The 2026 Scotiabank Junior Monarch Competition has attracted 47 entries across the calypso and soca categories, as the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) celebrates 40 years of developing young talent and title sponsor Scotiabank marks its 70th anniversary in Barbados.
As the semi-finalists were drawn at Scotiabank Warrens on Thursday, 13 young calypsonians and 13 young soca artistes selected their performance positions for the competition later this month.
Producer and NCF music officer Ayesha Butcher stated that this year’s entries surpassed last year’s.
“Of these, 33 were entered in Calypso and 14 in Soca. Following the preliminary round, 27 contestants advanced, 13 in Calypso with 1 reserve and 13 in Soca. These young artists have been working assiduously behind the scenes in preparation for their first public performance with the band.”
The contestants will make their first public appearances with a live band at the Scotiabank Junior Monarch Tent on Saturday at the Queen’s Park Steel Shed from 6 pm.
The calypso semi-finalists will perform in the following order: Sabiah, Potent, Bit Bit, Yonte, Master Kajae, Lil E, Chelsea, Andrea, N’Kyla, Ozzydeartiste, Queen A, Willy B and Slay.
Junior Calypso semi-finalists. (Photo Credit: Lourianne Graham/Barbados TODAY)
In the soca category, the order will be: Keytrin, Leilani, Zarie B, Lil Stathis, Tempo, ROH, Niara, Khaleesi, A.J., Ranesha, Empress K, Talisia and Aurora.
A second tent is scheduled for June 20 at the same venue and time.
The semi-finals will take place at Carifesta Hall on June 28 from 6 p.m., while the competition will culminate on July 18 at 7 p.m., when the finalists compete for the Junior Monarch titles.
NCF chief executive Carol Roberts congratulated the contestants and encouraged them to embrace the experience beyond the competition itself.
NCF CEO Carol Roberts. (Photo Credit: Lourianne Graham/Barbados TODAY)
“It takes immense courage to stand under the lights, to hold a microphone, and to share your perspective with the world. It’s not easy, and you do it, and for that, you are a winner. My advice to you is this. Use this platform, not just to compete, but to learn, to connect and to find your authentic voice. Listen to your mentors. Respect your fellow artists, support each other, cherish every moment of this journey and have the time of your life.”
The competition’s legacy extended far beyond producing winners, Roberts said.
“We see a cultural academy of young people who started on the junior monarch stage, and they’ve grown all of them into ambassadors of our culture.”
She also praised Scotiabank’s longstanding support of the programme, noting that the bank has partnered with the competition for 31 of its 40 years.
“For the vast majority of these 40 years, you’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with us, and you’ve proven time and time again that your commitment extends far beyond corporate visibility. It is a profound, enduring investment in the youth of Barbados because you understand that when you sponsor Junior Monarch, you’re not just funding a competition, you are funding the voices of tomorrow.”
Following the draw, Scotiabank presented the NCF with a cheque valued at $73 000.
The Scotiabank and NCF team at the presentation of a cheque of $73,000. (Photo Credit: Lourianne Graham/Barbados TODAY)
Senior Relationship Manager and Team Lead, Offshore Banking at Scotiabank, Lana Fingall, described the launch as the continuation of a national tradition centred on youth development and culture.
Senior Relationship Manager and Team Lead, Offshore Banking at Scotiabank, Lana Fingal. (Photo Credit: Lourianne Graham/Barbados TODAY)
“There’s no better expression of that commitment than our long-standing support of the Junior Monarch Programme, which we have proudly sponsored for over 25 years. Our continued partnership with the National Cultural Foundation reflects not only our belief in this programme, but our confidence in the young people of Barbados, their talents, their voice and their potential.”
She highlighted youth empowerment as a central pillar of the bank’s social impact efforts.
“We believe that when young people are given the right opportunities, guidance and support, they can truly thrive and in doing so uplift their families, communities, and the nation as a whole. Through initiatives like Junior Monarch, we are not only supporting artistic expression. We are helping to shape confident, capable, and resilient young leaders.”
Fingall also pointed to the bank’s ScotiaRISE initiative.
“Our global commitment to advancing economic resilience, we continue to invest in programs that prepare young people to navigate their futures with confidence. Crop Over is more than a festival; it is a celebration of identity, heritage, and national pride. But the future of our culture depends on how well we engage and empower the next generation today.”
She added: “The Junior Monarch competition gives our young people a platform to be seen, heard, and celebrated, ensuring that the rhythms, stories, and spirit of Barbados continue to evolve and thrive. Each year, these young artists bring fresh perspectives, full creativity, and authenticity that inspire us all. They remind us that culture is not static.”
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