Two new winners were crowned when the Scotiabank Junior Monarch competition came off last evening at the CARIFESTA Village, Waterford, St Michael.
Master Kajae won the calypso section with Hire Me and Khaleesi took the honours in the soca category with Party Mode.
Master Kajae, the son of calypsonian Chrystal Cummins Beckles – who co-wrote the song – said although he wanted to win, he was still shocked when his name was announced.
“I wanted it, but I didn’t know,” he said.
“I prepared multiple times. I rehearsed a lot of times. I rehearsed everything out of me until I felt drained, to the point where I could not wake up, so to have this is really a blessing from God.”
The nine-year-old planned to get a full night’s sleep.
Second place went to Bit with Uh Wonder Why, defending monarch King K dropped to third place with Misdiagnosed and Sabiah was fourth with Guide We.
Meanwhile, 17-year-old Khaleesi credited this year’s success to a different mindset, a decision she made to put fear behind her and showcase her talent and personality.
It is only her second time in the soca competition and she said performing in the Kooyman All Stars calypso tent was a great boost in getting exposure, helping her play around with the song and knowing “what to do and what not to do on the Junior Monarch stage”.
She was confident she had pulled it off after performing and said she would be defending her crown next year.
Khaleesi dethroned Mr Showman who was second with Turn Up De Music. Niara was third with Sweet Time Of Year, followed by ROH who performed Me & You. (SAT)