(Trinidad Express) Helon Francis is once again the National Calypso Monarch.
He dethroned Machel Montano to claim the coveted title on Sunday night at a fiercely contested calypso monarch competition at the Dimanche Gras show on Sunday night at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain. The show was a grand spectacle—a true celebration of mas, calypso, and culture.
Delivering a thought-provoking address to the next prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Francis secured his second national title with: “To Whom It May Be”—a poignant, politically-charged calypso that resonated deeply with both judges and audience at the show.
The independent senator now again sits atop the calypso throne, driving away with a brand-new KGM Torres SUV and a $700,000 cash prize.
“It’s a beautiful feeling,” Francis said moments after receiving his crown. “This is something I’ve been aiming at for a couple years now—trying to successfully acquire another Calypso Monarch title, just to prove that I am dedicated to the art form and I’ve been a student of it for many years. This makes me feel quite comfortable in my journey.”
For Francis, this second title is sweeter than the first—he won the title in 2018 with the impactful calypso “Change”.
“Now, I could do so much more with my title,” Francis said. “I have the opportunity to spread my wings a little bit further. I’m going to try my best to represent calypso the best way I possibly can.”
Francis’ win also adds weight to his role as an independent senator, though he insists his message remains unchanged.
“I think my words are the exact words I was using before, that I’ve always used. I may have one or two more years now, but it’s still the same message of love and unity.”
Francis edged The Last Bardjohn of Calypso (Kurt Allen), who placed second with his scathing rebuke of outgoing Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley in “Your Turn Now”, while crowd favourite Yung Bredda (Akhenaton Lewis), dressed in traditional African wear, came in third with “We Rise”—a powerful, uplifting anthem that had the audience on their feet.
Defending Monarch Machel Montano, performing “Bet Meh”, finished fifth, despite putting on an elaborate game-show-themed production, complete with Family Feud, Wheel of Fortune, and Price Is Right references. Not even his wire stunt, soaring 20 feet above the stage, could elevate him above the competitive kaiso field. When his fifth-place finish was announced, the crowd erupted in a thunderous cheer, signalling that the calypso faithful had been waiting for fresh blood at the top.
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