Helon Francis 'To Whom It May Be' Surprises Everyone and Wins Calypso Monarch Title 2025
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
March 11, 2025
The most hated job for Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago is that of judging competitions. It does not matter if it is Calypso, Soca, or Panorama; the sentiments are always the same. Some will be pleased, and many will say, 'They are thieves.' After listening to the Calypso Monarch Competition last night, I had no clue who won! The judges’ decisions often spark heated debates among the audience, leaving many feeling that their favorite performers have been overlooked. As the vibrant rhythms of the music lingered in the air, it became clear that the true winner might just be the spirit of competition itself!
Then came the results! The surprise of the night was not just who won but also that both Yung Bredda and Machel Montano were beaten into third and fifth places, respectively. The Calypso Monarch for Carnival 2025 is Helon Francis, who sang "To Whom It May Be." Please note that there were audio issues during Helon's performance. All performances are posted below courtesy WACK Visual Radio 90.1FM.
Sokah2Soca extends congratulations to Helon, Kurt Allen, and Yung Bredda! Regardless of who you backed or selected tonight, remember this: Calypso won tonight!
The official results are as follows:
- Helon Francis—To Whom It May Be
- Kurt Allen aka The Last Bardjohn of Calypso—Your Turn Now
- Akhenaton Lewis aka Yung Bredda—We Rise
- Karene Asche aka The Calypso Princess—A Leader
- Machel Montano aka MM—Bet Meh
- Roderick Gordon aka Chuck Gordon—Look Tuh Press
- Duane Ta’zyah O’Connor, aka Ta’zyah O’Connor—Kaiso to D World
- Terri Lyons aka Terri—Ask Yuh Man
- Samraj Jaimungal aka Rikki Jai—Kaiso Chutney
- Anthony La Fleur aka Squeezy Rankin—Justice
- Rosalyn Reid Hayes aka Roslyn—Sing it in Kaiso
- Ann Marie Parks Kojo aka Twiggy—65 and Still Relevant
Let us promote the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
Our mission is to advance music producers, performers, and Caribbean culture. Your support helps us celebrate and elevate the vibrant sounds and stories of the Caribbean. We can all work together to make sure that this rich cultural legacy continues to inspire creativity and connection while reaching a larger audience. You should always purchase music for sale but refrain from sharing promotional music, as it deprives the artists, producers, and songwriters of vital income. Please note that all our posts can be accessed online via social media sites like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud. We recommend exploring your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Event: TUCO/NCC Calypso Monarch of Trinidad & Tobago
Venue: D'Savannah, Grand Stand, Queens Park Savannah, Port of Spain
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Calypso
We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Sokah2Soca/Soca Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-SA/4.0/.
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Calypso Monarch Finalists 2025: Machel Montano Intends to Repeat as Monarch
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
February 23, 2025
Originally posted on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vybe Radio rocks it live on the air!
The finalists for the National Calypso Monarch have been announced. After a marathon day of semi-finals performances, TUCO delivered the finalists as determined by the judging panel. The list of finalists is a good one, and while some may be upset or critical of the judges, one has to admit that this is a formidable field of contestants who will attempt to unseat last year's monarch, Machel Montano.
The finals will be a fascinating night of amazing performances. As we await the artist's date with destiny, one can only wonder what song Machel will sing to defend his title. Will it be "Bet Meh" from the Tilden Hall Riddim, or will he surprise everyone and sing a calypso version of his very popular song "Pardy"? We have to wait to see how this all unfolds.
For those "bush judges" who overindulge in stage presentations, remember that this segment of the judging value only accounts for 10 points. On the night of the finals, the competition will be fiercely competitive. They may need to make immediate adjustments to their performance to overthrow the reigning champion, Machel Montano, who consistently delivers exceptional performances.
There is no doubt that it will be an unforgettable night! Will Machel Montano reign as the calypso monarch once again, or will Yung Bredda, the crowd favorite, emerge victorious from this fiercely competitive field of contestants?
