Dancehall and Calypso Monarch winners reflect on craft, culture and the road to victory

From dancehall to senior and junior calypso, this year’s monarch winners say their victories represent far more than titles, highlighting years of dedication, cultural pride and the platforms created to nurture local talent.

On Monday, the newly crowned Dancehall, Senior Calypso and Junior Calypso Monarchs opened up about the personal journeys, setbacks and determination that shaped their rise to the top.

For newly crowned Dancehall Monarch Ernesta Nelson, who goes by the stage name Nesta Music, 35, the title was more than a win. It was the result of an 11-year journey defined by discipline, setbacks and unwavering belief.

She told the News Room that her passion for music was nurtured from childhood, shaped by a strong family foundation and years of perseverance.

Hailing from Buxton, East Coast Demerara, she competed as a child in the monarch competitions and won but struggled to take the crown as an adult until Sunday night.

“There were moments when competition broke me. Instead of giving up, I looked back at my performances,” she said.

She said to prepare for this win, she stepped back first, accessed her own abilities and even developed her vocals while being a background vocalist for artists competing in the Soca Monarch competition.

With support from the ministry and her own relentless work ethic, she returned stronger and more focused.

“I really feel blessed because I had been putting in the work. I know that I deserve to be on certain stages but sometimes I know that when it’s not given to you at that time, God knows why. I worked for this, and that makes it even more meaningful,” she said.

Reigning Senior Calypso Monarch Quincy Lacon, 35, who goes by the stage name Ego, successfully defended his crown and described the victory as both rewarding and humbling.

Having started as a patron who simply loved the art form, Ego said his rise came through persistence. He placed fourth, then second, before finally capturing the title and defending it in the competition on Saturday.

“Its always a feeling of responsibility, to safeguard what is yours, many people are coming to take it. The MC says we have a two time Calypso Monarch Ego … the weight is off your shoulder,” he said.

He praised the ministry’s role in expanding the reach of calypso, particularly by taking competitions into the regions. He also said that Calypso is part of the nation’s culture and it is more than just entertainment.

“You can speak for the people through Calypso, it doesn’t have to be derogative, it can be entertaining and attractive,” he said.

For 20-year-old Junior Calypso Monarch Simeon Raywaram, the crown came almost unexpectedly. Raised in a musical family, Simeon said he never approached calypso as a competition, but as storytelling.

“When I stepped on stage, I just wanted to perform and have fun,” he said.

He said he told his backup dancers to go out and have fun because he said it is more than a competition. For him, the competition is about promoting and keeping Calypso alive.

“Culture is a big part of who we are as Guyanese and I think it’s a great opportunity that the government is promoting these competitions for us as local artistes,” he said.