Lemar “Irish Kid” Irish, of the St. John’s Academy in Portsmouth, is the 2016 Junior Calypso Monarch.
Irish took home the crown for the third time, at Harlem Plaza on Thursday, with his song “All for Each and Each for All This Year,” written by Livingston Cassel.
The calypsonian said that to accomplish the win, he had to work hard, despite adversity.
“Well, I had to put my all inside it. I had to work hard. I even get my song late, so I had to be pushing more and more to catch the song,” he said.
He stated that he was confident in his performance because of his ability to “just have the crowd going.”
Irish insisted that would return to the competition next year, in an effort to make history as a four-time Junior Calypso Monarch.
“I’ll come because I’ll be making history. Dice, Duchess, Professor, they take it three times, but I have the opportunity to take it four times, and be on top of the rest,” he explained.
Special thanks was given to his writer, Livingston Cassel, whom he says did more than just pen the song.
“I want to thank my writer, especially, Livingston “Mighty Spencer” Cassel, because he just a special man, he just working good… some other people, they giving them the song, and they just leaving them so. But he, I have to be practising, and he teaching me different things—my articulation, my diction, my stage performance, and everything,” he said.
Third runner-up is Nickima “De Empress” Alfred of the St Martin Secondary School. Her song, “Alien,” was written by Ian Jackson.
Second runner-up is Yahbo “The Spider” Frederick of the St. Mary’s Primary. His song, “A Good Name” was written by Pat Aaron.
First runner-up position went to Nia “Nicker” Burnette of the Wesley High School. He song, “Goodbye” was written by Steve Hyacinth.
A total of 13 young calypsonians from various schools competed in the evening.
Ian Jackson predicted he must win because he had the best song and so he did sorry team spider come again
I must say that from outta di country I can tell when the judging is fair. I think junior monarch was judged fairly because although not all, but most of the comments are congratulating the Irish Kid. I can’t say the same for Princess Show. If 80% saying they tief, all these people cannot be lying. CONGRATS IRISH KID. I believe you’re the winner!!!
Congratulations to all the young ones; well done! Hats off to the King, Irish Kid, and the others who placed in the top four. I am extremely proud of Yahbai (DNO Admin. please make the correction to his name). Apparently, he was the only primary school student in the competition. Yahbai, You represented St,Mary’s Primary very well! I see great things ahead for you in the calypso arena. Keep it up!!!!
Congratulations to the IRISH KID for taking home the Junior Calypso Crown for the third time. You made the entire family and the people of Portsmouth feel proud. Well done my beloved nephew .
Congrats to the Irish Kid. You have been giving us some good songs. …Endangered Species was a BIG song that could even compete and win on the Monarch Competition. Big up to your writer!
We need to be fair at all times and before selecting Judges, please check their background and interest to me the decision should have been: Wesley High School, Spider and Portsmouth,
Its ashame on what is happening in children show nowadays. Give Jack his Jacket the young lady won the CRown hands down.
Servie Clubs take control your organisation is encouraging wrong judge too much controversy now
Congratulation lemar talent runs inthe family.Dan e jones was one of the best soul singers tocome out of dominica.happy the people of portsmouth are giving you their support.
The Irish Kid congratulations. You are doing for Portsmouth what they have failed to recognize the Mighty Mico for years and showing them that talent does not only come from Roseau or it surroundings. Roosevelt “Mico” Williams were always knocking at the door in Roseau but was always turned down. Today he is being honored in the Calypso Hall of Fame. Come back strong next year.
Nonsense.
Yahbai* Frederick
Congratulations young men and women. Well done.
I’m not against the kid but against the judges he honestly did not deserve the crown there were other great sounds better than his…………….#TEAMSPIDER
Congratulations to the Junior Monarch, Irish Kid. So proud of you. Well done. Congrats to your family.
Great job Lemar. Congratulations to your writer and family too. Well done organisers of the show and congrats to all the participants.
Petro
@ mine i agree they all gave their best and are all winners.. the irish kid seem more experienced and always had the edge.
Congratulations Lemar, three in a row, record breaking junior monarch. You make us proud in Portsmouth.
three in a row. great job. but to correct you Pax. he did not break record. if the wins next year then he will break record. because Dice, Dutches and De Professor won times 3 times in a row too.
if he* wins next year.it will be record breaking
Congratulation to all of you. You all are winners.
You know a jean Wozzo when they doh win and they have to say YOU ARE ALL WINNERS
It takes a brave individual to perform and we must give them credit. So they are all winners.
Congratulations to the winner The Irish Kid…. …. but my guy is ” ALI ” and he is my winner so keep your head high and enjoy your CANIVAL . The guys were all good we as the Public just have to continue to support them.