Artiste Rikki Jai stands with senior calypso champions of Grant Memorial Presbyterian School from left Juel Dulan, Kriston Hart and Tianna Belasco. Photos: Tony Howell.

Their strong lyrics and powerful delivery earned youngsters Juel Dulan and Sean Poodoon top place in the Grant Memorial Presbyterian School Calypso competition on Friday.

Dulan sang his way to first place in the senior segment with his rendition San Fernando while Poodoon won the judges’ favour with his composition Sweet T&T. The school was transformed into a mini-calypso tent as 12 aspiring calypsonians took centre stage to show off their talent. Showing they were up to par with what’s happening in T&T, the contestants sang on topics such as: Traffic Laws, Congratulations to Kamla, Axe D’ Tax, Crime Situation In My Country, Swine Flu, Tears of Our Nation, Behave Allyuh Self and High Food Price.

Coming in at second and third place in the senior segment were Kristin Hart with Axe D’ Tax and Tianna Belasco with Tears of Our Nation. Taking the second and third place in the junior segment were Jaedon Maharaj with Swine Flu and Rajiv Gosine with Behave Allyuh Self. Also forming part of the activities was an old mas segment which showcased the creativity of students. They were also entertained by second place winner in the Chutney Soca Monarch, Rikki Jai. Jai, whose son attends the school, thrilled students with Motor, Last Ban and his hit song Barman.

He, however, changed his lyrics from “barman give meh a guinness and puncheon” to “barman give meh guinness and chubby” to accommodate his young fans. But, the students showed him they knew all to well the original lyrics of the song. Also providing entertainment were Makamillian, Orlando Octave and Kerry John.