The positions are set for this year’s Scotiabank Junior Monarch finals.
Barbados’ young vocalists are ready and raring to go and yesterday they drew for the order of appearance at the Broad Street, Bridgetown branch of Scotiabank.
Event producer Aisha Butcher, the National Cultural Foundation’s (NCF) music officer, spoke of the hard work, discipline and courage
it took for the participants to reach the finals. She told the youth they were part of a legacy which meant more than winning a competition.
“Winning is great, but I want you to think about the legacy you want to leave. This year, we celebrate four decades of the Junior Monarch competition. For 40 years, this stage has introduced Barbados to remarkable young calypsonians who have gone on to shape our culture and entertainment landscape. Some wore the crown, others became unforgettable because of their songwriting, their stagecraft, their originality or the impact of a single performance. They each left something behind; now, it is your turn. Years from now, when someone speaks about the Junior Monarch competition, what do you want them to remember about you?” she asked.
Butcher advised the participants to give their best and to remember their placements were inconsequential.
Here, the finalists for the Soca category after the draw. From left are Avery-Justice Carter – AJ; Jazarie Belgrave – Zarie B, Rohanna Horton – ROH; Khalijah Kellman – Khaleesi; Jade Roach – Leilani; Anastasia Callender – Niara; Kymani Devonish – Mr Showman, and Sephon Sealy – Lil Stathis. (Picture by Shanice King.)
“The number you draw does not determine your outcome; your performance on the night does. When finals night arrives, step onto that stage with confidence. Give your very best, perform with excellence, compete with integrity, conduct yourselves in a manner that, years from now, you can look back on with pride and most importantly, enjoy every moment. The future of this art form is you,” she said.
Manager of premium relationship banking at the Bridgetown branch of Scotiabank, Carla Boyce, congratulated the finalists.
“It is about preserving and celebrating Barbadian culture, while giving young people a platform to express themselves, develop their talents and grow as future leaders,” she said.
Boyce praised the “parents, guardians, teachers and mentors” who supported the youth as well as the NCF for “creating an environment where young artistes can learn, grow and shine”.
The competition takes place on Saturday at CARIFESTA House in Waterford, St Michael. (CA)