Shamika Denoon is the new Tobago Heritage Festival Heritage Calypso Monarch.
Denoon, a resident of Bon Accord, won the title with the composition Reignite D Flames at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex on Friday night to take home the $30,000 first prize.
Denoon later told Guardian Media that she was elated to capture the crown and looked forward to participating in Tobago’s Carnival carded for October.
She said the song was written by Sheldon Reid with assistance from Jesse Marlon Taylor.
She said, “The song is about our rich ancestry and that we as Tobagonians, whatever disaster comes, we can hold on to our traditions because this is who we are. This is embedded in us, we have that unique creative sense of togetherness.”
Placing second was Giselle Fraser Washington.
VINDRA GOPAUL
Denoon will be singing today at Emancipation Day celebrations at Store Bay.
Denoon is founder of the Sisters in Culture, an organisation that helps young women in the community to overcome whatever challenges they may have to face. She said her victory is for her community
“Going back to the community, I know they will hail me, I know they will be so proud. I did this for them.”
Placing second was Giselle Graser Washington who sang Reflect, Rebirth, Rejoice.
Caston Cupid, who won the title the last time the competition was held, before the COVID-19 pandemic, landed in third spot with Preserve We Heritage.
Placing fourth and fifth respectively were Dalanie Baynes with The Season to Come Reignite and Lesley Ann Ellis with Hail Tobago.
The Extempo competition was won by Samuel “Ringo” Morris who beat a field of 3 competitors including Denoon, Marlon Callender and Ingrid Brathwaithe Matthew. Photos Vindra Gopaul
Caston Cupid landed in third spot
VINDRA GOPAUL