Celebrating the Winners of the Queen of Queens Calypso Competition at Montserrat Carnival 2025
- craigmax7
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
The Montserrat Carnival 2025 brought an electrifying atmosphere filled with music, culture, and vibrant celebrations. Among the many highlights, the Queen of Queens Calypso Competition stood out as a showcase of talent, creativity, and passion for calypso music. This year’s competition was fierce, with contestants delivering powerful performances that captivated the audience and judges alike.
Today, we celebrate the winners who rose above the rest and earned the prestigious title, marking a memorable moment in Montserrat’s cultural calendar. In case you missed it, the show is available on-demand on BakanalTV at https://bakanal.tv/mac.
Announcing the Winners
After careful deliberation, the judges announced the winners who stood out for their exceptional talent and connection with the audience.
Queen of Queens 2025: Terri “Terri” Lyons
Terri set a record by winning her fourth consecutive Queen of Queens title, achieving a 4-Peat! Her initial song, "Blessing," was a prayer dedicated to her twin-island home, "Trinbago." Her second song, "I am Lion," reflected her resilience throughout a career marked by skepticism, criticism, and marginalization.
In "I am Lion" she prophetically declares..
"I'm tougher than before / I'm making it for sure
and ah come back here to take the crown / this year I'll make it FOUR!"
First Runner-Up: Genevieve “Ge'Eve” Philip
In her second participation in the Queen of Queens competition, Ge'Eve delivered an impressive performance with two powerful songs and passionate renditions. Her first song, "One Man," reflects on our individual ability to bring about real-world change. Her second song, "Daughter Come," incorporated strong Afro-centric rhythms and instruments, symbolizing a musical call back to the homeland, particularly through Calypso.
Second Runner-Up: Roselyn “Roselyn” Reid-Hayes
In her debut into the Queen of Queens competition "Roselyn" burst onto everyone's radar with an impassioned performance of first song "Sing that in Calypso", a strong history lesson / commentary / rebuke on the disappearing role and tradition of Calypsonians as "truth-tellers", who used to be the "voice for the voiceless" - unafraid to speak truth to power regardless of political backlash and retribution. Her second song "Winston McGarland Bailey" was a tribute to one of Trinbago's national Calypso heroes, otherwise known as "The Mighty Shadow". She even performed in a replica of his signature skeleton bones outfit.
About the Queen of Queens Female Competition
The Queen of Queens Calypso Competition is more than just a contest; it is a celebration of Montserrat’s rich musical heritage. Calypso music, known for its witty lyrics and rhythmic beats, has long been a vehicle for storytelling, social commentary, and cultural expression in the Caribbean. The competition invites female calypsonians to showcase their skills in lyricism, vocal performance, and stage presence.
Each contestant brings her unique style and message, often addressing current social issues, personal experiences, or cultural pride. This year, the competition reflected themes of resilience, community unity, and hope, resonating deeply with the audience.
The Impact of the Competition on Montserrat’s Culture
The Queen of Queens Calypso Competition plays a vital role in preserving and promoting Montserrat’s cultural identity. It provides a platform for female artists to express themselves and share their perspectives through music. The competition also encourages younger generations to appreciate and participate in calypso music, ensuring its continuation.
By celebrating these talented women, Montserrat strengthens its cultural fabric and showcases the island’s artistic richness to the world.
What to Expect Next
With the success of the 2025 competition, anticipation is already building for next year’s event. The winners will likely continue to inspire and influence the calypso scene both locally and beyond. Fans can look forward to new music, performances, and cultural events that highlight the spirit of Montserrat.
For those interested in calypso music or Caribbean culture, attending the Montserrat Carnival and the Queen of Queens Calypso Competition offers an unforgettable experience filled with rhythm, passion, and community.
Catch the full show on-demand on BakanalTV at https://bakanal.tv/mac.
Comments