Xhadien Darius of Savonetta Primary School is the new National Junior Calypso Monarch, with his song "Calypso Will Survive". Tobagoians Koquice Davidson and Nataki Thompson, were second and third respectively.
00:00Once I am alive, Calypso will survive. So you will have to worry about tomorrow, Calypso will survive. I'll go take a foot at a mighty sparrow, Calypso will survive. As easy as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, I pledge to keep Calypso alive.
00:28Yeah!
00:34Akime, Akime, Akime, Akime!
00:41Watch me!
00:43He might be the smallest person on stage, but he had the biggest voice with the biggest message, as 18-year-old Zeli Andarius was crowned the winner of the first Citizens Togo National Junior Calypso Monarch.
00:55The 2025 Junior Calypso Monarch who pledged to keep Calypso alive is Zeli Andarius of Saboneta Primary School.
01:11Darius, who won from 15 other contestants, among them were last year's winners Kokis Davidson and Natika Thompson from Tobago. He also made history as the youngest ever to win the title.
01:26When they called Kokis, I was the only person left. I was the only person left, so I knew I was going to win. I was very happy when I heard that I was going to win.
01:40Darius said the veteran KroKro inspires him.
01:55As my mum said, Kitchener inspires me and my mum also inspires me, but I just like to sing. I like to sing, pay tributes, sing other people's songs, Calypso songs that I like. And KroKro actually plays with his guitar, so I was actually kind of acting like KroKro.
02:19And the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, as Darius' mother was the Calypso Queen in 2023. The proud mother said she's extremely happy for her son.
02:30I feel satisfied, very much satisfied. Zayden worked really, really, really, really, really hard for this. And, I mean, it just goes to show that hard work and sacrifice really pays off.
02:41So, Zayden, tell me how do you feel?
02:43I feel very happy and surprised, though.
02:48No more guns! Stop the violence! No more guns! Stop the violence!
02:55Cook Rhys Davidson from Bishop's High School in Tobago placed second with her own edition, My Plight.
03:03My young people wake up and look at the clock
03:09When you're choosing friends you should know when you go they don't bring you back
03:14Too many youths today are hooked on a bad rhythm
03:19Hypnotical music and lyrics poisoning the mind
03:25And sadly we see the criminals, they're getting so younger
03:30Caught up in robberies, home invasions and murders
03:36It's up to ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls
03:41And third place went to last year's winner, Natika Thompson from Signal Hill Secondary School with her song Crying Nation.
03:50I see any groups and politicians trying to divide this land
03:54And somehow the brand new season has begun
03:59This is now a nation of cunts
04:02Crying for the battered women
04:06Crying for the fatherless children
04:09Crying for the little black boy
04:12Crying as they tell him goodbye
04:14Crying after home invasion
04:17Crying from the various platforms
04:19Crying, oh what a river of tears, this Crying Nation
04:27Both young ladies were extremely proud of themselves
04:31It's a really great feeling, I feel so proud for the both of us
04:34I'm extremely proud of us, knowing that we were able to place good
04:40She was in Monarch and I placed third last year so it feels good to kind of level up and come second this year
04:47I'm really proud of both of us, by extension myself and Zedo
04:51Congratulations, I'm really proud of him
04:54We know you are the future of Calypso and you will carry this title well
04:58The winners will receive their prizes at a prize distribution ceremony on a date yet to be announced
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