“I am king!”
And with that shout, Lemar “Irish Kid” Irish sealed the fact that he had won the Junior Calypso Monarch crown.
Moments later he was handed the microphone to perform an encore of his song, “I choosing Calypso” to a jubilant audience.
Irish 13, of the St. John’s Academy in Portsmouth along with 13 other competitors turned up the heat at the Harlem Plaza on Thursday during the competition, despite heavy downpours that blanketed the area.
His powerful performance dispelled the myth that calypso is a “big man thing.”
“I feel very good,” he gushed, adding that at first he did not want to participate in the competition.
“But I so love the calypso, I had to take a chance again,” stated Irish, who is winning the crown after four attempts.
He noted that all his hard work was worth it and left a word to other competitors. “Just try and try and one day you will succeed,” he said.
2013 Calypso Queen, Janae Jackson of the Convent High School is the 1st runner up with her song ‘Convent Rules’.
2nd Runner up went to De Ali of the Convent Preparatory School with his song ‘Stand Tall’ and Nicker of the Wesley High School came in 3rd with ‘Voice Of The Youth’.
The competition was judged on lyrics, melody, rendition and presentation.
Each received a participatory plaque compliments the Sign Man and a Quenchi bag compliments of Quenchi.
Meantime reigning Calypso Queen and first runner-up, Jackson, told DNO that she believes she is still a winner.
“I feel elated, because I still think I am a winner in all my plans and I know that I put my best foot forward tonight so the judges’ decision is final,” she said. “But I am still happy because I know that the people were satisfied with my performance and it’s all that matters.
Other participants were Mighty Keke, Keisha, Messenja, DJ Mya, The X Factor and De Rocket, Dr. Chucky, Singing Chrissy and Princess Chels.
The competition was hosted by the Leo Club of Dominica.
Great job Irish kid
I think Leona “Chickened out”
DNO where are the pictures of the princess show?
I have not read anything re the princess show, please inform the public, pictures etc.
it was a great perfromance that night but i believe the crown should go to jane.
Congratulations Kid. Keep on moving up. You run things!
Janae did not crown herself, she sang and got what
she deserved. If Leona wanted crown she should have participated, not make a varee and walk off from people. That may have been her only crown to achieve this year. Never mind the prize money but just publicity and confidence builder, by participating in the competition would have been to her benefit. Bob made her make a fool ofherself.
At least Janae got a crown and so did Irish Kid..
Leona neither Bob nor Dice will allow you to get crown. You will learn the tricks in trade as time goes along…
congrats Lemar. You did us proud
don’nt know you personal but i love your song and the way you sing it congrats
Congrats Irish Kid – talent to the bone, well done man aunty is very proud of you. Great lyrics bouncy music and well delivered.
Thumbs up to the writer of this song and big up to the Irish/Carbon family in Zicack. One love, enjoy your reign my nephew and continue “To Love Your Calypso!”
Aunty Pets
Congrates Lammar last year I thought u deserved to place after the monarch but u were cheated out of the 1st runner up u so rightly deserved then. I alwaz knew u had the potential to be king. Ur clarity performance n dictation cannot b beaten all the best in ther near future will b following closely as u move up in the calypso arena. Congrates once more
Congrats to the Irish Kid. Well done
How could Leona have placed when she did not participate? SMH
janae did not have t get the calypso queen Leona did. I have nothing against janae but sorry it was Leona’s crown that night
What is your point? Did Leona sing on the night? Give the Janae a break.
leona can sing excuse u all those dominicans have to much negative things to say.
What a stupid comment. Did Leona perform. The height of ignorance in this place is at times staggering.
very unnecessary comment.
all i have to say is i enjoyed the performances of the children especially Irish Kid it blew me off! really nice!
what was given to the students on stage was just for participating on the night. A formal prize giving ceremony will be held. That’s how it is done every year.
In order to encourage the young and upcomming performers,they should be giving prizes to uplift themselves,like note books, learning devices,and things that would relate to their schools.that where the limes and the digecels could make a meaningful contribution.Not taking away anything from The Sign man or Quenchi they came onboard and give their support,i just feel the kids deserve more encouragement,wonder what the DCA gave.
Congratulation to the junior calypsonians,at least i cannot relate controversy to this show.
Good job Leo club.
Congrats Irish Kid!! You’ve grown alot in the art form
Don’t be disappointed. These are prizes from the sponsors. The Leo Club usually have their Prize-giving ceremony. Have patience.
YES Irish Kid…..Congratulations
it was time!!!! you did it
Mas camp you all did Leona a disservice. She should be Calypso Queen….. Jan A Jackson was given a free pass to be calypso queen…..
Leona did herself the disservice she choose not to sing. Jania was not a judge, she came to perform and that’s all she did.
stupes
DNO where are the pics nah, come on man.
Congrats to all the participants but there’s something so special about the “Irish Kid’.. he has personality, love your song this year. Way to go!
Irish Kid I knew it was just a matter of time before you were crowned.
When one looks at Marchel Montano pictures when he started in calypso it reminds me so much of Irish Kid. He is a natural performer. His diction and clarity, his stage persona and strong lyrical content has made him one of DA’s top Junior performer.
I can already predict in about five years time he should be hitting the big stage.
congratulations to St.Johns Academy Staff and students, to his ever supportive parents and to his famous songwriter, Spencer-job well done.
Janae as former Convent girl , i loved your song but admittedly you were beaten by the Kid this time.. you still are talented..
Other performers you gave the public a fantastic show. I suspect you may have beaten the big guns..
They are so busy making noise over petty things that they forget they have to organize a show of class for next Saturday.
Irish Kid 2014 we rolling in the north
Leona, The Wave or Hunter can you please follow up and bring home the bacon down north ?
I Feel very proud of you my dear cousin.Congrats from all of us at home.liselle,Shern,auntie Petrona,Cynth.
Congrats Lemar !!! u did well.. great performance.. great song.
Congratulations Irish Kid. I’ve heard you over the years and It was just a matter of time. Keep on learning. If you do bigger things are in the horizon. It is great you did not give up.
awwww you did well boy …performance was fabulous to …..
Congrats “Irish kid”!!
Congrats Irish Kid. Splendid performance!!! You truly deserved the crown. Also congrats to all the competitors, many of whom could teach some of the bigger guys a thing or two in terms of delivery on stage! Keep reaching for the stars!
Congratulations to you lemar you really had it in you now continue the hard work…
Congrats Irish Kid….I must confess, so far this Carnival/Calypso season, that was the ONLY good song I have heard. By ONLY I mean ONLY…both in big man thing and children thing.
As a matter of fact, with all respect to her, Jackson was not the reigning Calypso monarch….. NACHEAL WALSH was the reigning Calypso monarch… “Just saying” the record has to be set straight…..
maye because she did not defend her crown??
The article did not say junior monarch; it said calypso queen. These are different titles.
read please. the article says reigning Calypso Queeen
Just saying. You are correct. Jackson won the crown in 2012 and the girl Nachel Walsh won last year.
Congratulations to the Irish Kid.You have made Portsmouth and by extention the St. John’s Academy proud. Way to go.
READ before you comment. It is stated she is the reigning Calypso Queen, not reigning Junior Monarch. This is what causes issues. OMG!!
WOW…. U say read when you are not doing the same…… It clearly says 2013….. Calypso Queen title was not held in 2013 now was it…… Seriously!!!!
I am disappointed in the prizes awarded. The competitors deserve better prizes for their hard work.