The artists selected to challenge Machel Montano for the Calypso Monarch 2025 are as follows:
- Akhenaton Lewis, known as "Yung Bredda,"—"We" Rise."
- Helon Francis—"To Whom It May Be."
- Ann Marie Parks Kojo aka "Twiggy"—"65 And Still Relevant."
- Duane Ta’Zyah O’Connor—"Kaiso to D Wold"
- Anthony La Fleur, or "Squeezy Rankin"—"Justice."
- Roslyn Reid Hayes, or "Roslyn"—"Sing It In Kaiso."
- Samraj Jaimungal, "Rikki Jai"—"Kaiso Chutney."
- Kurt Allen, "The Last Bardjohn of Calypso"—"Your Turn Now."
- Karene Asche, "The Calypso Princess"—"A Leader."
- Roderick Gordon, known as "Chuck Gordon"—"Look Tuh Press."
The reserve finalist:
Morel Peters, known as "King Luta"—"Comrade Roget."
Let us promote the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
Our mission is to advance music producers, performers, and Caribbean culture. Your support helps us celebrate and elevate the vibrant sounds and stories of the Caribbean. We can all work together to make sure that this rich cultural legacy continues to inspire creativity and connection while reaching a larger audience. You should always purchase music for sale but refrain from sharing promotional music, as it deprives the artists, producers, and songwriters of vital income. Please note that all our posts can be accessed online via social media sites like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud. We recommend exploring your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Topic: Calypso Monarch Finalists 2025
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Calypso
We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Sokah2Soca/Soca Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-SA/4.0/.
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Pan Trinbago Medium Conventional Bands Finals 2025: Pan Showdown in Tobago
By Ananda/Sokah2Soca
in
Blog
February 23, 2025
Originally posted on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vybe Radio rocks it live on the air!
It's time for steelpan magic again, and today, in Tobago, Pan Trinbago's Medium Conventional steebands final will take place at the Brian Lara Stadium. Some of the best in the business will arrange an evening of great music to win it all! It will be a night to remember for those pannists giving their all tonight. Pan lovers know that this evening's performances promise to be a unique and awesome showcase of talent, rhythm, and culture, celebrating the rich heritage of steelpan music.
As the boats and planes land in Tobago, bringing fans and broadcasters to the island, those of us living outside of the Twin Island Republic will be watching and enjoying the show from afar. Ten outstanding steel bands will set the mood, while we spectators will engage in conversation and act as unofficial 'bush judges' to determine the winner.
Don't miss this unforgettable night of music, culture, and camaraderie; this music is exceptional and unique to our carnival culture. Whether you're a steelpan enthusiast or are just a first-time attendee, you will enjoy this event. If you are a first-time listener or viewer, do yourself a favor and listen to the songs before the performances. We have listed the songs and links to YouTube so you can listen. You will have a better appreciation for the work done by the arrangers, drillmasters, and pannists.
Let's have some fun tonight and let the rhythm of the steelpan transport you to a world of musical brilliance and cultural pride. See you at the Brian Lara Stadium tonight!
Please note that the show will be broadcast via Pay Per View for US $25 provided by Pan Trinbago and Streaming Service: WACK Visual Radio 90.1 FM. We will add a radio feed for those unable to afford the cost to view the proceedings.
Order of Appearance:
Name of Steelband Orchestra
|
Name of Song
|
Let us promote the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
Our mission is to advance music producers, performers, and Caribbean culture. Your support helps us celebrate and elevate the vibrant sounds and stories of the Caribbean. We can all work together to make sure that this rich cultural legacy continues to inspire creativity and connection while reaching a larger audience. You should always purchase music for sale but refrain from sharing promotional music, as it deprives the artists, producers, and songwriters of vital income. Please note that all our posts can be accessed online via social media sites like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud. We recommend exploring your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Event: National Panorama Finals: Medium Conventional Bands
Governing Body: Pan Trinbago
Governing Body: Pan Trinbago
Venue: Parade Grounds, Dwight Yorke Stadium, Tobago
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Steelband Music
Code: PTMCBF2025
We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Sokah2Soca/Soca Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-SA/4.0/.
