Over the past decade, the Antigua and Barbuda Junior Calypso scene has witnessed remarkable growth, with young performers consistently delivering high-caliber, dynamic performances that rival even our most seasoned
Calypsonians. This steady rise in quality and talent can be directly attributed to the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries, which has invested in developmental training and coaching platforms designed to empower and elevate our youth in the performing arts.
In a bold and progressive move, the Hon. Daryll S. Matthew, Minister of Education, Sports and Creative Industries, in collaboration with the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) has announced a significant new initiative:
The Winner and First Runner-Up from the Senior Category (ages 13–19) of the 2024 University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus Junior Calypso Monarch Competition will be granted a bye into the Semi-Finals of the 2025 Calypso Monarch Competition, scheduled for Thursday, July 17th, 2025.
These selected juniors have the option of performing an ABFC sponsored song or their 2024 competition calypso hit. However, it is important to note that any new composition produced under this initiative cannot be used to compete in the 2025 Junior Calypso Monarch Competition.
This historic initiative proudly includes:
- Mr. Ruez Titre, former Mr. Teenage 2023, the reigning 2024 Groovy Party Monarch, and 2024 Junior Calypso Monarch.
- Mr. Mandela Anyandjuh, reigning Mr. Teenage and first runner-up of the 2024 Junior Monarch Competition.
Both young men have earned their place in this inaugural initiative through talent, hard work, and consistent excellence.
Chairperson Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul remarked: “For the Board and I, this is more than just an achievement, it’s the realization of a vision we set three years ago when I was appointed Chair. One of our top goals has always been to create a legacy platform for our youth one that nurtures, supports, and promotes their continuous development through culture.”
The Hon. Daryll S. Matthew added: “As Minister responsible for Education, Culture, and Carnival, I am absolutely beaming. This initiative connects the core of all three pillars: Education empowers our youth to write compelling Calypso lyrics, Culture provides them with the training and mentorship to hone their skills, and Carnival offers the grand stage to showcase to the nation and by extension the world. This is the kind of synergy we must continue to build.”
With this pioneering move, the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission reaffirms its commitment to nurturing the next generation of iconic artiste and creating spaces for young talent to flourish and be celebrated on national platforms.
