Defending champion Tamika Darius, retained her crown in the Point Fortin Carnival Calypso Monarch Competition on Tuesday night. A finalist in the 2011 National Calypso Monarch competition, Darius went home $10,000 richer after beating nine other contestants in the show which was divided into two segments-Original Composition and Vintage Calypso. In front of a large crowd at the Victor Chin Kit Park, Darius rendered her original composition, Ungrateful You, which dealt with the criticism levelled against former Prime Minister Patrick Manning, following his defeat in the last general elections. She then rounded off her victory with a commanding rendition of Denise Plummer's Woman is Boss.
The second prize of $8000 cash, went to the Patrice Valentine with her political commentary Mih Partnership and a version of Rikki Jai's 1989 hit, Sumintra. "I changed from PNM to Partnership, now I wondering if I am on the right ship," she sang about the change in government. Young Melissa Williams, who highlighted the challenges young people face in her original composition, Rise Up, also thrilled the audience with her interpretation of Singing Sandra's Die With My Dignity to earn third place and the $7,000 cash prize. There were also lively performances from Ato Osei with Breathalyser and Joel Davis with Dat Bad Real Bad.
The night also featured 14 Kings and Queens of the Band competing for honours. However, none of them were around to be crowned , when the results were announced at 1 am yesterday. Akeera Esdelle, who portrayed The Guardian of Trinidad and Tobago from the Eastman Brothers band, copped the The Queen of the Band title and the $3,000 cash prize. Anthony Weekes was adjudged King of the Band with his portrayal Rising of Shaka Zulu. Veronica Sharlenaga portraying Stormy Weather from the band, John Paul and Associates took home the $2000 second prize. A Tribute to Calypso Rose, portrayed by Paula Sookram, from the band Sisco and Associates, earned her the third place and a $1000 cash prize. Sisco and Associates' masquerader Francis Daniel captured second place in the King category with his portrayal "This one for Valentine Ferdinand."
Jordaine Richardson placed third with "Joy of Steel Pan." The audience was treated to live entertainment from the band Rhythm and Moods led by Joey Rivers. Patrons got off their chairs and danced around park as the band rendered several soca hits of previous years.