THE 2011 SCOTIABANK JUNIOR MONARCH in the 13-18 category, Samantha Sammi G Greaves, had the opportunity of a lifetime when she performed at the Junior Monarch Finals in Trinidad and Tobago on February 13.
Her stage appearance was part of an ongoing collaborative effort between two regional organizations both of which help to expose young talent to the big stage.
Sammi G appeared as guest of the Trinbagonian United Calypsonian Organization (TUCO), as part of a reciprocal arrangement with the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) here.
This arrangement facilitates the reigning Trinidad and Tobago Junior Monarch performing in Barbados at the Crop Over Junior Monarch Finals.
This exchange has been ongoing for over five years. The show in Barbados is slated for July 21 at the Gymnasium of the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex.
Reflecting on her performance in Trinidad, Sammi G said: “The song was very well received and I got along well with the audience.”
Noting the friendliness of Trinidadians and the hot weather, the 15-year-old suggested that a regional platform like this competition gave her the drive to work on her craftsmanship as a calypsonian even more.
The teenager, whose winning song was Protect Yah Self, was accompanied by her mother, Debbie Beckles, on her trip to the twin island republic.
Acting corporate communications specialist at the NCF, Andre Hoyte, stated that overseas performances such as these gave the Junior Monarch a great opportunity to perform before a large and normally appreciative crowd outside of that found in Barbados, and it was a great confidence booster for our young calypsonians. (SP/PR)
