The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has selected the finalists for the 2026 Junior Calypso Monarch and Junior Party Monarch competitions, following elimination rounds held earlier this week. According to Antigua Observer, registrations for both competitions increased over 2025 figures, making preliminary rounds necessary before advancing to the finals.
Tuesday's Junior Calypso eliminations produced nine finalists in the 5 to 12 age category and eight in the 13 to 18 category. Monday's Junior Party Monarch eliminations saw nine finalists advance in each of the Junior Groovy and Junior Jumpy categories.
The 5 to 12 Junior Calypso finalists are De Archer, Sudden Else, Star Girl, Shazzy, De Royal Elements, Princess Faith, Ava, Calypso Ace and Jamario. Advancing in the 13 to 18 category are Adonai, Jah Nelly, Kaiso Kall, Lyrical Weapon, Calypso Lilly, Calypso Lissa, Cutie Pie and Niya Starr.
In the Junior Party Monarch competition, the Junior Groovy finalists are Mara, Drya, Ruez, Princess Lay Lay, Jai'Lilah, Zsura, Xayden, Marz and Nova. The Junior Jumpy finalists are Little Cute, Young Zion, Jay 5, Jamario, Mighty Progressor, Soca J, Xayden, Likkle Toddler and Cutie.
Organisers say the young competitors are now preparing to showcase their talents later this month. The UWI Five Islands Campus Junior Calypso Monarch finals will be held at Carnival City on Sunday, 19th July, beginning at 4:30 p.m. The KOSCAB Limited Junior Party Monarch finals will follow at 6:30 p.m. Admission to both events is free.
