is to be on stage and how to use the stage. They would have been mentored, but it is one thing to do it in rehearsal and another thing to do it with an audience in front of you. But once we can get them through that by the 22nd, then they will be ready for the semifinal night,” he stressed.

Butcher explained that the rehearsals have been going great and that the meticulous planning and execution of the NCF’s mentorship programme has added much needed guidance for the young calypsonians. 

Each participant received individualised critique from a cross-section of esteemed mentors. These included: 10-time calypso king The Most Honourable Stedson Red Plastic Bag Wiltshire, Terencia TC Coward, Mac Fingall, Lisa Howell, Rico Grateful Co Gaskin, Rochelle Griffith and Ian iWEb Webster. The aim is to ensure the contestants were stage-ready but also to nurture the next generation of Barbadian talent. 

“The workshops allow for a stripped down, detailed look at the artistes’ delivery of the material; from correct microphone usage to internalisation of message and ways to connect with the audience. The mentors touch on these points and more, providing varied and relatable approaches and examples,” the music officer emphasised.

The semi-finalists are again separated by genre rather than age. There 26 to 13 in each category, along with two reserves, will compete in the Calypso and Soca genres. In the Soca genre, audiences can expect a variety of sub-genres. The Calypso genre will feature a diverse array of kaiso styles.

This year’s semi-finalists in the Calypso category are: Alyssa Queen A Cumberbatch – A Prayer for the Youth; Charity Murrell – Waste; Deyonte Yonte Brathwaite – School Days; Eden Potent Murrell – HOPE; Haylei Hailstorm Wise – Beautiful Nation; Kadarius King K Allen – Real Boys Does Cry; Kenaz Bit Bit Walker – Put On A Show; Khalijah Khaleesi Kellman – Girl Unseen; Rashonna Shonna B Browne – Green; Relissa N’Kyla Mitcham – Runaway; Rimiya Majestic Miya Wilson – We Need You; Sabiah Gaskin – Real Heroes and Trinity Clarke – No Joke.

In the Soca category, the contestants are: Israel John Boss Savoury – Heart Beat; Jade Leilani Roach – Home; Jayden Inniss -–Welcome Home; Jazarie Zarie B Belgrave – What’s Wrong with You?; Joshua Joshua B Blackman – Taking It Down; Joshua Josh Ox Oxley – Pandemonium; Kari-Anne Kari Holford-Sam – Sweet Pan; Kyle Twin Boy Bishop – Obey; Kymani Mr. Showman Devonish – Ready; Ranesha Stewart – Road Call; Rojani Shurland-Agard – Company; Sephon Lil Stathis Sealy – Bring It and Talisia Mottley – Put Down The Gun. (PR)