An eight-year-old student of Central Trinidad is the National Junior Calypso Monarch for 2025.
Xhaiden Darius, the son of 2023 Calypso Queen Tameika Darius, was the youngest competitor among the finalists on Monday.
Fifteen competitors had advanced from schools across the nation to compete against the 2024 Monarch, Nataki Thompson of Scarborough Secondary.
But the 2025 TUCO National Junior Calypso Monarch title went to eight year old Xhaiden singing ‘Calypso Will Survive.’ He is a student of Savonetta Primary School in Couva.
Last year’s winner, Nataki Thompson, placed third while Koquice Davidson captured the second spot.
Deputy Permanent Secretary from the Ministry of Education, Ayanna Gaspard Clarke said the art form is in good hands.
“Education for us means that students have the ability to think critically about the world around us. We stand by our vision of providing a modern, relevant, quality, equitable education for all. Your efforts play a vital role in shaping a new generation of thinkers, change makers, and cultural ambassadors.”