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The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) is proud to announce the sixteen (16) calypsonians who will compete in the much-anticipated 44th Independence Calypso Competition.
On Thursday, October 16, thirty-one (31) calypsonians participated in a closed elimination round before members of the ABFC, the Independence Calypso Sub-Committee, National Festivals Office staff, and fellow calypsonians.
This spirited showcase determined the final sixteen who will take the stage on Thursday, October 30th, 2025, at Jack Idle, beginning at 8:00 p.m.
Admission is EC$25.00 (gate sales only), and patrons are encouraged to arrive early to avoid long lines. You can’t afford to miss a beat for what promises to be an entertaining showing of patriotic renditions.
The sixteen finalists are:
1. Vicious
2. Raiine
3. Peetron
4. King Fiah
5. King Young Destroyer
6. Lyrical Reds
7. Willie Wawa
8. Queen Gee Bee
9. Lyricks Man
10. Mr. Shy Guy
11. Faithful
12. De Sniper
13. Supa D
14. Bandit
15. Destiny
16. Richie Francis
This year’s staging marks a triumphant return of the Independence Calypso Competition to the national calendar.
The last related competition was held virtually in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, where Young Destroyer captured the crown.
The Honourable Daryll S. Matthew, Minister of Education, Sports and Creative Industries, praised the Commission and the Calypso Sub-Committee for their dedication to reviving this cornerstone of national culture: “I want to commend both the Commission and the Sub-Committee for their hard work and effort in revitalizing the artform.
The Independence Calypso Competition is an important cultural expression that continues to showcase our creativity, our patriotism, and our enduring love for Antigua and Barbuda.”
Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul, Chairperson of the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, reflected on the renewed vibrancy surrounding the genre: “Coming from an impressive Carnival Calypso season, it’s clear that not only our soca music is trending but our calypso music is also thriving.
From the start of the Carnival season, the Committee went into full gear, and with the new home of Calypso at Jack Idle, we’ve breathed new life into the artform. Today, we are seeing the fruits of that dedication and passion.”
Mr. Peter Abraham, Chair of the Independence Calypso Sub-Committee, also commended the overwhelming interest shown by artists: “When Honourable Minister Matthew gave us the mandate to stage the Independence Calypso Competition, we set a target of sixteen finalists and we were thrilled to receive 31 registrations.
This tremendous response is a clear indication that calypso is on the rise once again, and my Committee and I are honoured to be part of this resurgence.”
The final sixteen will each perform an original patriotic composition inspired by this year’s Independence theme, “Solid – Stable – Soaring.”
A live band will accompany performances, and a panel of judges will assess entries based on lyrical content, melody, presentation, and overall impact.
At stake is a grand cash prize package valued at:
Winner: EC$15,000
1st Runner-Up: EC$10,000
2nd Runner-Up: EC$8,000
Finalists (unplaced): EC$2,500 each
The ABFC is extending a warm invitation to all calypso enthusiasts and lovers of culture to come out and show their support on Thursday, October 30th, 2025, at Jack Idle.
Come for the music, stay for the message, celebrating Antigua and Barbuda through the power of calypso!
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