The reigning Calypso Monarch, Machel Montano, will perform in Position Number 7 as he defends his title on Carnival Sunday, March 2nd.
Mr. Montano and others drew for performing positions at the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation’s official position draw on Thursday in Port of Spain.
Eleven calypsonians, including six former winners, will compete against the defending champion for a million dollars in prizes and to reign as the 2025 National Calypso Monarch.
Mr. Montano will be competing in multiple competitions as he is also in the Finals for the Chutney Soca competition on Carnival Saturday at Skinner Park in San Fernando.
“This is not just seven. This is lucky seven. Who would think coming back in with ‘Bet Meh’ that I could pull lucky number seven? I didn’t touch any other number but this. I made sure I say, ‘You know, you going in there and what you get, what you get, and don’t get upset. That’s what they say: take what you get and don’t get upset.’ But this is a blessing today because lucky number seven, I believe in the powers. This is the number of completion.'”
Veteran performer, the Last Bardjohn of Calypso, Kurt Allen, pulled Number 11 and explained exactly what his calypso, ‘Your Turn Now,’ is addressing.
“The song is not actually about the Prime Minister. The song is about the leadership and the promises that were made and the expectations of the people. So I am just amplifying the voice of the people, singing directly what the people are saying.”
Meanwhile, the 2025 Young King, Anthony ‘Squeezy Rankin’ La Fleur, said he has switched musical genres because he has a lot to say, and the calypso arena is the place to be heard.
“Normally I just go and do what I have to do like a madman but this, yeah, it’s a good experience here. It taught me a little discipline where the music is concerned. This is like the coliseum here, you know. This is where Spartacus and Achilles and all these fighters are, you know. The Young King didn’t have those kinds of fighters. This is where the fighters are here.”
Sunday’s Dimanche Gras presentation will feature the National Calypso Monarch Competition along with the Finals for the King and Queen of Carnival competition.