00:00So, it's clear that where Calypso is concerned, 2026, we can clearly declare that Calypso is back. Calypso is alive.
00:14The declaration of Ainsley King, the president of the Trinbago Unified Clebsonians Organization, Tuko, during the 2026 Carnival season in Trinidad and Tobago.
00:24We are here in Calypso receiving a lot of airplay. Calypso is also very present because Calypso is all over at this time. We also see an increase where attendance to the tent are concerned. So, there was a time when we were saying or hearing people saying that Calypso is a dying art form. Today, I don't believe that saying that will be a correct statement.
00:54The declaration was made shortly after Tuko's president announced 40 Calypsoians have advanced to the semi-final round of the 2026 National Calypso Monarch Competition. They include...
01:06Tuko's president also gave details about the prize money that is at stake for those who make it to the final round.
01:32For the national monarch, the Calypsoians are going to be competing this year for one million TT dollars for the first prize. Second prize is going to be $500,000. Third prize, $350,000.
01:55There was a further breakdown of the prize money. Fourth place, $250,000. Fifth place, $175,000. And sixth place, right down to last place, will be receiving $45,000.
02:19Former independent Senator Elon Francis is the reigning Calypso Monarch, having won the competition last year, 2025.
02:26I can assure you that with what we have seen over the past few weeks that you are in for an exciting and high class with quality Calypso Union event on Saturday.
02:43The semi-final round of the 2026 National Calypso Monarch Competition, also known as Calypso Fiesta, takes place at Skinner Park in San Fernando on Saturday, February 7th.
02:54Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
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