♫ Please click the music player button below to listen now (a small triangle in the music player/TV frame).
The songs that will be played tonight
Originally posted on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vybe Radio rocks it live on the air!
Despite TUCO's deceptive tactics and their aim to maximize revenue from the broadcast, the show continued, and Yung Bredda's versatility excelled on stage. Those who planned to watch a free show and those who paid had different experiences. Some of us, upset by TUCO's last-minute dollar swing, opted to listen to online audio feeds, while others paid to attend. Here is the thing, and Tuco needs to get this right. The audio that went along with the video feed was superior to the radio feed provided online. The audio-only feed did not do justice to the performances; it was poor audio! That is not a major selling point for the promotion of live Calypso shows. The quality, whether paid or free, should be top -notch! The future of the art form depends on engineers doing not only their best but also ensuring that the broadcast is top tier by monitoring the outgoing feeds.
Listening via audio only left much to be desired, then came Yung Bredda, and he literally gave the audience an energy boost. Listening, one could tell that the vibe at Skinner Park changed. Fortunately, I was able to see the video performance not long after he came off stage, and it made a big difference watching and, more importantly, listening to a better quality audio feed. Yung Bredda was immaculately dressed; he looked like a winner! At the beginning of his performance, there was a technical hiccup with the microphone that was quickly fixed by the technicians on duty for the event. This young man can sing, and his nation-building song resonated with the audience. He performed flawlessly, never missing a beat vocally. Yung Bredda's stage presentation was excellent, with his dancers moving in sync with the music and vocals. It's important to acknowledge that Yung Bredda contributed significantly to a show that was merely cruising along without actively engaging the audience. Yung Bredda was the star of the event, and Machel Montano should not underestimate this young emerging artist. Yung Bredda's grip on the young people could propel him as a favorite to win the Calypso Monarch title for Carnival 2025.
As the show progressed, there were several credible performances, but one has to think that most of the songs, while well written and delivering excellent messages, may not have the "total package" to excite the audience and bring about that champion environment to elicit winning scores from the judging panel. Don't misunderstand; Lani K, Twiggy, Terri Lyons, Helon Francis, Kurt Allen, and my personal favorite, Kerice Pascall, all gave excellent performances. Everyone will question the judging rubric after all is said and done, but eventually, the judges decisions will be final.
Akhenaton Lewis, aka Yung Bredda, and his rising calypso, "We Rise," injected life into TUCO's Calypso Fiesta and the talk of the town. In the hearts and minds of those who took the time to watch and listen yesterday, Yung Bredda was the best Skinner Park offered yesterday. This is the year that Yung Bredda became a star, and if you love "The Greatest Bend Over" or his uplifting Calypso, "We Rise," one thing is for sure: he is here to stay and a force to be reckoned with.
Let us promote the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
Our mission is to advance music producers, performers, and Caribbean culture. Your support helps us celebrate and elevate the vibrant sounds and stories of the Caribbean. We can all work together to make sure that this rich cultural legacy continues to inspire creativity and connection while reaching a larger audience. You should always purchase music for sale but refrain from sharing promotional music, as it deprives the artists, producers, and songwriters of vital income. Please note that all our posts can be accessed online via social media sites like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud. We recommend exploring your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Event: Calypso Fiesta 2025
Contestant #9: Akhenaton Lewis, aka Yung Bredda
Venue: Skinner Park, San Fernando
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Calypso
We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Sokah2Soca/Soca Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-SA/4.0/.
♫ Please click the music player button below to listen now (a small triangle in the music player/TV frame).
